Grilled Pickle Chicken Skewers Recipe
These Grilled Pickle Chicken Skewers are a tangy, juicy twist on traditional grilled chicken, featuring tender pieces of chicken marinated in dill pickle brine and alternating with crisp pickle slices. Perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection, they offer a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that’s great for summer barbecues or quick weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 (24-oz.) jar dill pickle slices
- 1 1/2 cups dill pickle brine (from the jar)
Seasonings
- 2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- Neutral oil, for drizzling
Serving
- Coarsely chopped fresh dill
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Equipment
- 4 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces thoroughly in the dill pickle brine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours, to allow the chicken to absorb the tangy flavors and tenderize.
- Prepare Skewers: Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This helps prevent them from burning during grilling.
- Preheat Grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop over medium-high heat for similar results.
- Season Chicken: Drain the pickle brine from the marinated chicken and pat the chicken pieces dry using paper towels. Season evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavor.
- Assemble Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces and pickle slices alternately onto the soaked skewers, aiming for 4 to 5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Once assembled, lightly drizzle neutral oil over the skewers to promote even grilling and prevent sticking.
- Grill Skewers: Place the skewers on the preheated grill. Grill them, turning occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the chicken registers 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Garnish and Serve: Once off the grill, sprinkle the skewers with coarsely chopped fresh dill for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for more tender and juicy skewers, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes but not beyond 2 hours to avoid overpowering the texture due to the acidity in the brine.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from catching fire or burning on the grill.
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop is an excellent alternative.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
- Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce to complement the tanginess of the pickles.
Keywords: Grilled chicken skewers, pickle chicken, grilled chicken recipe, dill pickle brine, summer grilling, easy chicken skewers
