Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken Bake recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts coated with a flavorful blend of spices, topped with a tangy dill pickle ranch dressing and a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Air fried until golden and juicy, this dish is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner with a unique pickle-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), sliced in half horizontally
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Toppings and Garnish
- ½ cup (120 g) dill pickle ranch dressing, plus more for serving
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend: In a small bowl, whisk together the kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined to create the seasoning blend.
- Season the chicken: Evenly season the chicken breasts on all sides with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring full coverage for optimal flavor.
- Mix dressing and cheese: In a separate small bowl, combine the dill pickle ranch dressing with half of the grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup). Spread this mixture evenly over the top of each seasoned chicken breast to provide tangy moisture and flavor.
- Prepare breadcrumb topping: In a third bowl, mix the remaining Parmesan cheese (½ cup) with the plain breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the dressing-coated chicken breasts to form a crispy crust when cooked.
- Arrange chicken in air fryer: Place each prepared chicken breast into the basket of your air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air fry the chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, checking at 8 minutes. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the air fryer and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for moist and flavorful meat.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the cooked chicken with freshly chopped dill and drizzle with additional dill pickle ranch dressing for extra zest before serving.
Notes
- Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to ensure even cooking and faster cook time.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the chicken in batches to maintain proper air circulation.
- Substitute plain breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs if desired.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breadcrumb topping with cooking oil before air frying.