Crockpot Pickle Chicken
This juicy, tender Pickle Chicken is a must-try, simple slow cooker recipe that your family will love; with just five ingredients, it’s an easy dinner idea that packs a tangy punch of dill pickle flavor. Let this slow-cooked delight save your evening, delivering a meal that is as uniquely tasty as it is uncomplicated to prepare.
Inspired by the Kansas City restaurant Chicken N Pickle, this slow cooker recipe bursts with tangy pickle brine flavors. It gives you tender chicken that will stand out from all the other recipes you make this week. It’s similar to Mississippi pork, with just a few changes and tweaks.
If you love dill pickles, then this dill pickle chicken recipe is one you need to make! It will wake up your taste buds and make you enjoy eating food you made at home. It’s a delicious replacement for fast food, and the combinations of flavors work perfectly together. The best thing about this recipe is that it uses just a handful of ingredients (and you probably already have them in your pantry). Get ready – pickle juice chicken is about to become your favorite dinner recipe!
Why You’ll Love Pickle Chicken
- Cooks all day in the slow cooker.
- Meat is fork-tender.
- Bursting with flavors from delicious dill pickles.
Ingredients
The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.
All of the ingredients are easy to find at the grocery store. Here is what you’ll need before you begin making this tasty recipe.
- Chicken Thighs: The boneless skinless chicken thighs will cook perfectly, giving you moist and tender chicken.
- Dry Ranch Mix: This has the perfect balance of spices for the chicken. Try this homemade ranch seasoning.
- Brown Gravy Mixes: The gravy will thicken the sauce on the chicken and balance out the flavors.
- Butter: This coats the chicken and makes the entire dish richer.
- Mini Pickles With Juice: Dill pickles give this dish iconic flavors.
- Parsley: Save some for the garnish.
How to Make Pickle Chicken
- Step One: In your slow cooker, place your chicken thighs.
- Step Two: Sprinkle your ranch dressing over and 1 of the gravy packets over the chicken. Reserve one package of gravy for later.
- Step Three: Sprinkle the pickles and pickle juice all over the top.
- Step Four: Place the butter on top of everything.
- Step Five: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the meat is tender.
- Step Six: Stir in the reserved gravy mix to thicken it up before serving.
- Step Seven: Garnish with parsley if desired.
- Step Eight: Serve over rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Equipment Needed
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- Slow Cooker – Use at least a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Large Mixing Bowl – You need a big enough bowl to hold all the ingredients.
- Instant-Read Food Thermometer – This isn’t required but will help you know whether the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Slotted Spoon – Use this to serve the chicken.
What to Serve with Pickle Chicken
This pickle brine chicken is a tasty recipe that’s easy to make. Some of my favorite sides taste perfect with the flavorful chicken.
Variations and Substitutions
- Garnish with fresh dill.
- Add black pepper to taste.
- Add a touch of sweetness. Sprinkle some brown sugar into the slow cooker.
- Make a shredded chicken sandwich. Serve it on top of slider buns.
Storage Instructions
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. To freeze, place the chicken in a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Pickle Chicken Tips and Tricks
- Pat the chicken pieces with paper towels.
- Be sure to round the top. If it’s too flat or concave, grease will pool on the top.
- It’s best to use petite pickles, but you can also use slices or cut up spears.
- Use your favorite type of pickles; try it with spicy pickles.
Can I Make It In The Oven?
Yes, you can make this in the oven, too. The cooking process is similar. Place the ingredients in a casserole dish in a single layer and bake at 350F for 45 minutes. If you bake it in the oven, use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature is at least 165F.
Can I Eat The Pickles?
I’m not a huge fan of how cooked pickles taste, but some people love them. Cooked pickles are completely safe to eat. Yes, you can eat the pickles.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. If you use frozen chicken, it will release more water into the slow cooker, so I suggest letting it thaw first and patting it with paper towels to remove as much extra moisture as possible.
Can I Use Different Cuts Of Chicken?
Yes, you can use different cuts of chicken. Try it with chicken breasts, or use a whole chicken in the slow cooker. If you use a whole chicken, you’ll have to remove all the fat, bones, and ligaments, which will be a little more work. That’s why I suggest using either boneless chicken breasts or chicken thighs.
FAQ
If you like how dill and chicken taste, make some dill pickle chicken salad or dill-flavored chicken tenders. Fresh dill tastes amazing with chicken, so be creative and use it to add a yummy twist to any other recipes you love.
The easiest way to ensure the chicken and pickle recipe is fully cooked is to keep cooking until the chicken falls apart on the fork. The cook time is usually 8 hours on low or 6 hours on high.
Yes, you can make it in the air fryer. I suggest placing everything in an oven-safe rimmed pan, like a round cake pan. Cook it at 375F for about 30 minutes. Take it out when the chicken is fully cooked.
Yes, you can make this in the pressure cooker. Put all ingredients into the Instant Pot and cook it on High for 8 minutes. Then, use the natural pressure release function. It will be fully cooked in less than 15 minutes.
This recipe makes four servings.
Pickle Inspired Recipes
Want more zesty pickle-flavored recipes that you can make at home? Here are some of my favorites:
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Crockpot Pickle Chicken
Ingredients
- 8 boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 packet dry ranch mix 1 oz.
- 2 packets brown gravy mix (0.87oz/each)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 cup mini pickles with juice
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle ranch dressing and 1 packet of brown gravy mix over the chicken. Reserve the second packet for later.
- Sprinkle the pickles and pickle juice over top.
- Add butter on top of everything.
- Cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the meat is tender.
- Right before serving, stir in the second packet of brown gravy mix.
- Garnish with parsley, if desired.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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