Name: Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487747H21M42S
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup dill pickle juice (from your favorite jar of dill pickles); 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness); Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)

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I love making these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers because they combine the savory goodness of grilled chicken with the tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles. The pickling marinade infuses the chicken with incredible flavor, and grilling the skewers gives them a perfect charred finish. These are perfect for summer BBQs, quick weeknight dinners, or whenever you want a fun and flavorful twist on your usual chicken skewers!

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

What I adore about these chicken skewers is the unique flavor combination. The dill pickle marinade gives the chicken a vibrant, tangy flavor that’s perfectly balanced with the savory grilled chicken. The dill flavor is fresh and light, making it perfect for a summer dish. Plus, they’re easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and cook up quickly on the grill!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup dill pickle juice (from your favorite jar of dill pickles)
1/4 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
Wooden or metal skewers (soaked in water if using wooden skewers)

Directions

Marinate the chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the dill pickle juice, olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, onion powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Stir well to combine.
- Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours, to allow the chicken to absorb all the flavors.
Prepare the skewers:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, making sure they’re spaced evenly.
Grill the skewers:
- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown and have nice grill marks.
Serve:
- Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh dill or a drizzle of pickle juice if desired.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4-6 servings. Prep time is around 10 minutes, with marination time of 1 hour. Grill time is about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.

Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Variations

I like to change it up by:

Adding vegetables to the skewers, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, for extra flavor and texture.
Using a combination of chicken and turkey for a leaner option.
Adding a bit of honey to the marinade for a touch of sweetness to balance the tangy pickle flavor.
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a finely chopped jalapeño to the marinade.

Storage / Reheating

Leftover Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a grill for a few minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully for this recipe. They’ll be juicier and have a bit more flavor, so feel free to use them if you prefer.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning, and cook them later in the day for an easy and quick meal.
Can I bake these instead of grilling?
Yes, you can bake the chicken skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through until fully cooked.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure that the Dijon mustard and other ingredients don’t contain any gluten.
How spicy are these skewers?
These skewers aren’t spicy, but if you’d like some heat, you can add chili flakes, hot sauce, or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade.

Conclusion

These Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers are a fresh and flavorful twist on your typical grilled chicken, with the bright tang of dill pickles complementing the savory grilled chicken. They’re quick to prepare, healthy, and a fun way to enjoy a new flavor combination. Whether served at a BBQ or as a weeknight meal, these skewers are sure to become a new favorite!