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Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered what to do with that leftover pickle juice, I’ve got just the thing. This pickle juice chicken marinade takes something simple and turns it into an ordinary dinner. The chicken comes out juicy, tender, and bursting with a tangy kick, perfect for grilling, frying, or roasting.

The dill pickle juice adds a fresh taste, while the hot sauce and spices give it just enough of a spicy kick. So, if you want to spice up your chicken dishes, this recipe is worth trying. It’s an easy, budget-friendly recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll never look at pickle juice the same way again!

close up view of chicken with pickles

Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade

This budget-friendly recipe will earn a spot in your permanent rotation. Try it with fried chicken, chicken sandwiches, and more.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Marinating time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Serving Size 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large bag or dish

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups dill pickle juice
  • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (I used Franks Red Hot)
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

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Instructions 

  • Make the marinade.  Mix the dill pickle juice, light brown sugar, sea salt, black pepper, hot sauce, and cayenne pepper in a medium-sized mixing bowl until fully combined. Then, set the marinade aside.
    bowl with pickle juice marinade ingredients.
  • Soak the chicken.  Place the chicken thighs in a 2-inch deep baking dish. Then, pour the prepared pickle juice marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover the dish and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or up to 4 hours.
    glass dish with marinating chicken
  • Remove from fridge.  Take the marinated chicken out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook.  Preheat your grill or cast iron skillet to high heat. Lightly brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ using an instant-read thermometer. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
    grill pan cooking chicken
  • Serve.  Serve the grilled chicken with rice and garnish with pickles, lemon slices, and fresh parsley. Enjoy!
    marinated chicken on plate.

Notes

This recipe is good for any part of the chicken, but using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is smart because they stay juicy even if you cook them a bit too long.  Chicken breasts can also be used.  Make sure they don’t get too dry.
The kind of pickle juice you pick changes how your chicken tastes.  Use classic dill pickle juice for a stronger taste, or try bread-and-butter pickle juice for a sweeter flavor.
If you’re after more flavor, set aside a bit of the marinade (before you put the chicken in) to brush on the chicken as it finishes cooking.  Remember, this should be marinated in a marinade that hasn’t been in contact with raw chicken.
You can use this marinade for different chicken parts, like breasts, wings, or drumsticks.  Just cook each one as long as it needs.
Make more marinade if needed to make sure the chicken is completely soaked.  You can grill, fry, or bake the marinated chicken.
Take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit for about 30 minutes before cooking.  This helps it cook more evenly, preventing the outside from burning while the inside is still raw.
The recipe suggests black pepper and cayenne, but use other spices you like.  Garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika can taste the marinade more.  You can also put fresh dill on top as a decoration.
Calories: 301kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 215mg | Sodium: 1830mg | Potassium: 565mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg

If you want to add a little zing to your chicken, this Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade is just the thing. It’s the kind of recipe that comes together in minutes but delivers big on flavor, thanks to the bold mix of dill pickle juice, a hint of spice, and a touch of sweetness. For a little extra zing, serve your chicken with a dollop of homemade Dill Pickle Relish on the side. It adds a burst of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy marinade.

Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner or firing up the grill for a weekend cookout, this marinade will take your chicken from ordinary to extraordinary. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen.

grilled chicken on plate with pickles and garnish.

I hope you’ll love this dish as much as I do!

Tips for the Best Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade

  • Using a big zip-lock bag helps spread the marinade all over the chicken when marinating chicken. It’s also simpler to turn the bag over to make sure the marinade hits every part.
  • Always marinate your chicken in the fridge, not on the counter. This keeps the chicken cool and stops bad bacteria from growing, making sure your food is safe to eat.
  • You might want to marinate the chicken for a long time to get more flavor, but leaving it too long in the sour pickle juice could make the meat too soft. It’s best to marinate for 1 to 4 hours.
  • Before you cook it, dry the chicken with some paper towels. This makes the chicken brown better when you grill or fry it, giving you that delicious crispy surface.
  • Whether you’re using a grill or a pan, make sure it’s hot before you put the chicken on. This way, you get a great sear that traps the juices inside.
  • If you’re using a grill, turn the chicken a quarter through cooking on each side to get those neat grill lines. It’s a simple touch but makes your food look great.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check if your chicken is fully cooked but still juicy. Chicken is good to go when it hits 165°F in the thickest part.
  • After cooking, let your chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into it. This step helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful by letting the juices settle back into the meat.

To get your marinade just right, remember these basic items and tools – they’re really important for the recipe and will help you make it taste amazing.

ingredients on marble counter
  • Dill Pickle Juice: This makes the chicken taste unique and tangy. You can get this juice from any dill pickles you buy at the store or from any you’ve made yourself. If unavailable, use juice from sweet pickles for a less tart taste, or mix apple cider vinegar with water (equal parts) for a similar zing.
  • Hot sauce: A little bit of hot sauce can give the marinade a nice spicy kick. Frank’s Red Hot is a good option, but any vinegar-based hot sauce works, or try Sriracha for a different heat.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: These are better than chicken breasts for this because they stay moist and juicy, even if you cook them a bit too long. They’re also great at soaking up all the flavors from the marinade. If unavailable, go for boneless, skinless chicken breast or drumsticks instead; just remember to adjust how long you cook them.
  • Cast iron skillet: This is the best thing to use if you’re cooking the chicken on the stove because it keeps the heat consistent and gives the chicken a great crispy outside.

Make sure you have these things ready for the best taste. Don’t leave them out if you want your marinade to turn out great!

Serving Suggestions

The tangy flavor of the chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like roasted vegetables, coleslaw, garlic mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or even a creamy potato salad.

For a complete meal, pair this tangy chicken with something crispy on the side. These Deep Fried Pickles are the perfect crunchy complement, adding an extra punch of flavor to your plate.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use any pickle juice, or must it be dill?

You can use any pickle juice you like! Dill pickle juice is traditional and gives that classic tangy flavor, but if you rather have a sweeter taste, bread-and-butter pickle juice can be a fun twist. If you love the flavor of dill pickles and want to make your own at home, check out this Small Batch Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe. It’s simple, quick, and perfect for having fresh pickles on hand for this marinade.

What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?

No grill? No problem! You can cook the chicken in a cast iron skillet or bake it in the oven. Just make sure to preheat the skillet or oven, and cook the chicken until it reaches 165°F inside.

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Absolutely! This marinade works well with pork chops or even turkey. Just watch the marinating time—pork and turkey can handle a bit longer in the marinade.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level is mild, but you can easily adjust it. If you like more heat, add extra hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you like it milder, you can reduce or skip the cayenne.

What if I don’t have brown sugar? Can I use something else?

If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute it with white sugar, though the flavor will be slightly different. Adding a teaspoon of molasses to the white sugar can mimic the taste of brown sugar if you have it on hand.

Can I use this marinade on vegetables?

Why not? This marinade can add a fun, tangy flavor to sturdy vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just marinate for a shorter time—about 30 minutes should do the trick.

Storage Instructions

To store this Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week by pouring it into an airtight container or a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Just be sure to shake or stir it well before using.

While the marinade doesn’t freeze well on its own due to potential flavor loss, you can freeze it with chicken by placing both in a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible, and laying the bag flat in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the bag in the refrigerator overnight.

If you prefer to can the marinade for longer storage, make sure to follow safe canning practices by sterilizing your jars and processing them according to guidelines for acidic foods, which will allow you to store the marinade in a pantry for several months.

For more detailed guidance on safe canning, check out these essential tips on canning safety to make sure your preserved marinade stays fresh and safe to use.

This Pickle Juice Chicken Marinade is a simple and great way to add a strong, tangy taste to your chicken, making it a good choice for any meal. It’s easy to make with just a few basic ingredients you probably already have, so it’s handy and tasty.

Whether you’re cooking for many people or just making a fast dinner during the week, this marinade will improve your food. Try it out and see how a straightforward marinade can improve your meals.

marinated chicken on plate.
picture of smiling female

By Katie Shaw

Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.

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