Description
This Dill Pickle Chicken Bake is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a tangy dill pickle ranch dressing and topped with a crispy Parmesan breadcrumb crust. Cooked quickly in an air fryer, it offers a juicy and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds), sliced in half horizontally
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Dressing and Topping
- ½ cup (120 g) dill pickle ranch dressing, plus more for serving
- 1 cup (100 g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 3 tablespoons plain breadcrumbs
Garnish
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, whisk together kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until well combined to create the seasoning blend.
- Season Chicken: Evenly season the sliced chicken breasts on all sides with the prepared spice mixture, ensuring full coverage to maximize flavor.
- Prepare Dressing Layer: In another 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 add moist, tangy flavor.
- Prepare 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, cheesy crust when cooked.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the prepared chicken breasts into the basket of your air fryer, spacing them out to avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Air Fry Chicken: Air fry the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness at around 8 minutes by ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Chicken: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the cooked chicken breasts with freshly chopped dill and drizzle with additional dill pickle ranch dressing for extra flavor before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to slice the chicken breasts horizontally to ensure even cooking and more manageable portions.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C) internally for food safety.
- Plain breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko for an extra crispy topping.
- Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
