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Grilled Pickle Chicken Skewers Recipe

4.8 from 126 reviews

Grilled Pickle Chicken Skewers combine tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in tangy dill pickle brine, threaded alongside crisp pickle slices, and grilled to perfection. This flavorful and easy-to-make dish offers a unique twist on traditional grilled chicken, enhanced by fresh dill and a side of creamy ranch dressing, making it perfect for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1” pieces
  • 1 (24-oz.) jar dill pickle slices
  • 1 1/2 cups dill pickle brine
  • 2 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • Neutral oil, for drizzling

For Serving

  • Coarsely chopped fresh dill
  • Ranch dressing

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cut chicken pieces in the dill pickle brine from the jar. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to allow the chicken to absorb the tangy flavors.
  2. Soak the Skewers: While the chicken marinates, soak 4 wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours to prevent them from burning during grilling.
  3. Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat and preheat it for about 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can heat a grill pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
  4. Prepare the Chicken for Skewering: Drain the chicken from the pickle brine and pat the pieces dry with paper towels. Season the chicken evenly with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
  5. Assemble the Skewers: Thread the chicken pieces and dill pickle slices alternately onto the soaked skewers, placing 4 to 5 pieces of chicken per skewer. Drizzle the assembled skewers lightly with neutral oil to prevent sticking and aid grilling.
  6. Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the chicken registers 165°F, about 5 to 6 minutes per side. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skewers from the grill and sprinkle coarsely chopped fresh dill over them for a bright herbal note. Serve hot alongside ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Marinating time can be adjusted according to how much flavor infusion you desire; do not exceed 2 hours to avoid over-marinating.
  • Use chicken thighs for more moisture and flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
  • If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop works equally well.
  • Soaking wooden skewers is important to prevent burning on the grill.
  • Serve with extra pickles or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: grilled chicken skewers, pickle brine marinade, dill pickle chicken, summer grilling recipes, easy chicken skewers