I’m back with another simple, flavorful brine: Grilled Pickle Brined Chicken. This recipe is quick to prepare and delivers a bright, savory-sweet taste that’s perfect for summer grilling.
You can also cook this on a Blackstone or any flat top griddle for equally great results.
The pickle brine infuses the chicken with a subtle tang without tasting overly “pickley.” The finish is balanced by a touch of brown sugar, creating a unique and delicious profile.
How to make Grilled Pickle Brined Chicken
Use about 1 1/2 cups of pickle juice to brine 4 chicken breasts (or equivalent weight in boneless, skinless chicken thighs—my personal favorite).
Combine the chicken with the pickle juice and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a gallon-size resealable bag. Massage the bag to dissolve the sugar, place the bag in a bowl (in case of leaks), and refrigerate for 24 hours.
When ready to cook, discard the brine and pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Lightly season both sides with Old Bay or your preferred seasoning.
Preheat your grill or griddle to medium–medium high. If using a flat top or Blackstone, add a bit of cooking oil before placing the chicken on the surface.
Cook the chicken about 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for breasts or the appropriate doneness for thighs.
The flavor from this pickle brined chicken is so unique and delicious!
The faint pickle tang pairs beautifully with the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken with a bright finish that’s great on its own, in sandwiches, or sliced over salads.
Simple grilled recipes like this are ideal for quick summer dinners and backyard gatherings.
More recipes you might enjoy
Smoked Pickle Brined Chicken Wings
Grilled Korean Chicken
Loaded Teriyaki Chicken
Blackstone Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
Summer Grilling Recipes
A curated list of favorite grill and griddle recipes for warm-weather cooking.
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Grilled Pickle Brined Chicken
A unique and flavorful grilled chicken dish.
Main Course
American
Brining, Griddle, Grilled Chicken, Pickle Brined, Easy Dinner
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or thin-cut chicken breasts
- 1 1/2 cups pickle juice (from jar)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Old Bay seasoning, to taste
Instructions
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Place chicken in a gallon-size resealable bag. Add pickle juice and brown sugar, then massage until the sugar dissolves. Put the bag in a bowl and refrigerate for 24 hours.
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Remove chicken from the bag and discard the brine. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides lightly with Old Bay.
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Preheat grill or griddle to medium–medium high. If using a griddle, add a little oil. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked.
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