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)

Who doesn’t love a golden, crispy bite that packs a punch of flavor? This Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe is my go-to when I want comfort food that's anything but boring—marinated in tangy dill pickle juice and fried to crunchy perfection.

A white plate is full of many small pieces of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy texture, piled thickly across the plate. On the right side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with bright yellow dipping sauce that looks smooth and creamy. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin partly visible in the upper right corner. The photo was taken from above, showing the whole plate and wings clearly. 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

I can’t get enough of how that subtle pickle tang makes these nuggets stand out from the usual crowd. Plus, they’re wonderfully crunchy on the outside and juicy inside—perfect for a main dish or snack with friends.

Unique Flavor Boost: The dill pickle juice marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds an irresistible tangy backdrop.
Perfect Crunch: The seasoned breadcrumb coating, including a hint of powdered sugar, browns beautifully for a crispy crust.
Simple, Familiar Ingredients: You likely have most pantry staples on hand, making this recipe super accessible.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s dinner or game day snacks, these nuggets hit the spot every time.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before diving in, let’s chat about the ingredients that bring this recipe to life. Pay attention to your marinade and the coating blend—they’re key to the crispy and flavorful results.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breast chunks, a small white ceramic bowl of dill pickle juice, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of plain breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of powdered sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika, a small white ceramic bowl of baking powder, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, two whole uncracked brown eggs, 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 lean protein canvas that soaks up every bit of that tangy pickle goodness.
Dill pickle juice: Adds flavor and tenderizes chicken, giving those nuggets their signature tang.
Whole milk: Helps mellow the acidity of the pickle juice and keeps the chicken juicy.
All-purpose flour: Creates a base that helps breadcrumbs stick for that perfect crunch.
Plain breadcrumbs: Provides texture and a golden crust when fried.
Powdered sugar: A sneaky ingredient that balances spices and enhances browning.
Garlic powder: Brings savory depth to the breading mix.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer of this recipe.
Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness.
Baking powder: Helps the coating puff slightly for extra crispiness.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle bite without overwhelming the other flavors.
Peanut oil: The frying oil of choice for that classic golden color and flavor (you can substitute if needed).

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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 parts about this Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe is how easy it is to customize to your taste or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or some hot paprika to the breading mixture. This extra heat beautifully complements the tangy pickle brine, giving your nuggets a lively, spicy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes work great to keep that satisfying crunch.
Herb Infusion: Toss in some dried dill or fresh rosemary to the breading mix. These herbs amplify the pickle brine’s dill notes and bring a fresh, garden-y aroma to your nuggets.
Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter option, after breading, arrange nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll still get crispy edges with less oil.
Double Dip for Extra Crunch: If you love a thicker crust, dip the chicken twice into the breadcrumb mixture before frying. It’s a little extra effort but so worth the crunch!

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

The image shows a close-up view of a pile of crispy fried nuggets with a rough, crunchy golden-brown outer layer. One nugget is broken open in the center, revealing the white, tender inside with a fibrous texture. The nuggets rest on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a smooth yellow dipping sauce. The photo shows fine details of the crispiness and texture of the fried nuggets. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Flavor and Tenderness

Begin by cutting 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast into nugget-sized chunks. Place them in a large zip-close bag and pour in 1 cup dill pickle juice and ½ cup whole milk. Seal the bag and gently massage it so every piece is coated. Pop it in the fridge to marinate for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is key — the tangy pickle juice not only tenderizes the chicken but infuses it with vibrant flavor that sets these nuggets apart.

Step 2: Heat Peanut Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

While the chicken marinates, pour peanut oil into a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot so that the oil is at least 1 inch deep. Heat it to 350°F. Using a thermometer is a great way to keep the temperature steady, which helps get that perfectly golden, crispy coating without soggy or oily nuggets.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Breading Mixture

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. Mix well to make sure the seasoning is evenly dispersed. The powdered sugar might sound unusual, but it balances the spices and helps create a beautiful golden crust.

Step 4: Coat Each Piece with Care

Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the liquid. Drain off any excess to avoid sogginess. Then, dip each chicken chunk into your breadcrumb seasoning mixture, pressing gently so every nook and cranny is covered with the flavorful coating. This step ensures your nuggets will have that delicious, crisp texture we all crave.

Step 5: Fry in Small Batches for Crispy Perfection

Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot peanut oil—do it in small batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, which can make the nuggets greasy instead of crispy. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they’re a deep golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on the color and texture as a visual cue.

Step 6: Drain on a Wire Rack and Serve Warm

Using a slotted spoon, remove the nuggets and place them on a wire cooling rack to drain excess oil and cool slightly. Avoid paper towels here—wire racks help keep your nuggets crispy rather than soggy. Repeat with remaining batches, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Trust me, the tangy, crispy bites will disappear fast!

Top Tip

These tips are the little secrets that turn your Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe from good to absolutely crave-worthy. Trust me, a few simple tricks can make all the difference in texture and flavor!

Oil Temperature Control: Keep your peanut oil steady at 350°F and fry in small batches. I learned that overcrowding the fryer cools the oil and results in soggy, greasy nuggets.
Marinate Just Right: The 20 to 30 minutes marinating time in dill pickle juice and milk is perfect—it tenderizes without turning the chicken mushy. I’ve tried longer and the texture suffered.
Use a Wire Rack to Drain: Instead of paper towels, placing the fried nuggets on a wire rack lets excess oil drip away without trapping steam, so your nuggets stay delightfully crispy.
Powdered Sugar in Breading: It might seem unusual, but a bit of powdered sugar helps balance savory spices and promotes a beautiful golden brown crust. Don’t skip this step!

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe

The image shows many small pieces of raw meat with white fat marbled throughout, arranged closely together in a clear plastic container. The container sits on a white marbled surface, and the meat pieces are pale pink with layers of creamy white fat spread unevenly on each piece, creating a soft, textured look. The meat pieces fill the container almost to the top, without stacking much on each other. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your nuggets to the next level. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A few pickle slices on the side also echo that tangy marinade flavor beautifully. And don’t forget to offer dipping sauces like classic honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or cool ranch to customize each bite.

Side Dishes

These nuggets pair wonderfully with crispy fries or onion rings to keep the comfort food vibe alive. For a lighter touch, try a fresh coleslaw or a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette. Macaroni and cheese is another indulgent side that complements the tang from the pickle brine perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to save your Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe for longer, freezing is a great option. Lay the cooked nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To keep the nuggets crispy when reheating, avoid the microwave. Instead, warm them in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and crunchy again. You can also pop them in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for this recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs will give you juicier nuggets with a richer flavor. Just cut them into similar-sized chunks and follow the same marinating and frying instructions.

What if I don’t have peanut oil? What’s the best substitute?

If peanut oil isn’t available, canola or vegetable oil are good alternatives. They have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, which works well for frying while still letting your pickled marinade shine.

Why is powdered sugar included in the breading?

Powdered sugar helps balance the savoriness and adds a subtle sweetness for better browning. This creates a golden, crispy crust that’s irresistible.

How can I tell when the chicken nuggets are fully cooked?

Fry the nuggets until they’re deep golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes. To be safe, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F, guaranteeing they’re cooked through.

Final Thoughts

Making homemade Crispy Chicken Nuggets with Pickle Brine Recipe is such a rewarding experience. There’s something truly comforting about biting into a golden, crunchy nugget that carries just the right hint of tangy pickle. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or just craving a tasty snack, these nuggets never disappoint. Enjoy the process, savor every bite, and don’t forget to share this deliciousness with the people you love!