Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich Recipe

The Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich is not just any chicken sandwich; it’s a masterpiece that infuses the bold, zesty flavors of pickle into every bite, creating a culinary delight that stands out from the crowd.

How to make Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich

The Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich is typically a fried or grilled chicken sandwich that features a tangy-sweet pickle-flavored glaze as the standout flavor element. It’s kind of a twist on the popular chicken-and-pickles combo you see in many Southern-style sandwiches, but instead of just adding pickles on top, the chicken itself is coated in a glaze made from pickle juice and other ingredients like sugar, vinegar, spices, and sometimes even honey or hot sauce for an extra kick.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
• 1 cup dill pickle juice (for marinating)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Breading:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pickle Glaze:

• ½ cup dill pickle juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for slurry)

Additional:

• Vegetable oil for frying
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Sliced dill pickles
• Pickle slaw (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a ziplock bag with 1 cup of dill pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breading mixture, ensuring they’re completely coated. For extra crunch, dip the breaded chicken back into the marinade briefly, then into the flour mixture again.

Frying the Chicken:

1. Fry the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 8 to 10 minutes depending on thickness. Drain on paper towels.

Making the Pickle Glaze:

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of dill pickle juice, honey, brown sugar, and hot sauce. Bring to a simmer. Add the cornstarch slurry and whisk until the sauce thickens about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Glaze the Chicken: Brush the fried chicken generously with the pickle glaze.

Assembling the Sandwich:

1. Assemble the Sandwiches: Place the glazed chicken on the bottom half of the toasted brioche buns. Add sliced pickles and pickle slaw if using. Top with the other half of the bun.

Tips for Perfecting Your Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich:

• Marinate for Flavor: Marinating the chicken tenderizes it and infuses deep flavors. The longer you marinate, the more pronounced the taste.
• Dual Dredging: For extra crispy chicken, the double breading technique works wonders. Just make sure the oil is hot enough so the chicken doesn’t absorb it and become greasy.
• Homemade Pickle Slaw: A quick pickle slaw can be made by mixing shredded cabbage and carrots with a bit of pickle juice, mayo, and a dash of sugar. It adds an extra layer of crunch and flavor.
• Customizing Heat: The beauty of homemade is making it your own. Adjust the cayenne pepper in the breading and the hot sauce in the glaze according to your heat preference.

What to serve with

A Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich is a standout dish with its combination of crispy chicken and tangy-sweet glaze. When choosing what to serve with it, you want to complement the sandwich without overshadowing its flavors. Here’s a list of sides that pair beautifully with this type of sandwich:

Classic Sides

• French Fries: A traditional side for any sandwich, you can serve them plain or season them with garlic, parmesan, or herbs.
• Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad with a mustard or mayonnaise base can balance the tanginess of the Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich.
• Coleslaw: Whether creamy or vinegar-based, coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and can mirror the pickly flavors in the sandwich.
• Onion Rings: A side of onion rings is a hearty option for those who love extra crunch.

Healthier Options

• Side Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh counterpoint to the rich sandwich.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness to the meal.
• Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus grilled with a little olive oil and seasoning make a vibrant and healthful side dish.
• Fruit Salad: A fruit salad with seasonal fruits can offer a sweet and refreshing finish after a savory sandwich.

Comfort Foods

• Macaroni and Cheese: A side of gooey mac and cheese combines comfort food with comfort food for those looking for an indulgent meal.
• Loaded Baked Potato: A baked potato topped with sour cream, cheese, chives, and bacon bits can be a filling addition to the meal.
• Baked Beans: The smoky sweetness of baked beans can complement the sandwich’s savory profile.

Creative Pairings

• Pickled Vegetables: Since the sandwich has a pickle theme, serving a variety of pickled vegetables like beets, carrots, and green beans can be a delicious accompaniment.
• Jalapeño Poppers: If you enjoy the heat, pairing the sandwich with stuffed, breaded, and fried jalapeños can double down on the bold flavors.
• Zucchini Fries: Battered and fried zucchini sticks, served with a creamy dipping sauce, can provide a unique texture and flavor next to the chicken sandwich.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich can be a delightful culinary experience, and sometimes you might need to substitute ingredients due to dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply due to availability.

1. Chicken

• Vegan Chicken: If you’re looking for a vegetarian or vegan substitute, products like Beyond Meat or Gardein offer plant-based chicken alternatives that work well in sandwiches.
• Turkey or Pork: For a different kind of meat, you might consider substituting chicken for turkey breast or thinly sliced pork.

2. Pickle Glaze

• Apple Cider Vinegar: If you don’t have pickle juice, apple cider vinegar provides a similar tangy flavor when mixed with a little sugar.
• Lemon Juice: For a fresher tang, lemon juice mixed with a pinch of salt can mimic the acidity of pickle juice.
• Rice Vinegar: Another good alternative for pickle juice, especially if mixed with a bit of sugar to add the required sweetness.

3. Bread/Buns

• Gluten-Free Buns: For those avoiding gluten, there are many gluten-free bun options available that can substitute regular buns.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb version, large lettuce leaves can be used as a wrap instead of traditional bread.
• Ciabatta or Baguette: For a crunchier texture, consider using a ciabatta or a section of baguette.

4. Toppings and Fillings

• Dairy-Free Cheese: If dairy is a concern, there are numerous plant-based cheeses that can melt nicely over the chicken.
• Non-Dairy Spread: Instead of butter or mayonnaise, you can use avocado spread or vegan mayonnaise as healthier or vegan-friendly options.
• Vegan Bacon: To maintain a smoky flavor without actual bacon, vegan bacon can be a good substitute.

5. Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients

• Tamari or Coconut Aminos: As a substitute for soy sauce, tamari (gluten-free) or coconut aminos are excellent options.
• Maple Syrup or Honey: If you need a natural sweetness alternative to sugar for the glaze, maple syrup or honey can be used.
• Different Types of Mustard: If you’re out of Dijon mustard, yellow mustard or even a grainy mustard can be a good substitute, altering the flavor profile slightly.

6. Cooking Oil

• Avocado Oil: If you typically use vegetable oil, consider avocado oil. Its high smoke point and neutral flavor make it perfect for frying.
• Coconut Oil: For a hint of sweetness and higher heat cooking, coconut oil can be an interesting substitute in the frying process.
• Olive Oil: Although not ideal for high heat, olive oil can be used if sautéing chicken instead of deep-frying.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—your very own homemade Pickle Glaze Chicken Sandwich. This sandwich promises an explosion of flavors and the satisfaction of creating something uniquely delicious.

More Chicken Recipes:

• Copycat Sandwich Bros Chicken Melts Recipe
• Chicken Pot Pie Filling Recipe
• Copycat Starbucks Jalapeno Chicken Pocket Recipe