Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers Recipe

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Cook Time: 20 minutes

Pickle and Chicken Skewers with Ranch Dill Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 (24 ounce) jar dill pickle chips
• 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar
• 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken thighs, excess fat trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ranch dressing mix

Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
• 2 teaspoons chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

1. Gather all the ingredients for the skewers and the sauce.
2. For the skewers, open the pickle jar and transfer the pickles to a small bowl using a fork, leaving the pickle juice in the jar. Set the pickles aside.
3. In the jar with the pickle juice, add brown sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Whisk until the sugar is dissolved.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged in the pickle juice mixture. Cover the jar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 12 hours to marinate.
5. Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil.
6. Once the chicken has marinated, remove the chicken pieces from the pickle juice and discard the liquid.
7. Thread 1 chicken piece followed by 3 pickle chips onto an 8-inch skewer. Repeat the layering with one more piece of chicken and 3 pickle chips, and finish with a third piece of chicken. Continue threading the remaining chicken and pickles onto skewers as needed. Set aside any extra pickles for future use.
8. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels. Evenly brush the skewers with olive oil.
9. Sprinkle the chicken pieces evenly with ranch dressing mix and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of salt.
10. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, sprinkle water on the pan; if it sizzles, it's ready. Grill the skewers for about 1 minute on each side, pressing down lightly on the chicken to form grill marks.
11. Return the skewers to the baking sheet and transfer them to the oven. Bake for 7 to 12 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers at least 165F (74C).
12. While the skewers bake, prepare the sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until the butter starts to brown and the garlic turns golden, about 30 seconds.
13. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, chopped dill, and salt until well combined.
14. Whisk in the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter until it melts and the sauce becomes smooth and emulsified.
15. Once the skewers are cooked, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle the sauce over the skewers and garnish with additional chopped dill, if desired.
16. Serve immediately and enjoy!

The Story Behind Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers are a modern twist on traditional grilled chicken, combining the tangy, zesty flavor of pickles with succulent, marinated chicken pieces. The concept of marinating meat in brine has roots in European cuisine, where pickling was a preservation method long before refrigeration. American home cooks began experimenting with pickle juice as a marinade in the late 20th century, discovering that its acidity tenderizes meat while imparting a distinct flavor. The skewered presentation likely draws inspiration from classic kebabs, merging practicality with visual appeal for backyard barbecues and casual dining.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

While this dish is predominantly associated with American cuisine, particularly Southern and Midwestern states where fried pickles and pickle brines are popular, regional variations exist. Some recipes incorporate different types of pickles, such as bread-and-butter or spicy pickles, to adjust the flavor profile. In the South, smoked paprika or hot sauce may be added to the marinade, creating a spicier variation. Coastal regions may pair the skewers with fresh dill and a lighter butter-garlic sauce, highlighting the natural briny taste of the pickles without overpowering the chicken.

What Sets It Apart from Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional chicken skewers or kebabs, Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers integrate pickle chips directly into the skewer, offering alternating bursts of tanginess and juicy chicken with every bite. The marinade of pickle juice and brown sugar creates a balance of acidity and subtle sweetness, which differs from the typical yogurt- or herb-based marinades seen in Mediterranean or Middle Eastern skewers. Additionally, the final touch of a buttery garlic-dill sauce sets this dish apart, combining richness with a fresh herbal note that elevates the flavor complexity.

Where Youll Commonly Find It

These skewers are popular in American backyard barbecues, casual dining restaurants, and picnic gatherings. They are often served alongside baked or roasted vegetables, potato salads, or cornbread. Many gastropubs and modern American eateries feature them as a playful appetizer or main dish, especially during summer grilling season. Their visual appeal on skewers also makes them a favorite for buffet-style events or festive parties where finger foods are preferred.

Fun Facts and Culinary Insights

• Marinating chicken in pickle juice not only flavors the meat but also tenderizes it, making it juicier than standard marinades.
• The idea of combining pickles with meat in a single dish is relatively new, yet it has quickly become a viral trend among food enthusiasts on social media.
• Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared, allowing for flexibility in preparation without sacrificing flavor.
• Despite its unusual pairing, the sweet and tangy notes of the marinade complement the savory richness of chicken, making it surprisingly balanced and addictive.
• The sauce, made with butter, garlic, and fresh dill, can double as a dip for vegetables, potatoes, or even popcorn, showcasing its versatility beyond the skewers.

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