When you’re searching for a recipe that’s equal parts bold, fun, and unexpectedly craveable, these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers might just be your new go-to. Tender chunks of chicken thigh brined in tangy pickle juice get threaded between snappy pickle chips, then grilled and roasted to juicy perfection. A buttery ranch-dill sauce brings everything together in a bite that’s zesty, savory, and absolutely unforgettable. There’s no way your next gathering or weeknight dinner won’t sparkle with these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers on the menu!

Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This isn’t a lengthy grocery run—just a handful of clever ingredients make these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers taste so unique. Each component brings its own magic, whether it’s tang, crunch, or silkiness to the final result.

Dill pickle chips: Briny and crispy, these add both flavor and a welcome snap to every bite.
Pickle juice: The secret to ultra-juicy and flavorful chicken—don’t pour it out!
Packed light brown sugar: Helps balance the pickle’s acidity and adds a hint of sweetness to the brine.
Kosher salt: Perfectly seasons both the chicken and the sauce for well-rounded savoriness.
Skinless, boneless chicken thighs: Stay juicy through every stage of cooking and hold flavor like a dream.
Olive oil: Gives the chicken rich color and helps the ranch seasoning stick for a little extra flavor punch.
Ranch dressing mix: Adds tangy, herby depth that ties together all the pickle and dill notes.
Unsalted butter: Melts into a lush sauce that’s perfect for drizzling.
Fresh garlic: Gently sautéed, it weaves warm, aromatic undertones into the sauce.
Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce savory but not too salty, complementing the brined chicken.
Fresh dill: This classic bright herb makes the whole dish sing, plus it looks gorgeous as a garnish.

How to Make Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Step 1: Prep the Pickles and Brine

Open up your jar of dill pickle chips and transfer all those crunchy little rounds to a small bowl—you’ll want to save them for threading onto the skewers. But don’t toss that zippy pickle juice! Into the jar goes brown sugar and some salt; whisk it well so the sweet and salty flavors dissolve and blend into the brine. Drop in your chicken thigh pieces, making sure they’re all swimming in that pickle bath. Cover the jar and slide it into the fridge for at least 3 hours or, for even more flavor, overnight.

Step 2: Soak, Skewer, and Season

Once your chicken has marinated and picked up all that dill-pickle goodness, it’s showtime. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 C) and line a sturdy baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Remove the chicken from the brine and toss that pickle juice—it’s done its job! Thread your skewers by alternating juicy chicken pieces with a trio of pickle chips. Each skewer starts and ends with chicken, sandwiched around those snappy pickles. Pat the finished skewers dry for the best browning, then brush them with olive oil and sprinkle on the ranch seasoning mix and the rest of the salt to really bring those flavors forward.

Step 3: Sear for Smoky Flavor

Time to heat things up! Get a grill pan nice and hot—just a sprinkle of water should sizzle on contact. Lay down your skewers and press lightly so the chicken chars up with beautiful grill marks, about one minute per side. This quick sear brings depth and a subtle smokiness that makes Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers absolutely addictive. Once marked, the skewers head back to the baking sheet, ready for their final roast.

Step 4: Roast Until Perfect

Bake those skewers for 7 to 12 minutes, depending on how thick your chicken chunks are. Keep a close eye and check with a thermometer—165 degrees F (74 C) is when the chicken’s safe, juicy, and thoroughly cooked. While the oven transforms the skewers into juicy perfection, get ready for the star sauce moment.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Ranch-Dill Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt most of the butter and sauté the minced garlic just until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. Off the heat, whisk in chicken broth, ranch dressing mix, a sprinkle of salt, and plenty of fresh dill for that garden-bright finish. Swirl in the last bit of butter to emulsify, and you’ll have a rich, pourable sauce that’s basically a flavor celebration for your skewers.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Arrange the Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers on a platter, let that gorgeous aroma hit you, and drizzle generously with the warm, herby sauce. For a final flourish, sprinkle with more chopped dill if you like—fresh, fragrant, and the perfect finishing touch. Serve immediately and watch these tangy, juicy bites disappear faster than you thought possible!

How to Serve Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Garnishes

The easiest way to add even more wow to your Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers is a generous shower of fresh dill and a few extra pickle chips on the platter. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the sauce, while microgreens or a scattering of thinly sliced green onion bring fresh color and pop.

Side Dishes

These skewers beg for summery, crunchy sides! Think crisp slaw, a bright cucumber salad, or roasted baby potatoes tossed with extra dill. If you’re going for a BBQ spread, pair with cornbread or a cool pasta salad. Their juicy, tangy flavors really shine alongside anything mellow or herby.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual get-togethers, stand the Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers upright in a jar or glass, so guests can grab and go. For dinner parties, serve over a bed of mixed greens and drizzle extra sauce. Or layer in a warm pita with crunchy veggies and a dab of ranch for the ultimate pickle-chicken wrap!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers (lucky you!), let them cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep their juiciness and flavor for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate small jar or bowl so you can reheat and drizzle fresh every time.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken skewers, but skip freezing the pickles—they’ll lose their crunch. Place just the chicken (off the skewers) in a freezer-safe bag once fully cooled, and freeze for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in a small airtight container. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat skewers gently in a 325 degree F oven until warmed through, about 10 minutes. The sauce can be warmed low and slow on the stovetop or in short microwave bursts. Avoid overheating so the chicken stays tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work, but be extra careful not to overcook since it dries out more easily than thighs. You might want to shorten the roasting time and keep a close eye on the temperature for that perfect juicy bite.

How far in advance can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken up to 12 hours ahead, but it’s best not to go beyond that. Any longer and the pickle brine can start to break down the chicken’s texture too much, especially with thin cuts.

Can I grill these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers outside instead of using a grill pan and oven?

Definitely! Outdoor grilling adds even more smoky, charred flavor. Grill over medium-high, turning so the chicken cooks evenly and gets those irresistible grill marks. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking or drying out the chicken.

Is it possible to make these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers gluten-free?

Yes! Simply check that your ranch dressing mix is certified gluten-free, and all the other ingredients should be safe for gluten-free diets. Always double-check labels just in case.

What do I do with leftover pickles after threading the skewers?

Those extra pickles are perfect piled onto burgers, chopped into potato salad, or simply snacked on while you wait for the skewers to cook. Don’t let them go to waste—pickle lovers always find a way!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for something a little offbeat but totally crowd-pleasing, don’t wait another day to make these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers! There’s truly no better way to combine tangy, savory, and herby flavors into one irresistible bite. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill or oven, and let these skewers steal the show—you’ll be asked for the recipe, guaranteed!