Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
A pickle brined chicken thigh on a plate next to a pickle.

Pickle Brine Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 1 review
  • Author: Erin Jensen
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Brine Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Chicken
  • Method: Grill
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A simple, easy Pickle Brine Chicken recipe that creates chicken thighs that turn out so juicy and delicious, every time!


Ingredients

Scale
  • Approx. 1 cup pickle juice* (love the juice from these Refrigerator Dill Pickles)
  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • kosher salt and ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brine: Place chicken thighs in a medium bowl or large storage bag. Pour pickle juice over top. Cover and place in the refrigerator a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. 
  2. Season: Remove chicken from brine (discard brine) and place on plate. Pat dry with clean paper towel. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper. 
  3. Grill Chicken: Bring grill up to high heat (about 450 degrees F) and ensure the grill grates are clean. Place chicken skin-side down on the grill grates over direct heat (directly over flame) for 3-5 minutes and then flip. Cook on other side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (use a meat thermometer).
  4. Rest + Serve: Remove from grill and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

  • *Pickle Juice: the pickle juice you pick will greatly impact of the flavor here. I like the pickle juice from these Refrigerator Dill Pickles because it is clean and light tasting – I wouldn’t recommend a pickle juice that is particularly yellow with lots of extra ingredients. 
  • Chicken Breasts: you can also use chicken breasts, boneless chicken thighs, etc. – this will work with any cut of chicken, but I prefer using bone-in chicken thighs. 
  • Whole30/Paleo: if you use the Refrigerator Pickle juice these will be Paleo/Whole30 – check your ingredients if using store-bought pickles. 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 143
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 281.1 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 25.6 g
  • Cholesterol: 82.7 mg