If you’ve ever wondered why fried chicken at your favorite spot tastes so good, here’s the secret: the brine. Our Pickle-Brined Fried Chicken uses tangy, flavorful Mr. Crisp pickle brine to tenderize the meat and lock in juiciness. The result? Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
🥒 Pick Your Pickle Personality
Each brine adds its own delicious twist:
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Garlic Dill: Bold and savory
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House Dill: Crisp and refreshing
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Spicy Garlic Dill: A fiery kick
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Bread & Butter: Sweet and tangy
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Sweet with Heat: Spicy-sweet perfection
🛒 Ingredients
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4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on for maximum flavor)
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1 cup Mr. Crisp pickle brine
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 cup flour
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1 teaspoon paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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Oil for frying
👩🍳 Instructions
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In a bowl or resealable bag, combine pickle brine and buttermilk. Add chicken thighs and marinate overnight (at least 8 hours for best flavor).
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In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Remove chicken from brine mixture and dredge in seasoned flour until well coated.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F.
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Fry chicken until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 12–15 minutes depending on size).
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Rest on a wire rack to keep the crust crispy.
✨ Tips & Variations
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Air Fryer Version: Spray coated chicken lightly with oil and air fry at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne to the flour mix.
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Extra Crispy: Double-dredge chicken by dipping back into buttermilk and flour.
🍴 Serving Ideas
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Pair with biscuits and honey butter 🍯
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Serve alongside creamy coleslaw or mac and cheese
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Slice leftovers for the ultimate fried chicken sandwich
🥒 Why It Works
The pickle brine does double duty: it infuses chicken with flavor and keeps it unbelievably juicy. Whether you go garlicky, spicy, or sweet, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
🔥 Grab your favorite jar of Mr. Crisp pickles, save the brine, and get ready to fry up chicken like never before.