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Pickle Juice Marinade makes chicken so tender with the perfect amount of twang. Each bite of pickle brine chicken is juicy and delicious.

Grilled chicken breasts with char marks, infused with a tangy pickle juice marinade, sit on a white plate accompanied by crisp pickles. A floral cloth and cutlery subtly enhance the background.
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We make a lot of Chicken Recipes so changing the marinade is a must. This homemade marinade is delicious and a great way to use your leftover pickle juice. All you need is a few simple ingredients to create a marinade that everyone will love.

If you prefer making homemade seasoning and marinade, try these other family favorite recipes – Fajita Chicken Marinade, Best BBQ Chicken Marinade Recipe, Chicken Curry Marinade or Chicken Taco Marinade.

Why We Love Pickle Juice Marinade

Everyone will enjoy the tasty flavor pickle chicken. It leaves each piece of chicken juicy and tender. The chicken is so flavorful and absolutely delicious.

It is mild and even my non pickle loving family members enjoy this recipe. You definitely want to make this chicken for the best dinner. Everyone will go crazy over it.

Ingredients

Raw chicken breasts on a plate, surrounded by small bowls of salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, and a measuring cup with olive oil and pickle juice marinade. The background is a white hexagonal tile surface.
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – Feel free to use other cuts of chicken
  • Dill Pickle Juice – Use juice from a jar of pickles
  • Brown Sugar – Make How to Make Brown Sugar
  • Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper – All you need is these simple seasoning
  • Red Pepper Flakes – Optional but gives the marinade a hint of spice

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

  • Change Chicken – Instead of boneless chicken breast, try using chicken thighs, chicken wings or chicken tender. This brine is also great with a fried chicken recipe.
  • Cayenne Pepper – You can use cayenne pepper instead of red pepper flakes if you prefer. We have even added a dash of hot sauce for even more spicy flavor.
  • Add more Seasonings – This recipe is great as-is, but you can add more seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

How to Make Chicken Pickle Juice Marinade

A glass bowl with olive oil, crushed red pepper, herbs, and a splash of pickle juice marinade sits on a hexagonal-patterned counter. Raw chicken breasts rest on a plate nearby. A green patterned cloth and a whisk are also positioned on the counter.

Step 1. Combine the ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except for the chicken. 

Four raw chicken breasts marinate in a bowl of seasoned oil with a hint of pickle juice. They're set on a hexagonal-patterned countertop, surrounded by a green floral cloth and shiny metal tongs.

Step 2. Add the chicken to the marinade. Use tongs to place the chicken in the bowl with the mixture. 

A glass bowl with raw chicken breasts soaking in a pickle juice marinade, covered with plastic wrap. The bowl rests on a hexagonal-tiled surface beside a green and white patterned cloth.

Step 3. Refrigerate. Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.   

Close-up of a red silicone basting brush applying pickle juice marinade to a dark barbecue grill grate. The handle of the brush is white.

Step 4. Prepare the grill. Start by preheating the grill over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Gently brush the grates of the grill with the oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Two raw chicken breasts, marinated in pickle juice for a tangy twist, are placed on the well-used grill grates. Seasoned with a light sprinkle of black pepper and other spices, they’re ready to be cooked to perfection over the slightly charred bars.

Step 5. Cook the chicken. Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side using high heat until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Grilled chicken breasts, marinated in tangy pickle juice, are arranged on a white plate. The golden-brown chicken boasts prominent grill marks. A green patterned cloth is partially visible beside the plate on a white, hexagonal-tiled surface.

Step 6. Allow to rest. Then remove the chicken from the grill, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then slice and enjoy.

Tips and Suggestions

  • Pat dry the chicken. Use paper towels to remove any excess moisture from the chicken before placing in the pickle juice chicken marinade.
  • Change the Cooking Method. We grilled this recipe, but you can bake in the oven on a baking sheet, or cook in an air fryer.
  • Marinating Chicken – The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours but overnight is best. However, do not marinate chicken for more than 24 hours. The texture of the chicken may change.
  • Prepare Chicken – We recommend grilling chicken that are about the same size so that it grills evenly.

How to Know When Chicken is Done

We use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature before eating.  Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.

The internal temperature for chicken is 165 degrees when fully cooked and ready to enjoy. I highly recommend investing in a meat thermometer. They are inexpensive and make it easier to accurately determine if the chicken is cooked.

Grilled chicken breast, delicately infused with a pickle juice marinade, is slice-cut and served on a white plate accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and tangy pickles. A fork and knife rest beside the dish on a green patterned cloth.

What Does Soaking Chicken in Pickle Juice Do?

Chicken that has been soaked in pickle juice is really tender and juicy. It also gives it the perfect amount of twang.

You will be amazed at how tender the chicken is. Each bite is so delicious.

Will it Have a Strong Dill Pickle Flavor?

No, the pickle flavor is not too strong. The pickle juice definitely gives the chicken a twang taste but it’s not overpowering.

Serving Ideas

We love to cook the sides on the grill as well. It keeps the kitchen cool and clean up super easy. This chicken is delicious and pairs nicely with many side dishes or make chicken sandwiches. These are just a few of our favorites.

You can also serve with pickles to complete the meal. It is so delicious.

Grilled chicken breasts boast perfect grill marks, thanks to a tangy pickle juice marinade. They're served on a white plate with pickles against a patterned tablecloth, alongside utensils and a stack of white dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Can You Brine Chicken in Pickle Juice?

It is not recommended to leave chicken in the pickle juice for longer than 24 hours. We prefer no longer than 6 to 8 hours.

Can Pickle Brine Chicken be Frozen?

Yes! You can actually freeze the chicken in the pickle juice. Place both in a freezer bag. Then Freeze. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge and the chicken is marinating while it is thawing.

Does Pickle Juice Go Bad?

Since pickle juice has a high salt content, it can last for a long time. The general recommendation is to use refrigerated pickle juice within 3 months of opening.

How to Store Leftover Pickle Juice Grilled Chicken

Refrigerate the leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 5 days. We like to portion it into individual containers to make it easier to grab for a quick lunch or dinner. You will be less tempted to grab takeout with these readily available for you.

More Easy Chicken Marinades

If you make this Pickle Juice Marinade, please leave us a comment or a star review. We love to hear from you.

Grilled chicken breasts with prominent grill marks on a white plate, seasoned with a tangy pickle juice marinade and garnished with green pickles. A patterned green cloth and a fork and knife are placed to the side.

Pickle Juice Marinade

5 from 17 votes
Chicken Pickle Juice Marinade makes chicken so tender with the perfect amount of twang. Each bite of pickle brine chicken is juicy and delicious.
Prep Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Let Rest 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 22 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 167

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except for the chicken.
  • Use tongs to place the chicken in the bowl with the marinade.
  • Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Then preheat the grill to 350 degrees F. Gently brush the grates of the grill with the oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  • Place the chicken on the grill. Cook for 5-7 minutes per size until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
  • Then remove the chicken from the grill, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then it’s ready to slice and enjoy.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. 
We use an instant-read meat thermometer to make sure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature before eating.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 167kcal, Carbohydrates 10g, Protein 24g, Fat 3g, Saturated Fat 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Trans Fat 0.01g, Cholesterol 72mg, Sodium 2628mg, Potassium 431mg, Fiber 0.2g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 74IU, Vitamin C 1mg, Calcium 11mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 17 votes (8 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. garrett says:

    5 stars
    Loved how easy this is to make.

  2. Kaylon says:

    5 stars
    LOVE this chicken marinade!!

  3. Roger says:

    5 stars
    We added red peppers for some spice, !!!!

  4. Karina says:

    5 stars
    I never liked pickles, but this recipe made me curious what the chicken would taste like, and this marinade changed my mind. The chicken was juicy and so yummy!

  5. Lucy says:

    5 stars
    Tasted so good!

  6. Lizzy says:

    5 stars
    This was so good, pairs great with chicken!

  7. Haylee says:

    5 stars
    WOW! INCREDIBLE!

  8. Christina says:

    5 stars
    Yum – Fun and easy marinade recipe!

  9. Gavin says:

    5 stars
    Really easy to make and my family loved it!