Name: Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into chunks); 1 cup dill pickle juice; ½ cup whole milk; 1 cup all purpose flour; 1 cup plain breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp powdered sugar; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 2 tsp salt; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp black pepper; Peanut oil (for frying, at least 1 inch deep)

Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe that will change the way you think about homemade nuggets. These bites are juicy on the inside and ridiculously crispy on the outside, all thanks to a tangy dill pickle juice marinade that adds a surprising pop of flavor.

The image shows a close-up of many small fried chicken pieces with a dark golden brown and crispy crust, piled closely together on a white marbled surface. One piece is broken open in the center, revealing soft, white, tender chicken meat inside. In the background, there is a blurred white bowl with yellow sauce. The fried chicken pieces have uneven textures with visible spices sprinkled on the crust. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I make these nuggets, everyone around the kitchen table crowds in for seconds — and I don’t blame them! The secret? That pickle brine marinade infuses tender chicken with mouthwatering flavor while keeping it unbelievably juicy.

Unbeatable Flavor: The dill pickle juice tenderizes and zestily flavors the chicken, setting these apart from any nuggets you've tried before.
Perfectly Crispy: A seasoned breadcrumb coating and deep frying at exactly 350°F create that coveted crunchy crust.
Simple Ingredients: Easy pantry staples come together for a quick, satisfying meal or snack.
Great for Sharing: This recipe yields 12 servings, perfect for family dinners or parties.

Ingredients & Why They Work

To make sure your nuggets turn out just right, I recommend grabbing fresh, good-quality chicken breast and real dill pickle juice from the jar (not the powder or seasoning). The rest of the ingredients are classic, budget-friendly pantry items that pack a flavorful punch.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast chunks arranged neatly, a small white ceramic bowl filled with dill pickle juice, another small white bowl containing whole milk, a simple white bowl holding all purpose flour, a white ceramic bowl with plain breadcrumbs, a small white bowl with powdered sugar, another small bowl with garlic powder, a separate bowl with paprika, a small pile of salt crystals on the white surface, a small heap of black peppercorns, and a small white bowl of baking powder, all symmetrically placed and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless skinless chicken breast: The leanest part of the chicken, perfect for bite-sized nuggets that stay juicy.
Dill pickle juice: The star marinade ingredient, it tenderizes and imparts that signature tangy flavor.
Whole milk: Adds richness to the marinade while balancing the acidity of the pickle juice.
All purpose flour: Forms the base of the breading for that satisfying crispiness.
Plain breadcrumbs: Work alongside the flour to create a crunchy coating that clings nicely.
Powdered sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to contrast the tang and enhances browning.
Garlic powder: Infuses savory depth that complements the chicken perfectly.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors in the breading.
Paprika: Provides a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color to the coating.
Baking powder: Helps create a light, crisp crust by aerating the breading.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and brightness to the flavor profile.
Peanut oil: Ideal for frying at high heat to achieve golden, crispy nuggets without greasiness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you're craving a little extra spice or want to make them gluten-free, there’s plenty of room to experiment and make this recipe truly your own.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes into the breadcrumb mixture for a subtle heat that complements the tangy pickle brine perfectly.
Gluten-Free Version: For guests with gluten sensitivities, swapping out the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour blends and gluten-free panko crumbs worked like a charm without sacrificing crunch.
Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer to bake instead of fry, coat the chicken nuggets as directed and bake on a greased rack at 400°F for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through — though frying really locks in that irresistible crispiness!
Flavor Boosters: Mixing in some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill into the breading brings even more freshness and vibrancy to every bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe

A clear ziplock bag filled with small pieces of pale pink meat soaked in a creamy, off-white liquid. The bag lies flat on a wooden surface with a dark, textured cloth partially visible in the top left corner. The meat pieces are scattered unevenly inside the liquid, showing a mix of smooth liquid texture with some small air bubbles. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Give Your Chicken a Tangy Soak

Start by cutting 3 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breast into bite-sized chunks and placing them into a large zip-close bag. Pour in 1 cup of dill pickle juice and ½ cup of whole milk, then seal the bag and gently massage it to coat every piece evenly. This 30-minute marinade is key—it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with a delicious tang that’s the hallmark of this recipe. You’ll notice the chicken becoming more flavorful and juicy, setting the stage for perfectly cooked nuggets.

Step 2: Heat Up the Oil to Crispy Perfection

While the chicken marinates, heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F, making sure the oil is at least an inch deep for proper frying depth. Maintaining this exact temperature is crucial — too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too cool and the nuggets absorb excess oil, becoming greasy instead of crispy.

Step 3: Mix Your Secret Breading Blend

In a large bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup plain breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoons salt, 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Stir until the seasonings are evenly dispersed. The powdered sugar might seem unusual, but it adds a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy pickle flavor and enhances the golden crust.

Step 4: Coat and Dredge Your Chicken Chunks

Carefully remove the chicken from the marinade and drain well, discarding the liquid. Dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres on all sides. This step ensures that greedy, crispy crust that holds all the flavor and locks in the juiciness.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Crunchy Goodness

Working in small batches to avoid overcrowding (which drops the oil temperature), carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 5 minutes until a deep golden brown crust forms and the nuggets are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and cool slightly.

Step 6: Serve Warm and Enjoy!

Once all batches are fried and drained, serve your nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard or a classic Chick-fil-A-style sauce. The result? Crispy on the outside, juicy and flavorful on the inside bites of chicken that are sure to become a family favorite—and you'll never miss the drive-thru again!

Top Tip

Getting those nuggets perfectly crispy and juicy can be tricky, but these tips from my own kitchen adventures will help you nail it every time with this Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe.

Keep Your Oil Hot: Maintaining the oil temperature at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial. I learned the hard way that dropping the temp results in greasy nuggets, so use a thermometer and fry in small batches to keep it steady.
Don’t Skip the Marinade: Marinating in dill pickle juice and milk for 30 minutes not only tenderizes the chicken perfectly but infuses it with that unmistakable tangy flavor that makes these nuggets irresistible.
Press the Breading: When coating the chicken, gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each piece to build up a thick, crunchy crust that stays put through frying.
Use a Wire Rack to Drain: Instead of paper towels, I use a wire cooling rack to let excess oil drip away—this keeps the nuggets crispier on all sides without getting soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe

A white plate filled with many small, golden-brown fried pieces that look crunchy and slightly rough in texture, piled on top of each other. On the right side of the plate is a clear glass bowl filled with smooth, bright yellow-orange dipping sauce. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface, and a white cloth is partially visible on the top right corner. The lighting highlights the crispy texture of the fried pieces and the creamy consistency of the sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

These nuggets love a little extra flair! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor. A light dusting of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky touch that pairs wonderfully with the pickle brine's tang.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Chicken Nuggets with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy waffle fries, or a fresh garden salad. For something fun and flavorful, try serving with roasted sweet potato wedges or crunchy pickle chips to echo the marinade's unique tang.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation that can soggy the coating.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cooked nuggets on a baking sheet in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 1 month—perfect for quick meals on busy days.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-fryer crispness, reheat nuggets in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and juicy but may need a slightly longer fry time. Just watch for that deep golden brown color and check internal temperature for doneness.

What if I don’t have dill pickle juice on hand?

If you’re out of pickle juice, you can substitute with a mix of lemon juice and a pinch of dill or a mild vinegar for a similar tangy effect, but the flavor won’t be quite the same signature hit that makes this recipe special.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the crispiest results, you can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, turning halfway, for a lighter option. The texture won’t be as crunchy but still delicious.

How do I know when the oil is at 350°F?

The best way is to use a kitchen thermometer. If you don’t have one, test by dropping a small breadcrumb into the oil — if it sizzles immediately and browns in about 1 minute, the oil is close to 350°F.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe is a joyful way to bring that cherished comfort food into your own kitchen with fresh, flavorful ingredients and a fun twist. Whether for a family dinner or a casual snack, these nuggets deliver that perfect crunch and juicy bite every time. So fire up your fryer, gather your friends, and dig into a truly satisfying homemade classic—you’ve got this!