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Pickle Brined Chicken Thighs Recipe

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  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours 22minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These tender and juicy pickle brined chicken thighs offer the perfect balance of tangy flavor and savory seasonings. The pickle juice tenderizes the meat while infusing it with a subtle dill flavor that pairs beautifully with the lemon pepper seasoning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, excess fat trimmed
  • 1 24 oz jar Claussen Dill Pickles, pickle juice only
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Dill Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Brine the Chicken: Add chicken thighs to an airtight container or resealable bag. Pour pickle juice over the chicken, then move the chicken around to ensure the juice has gotten to all the chicken. Set aside in the refrigerator to brine for at least 1 hour, but preferably about 2 hours.
  2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat grill to 450°F to ensure proper searing and cooking of the chicken thighs.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: Remove chicken from pickle brine onto a paper towel lined baking sheet. Pat dry with more paper towels, then discard the paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and rub it in to ensure all sides are evenly coated (use more oil if needed). Season chicken with lemon pepper dill seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  4. Grill the Chicken: Place seasoned chicken thighs, smoother side down, onto preheated grill grates. Grill for 7 minutes on first side, then flip and continue grilling for 4-6 more minutes or until internal temperature of thickest part of chicken thigh reaches 165°F.

Notes

  • The brining process not only adds flavor but also helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
  • If you don’t have Oh My Spice! Lemon Pepper Dill Seasoning, you can make your own by combining lemon zest, dill, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
  • These chicken thighs can also be cooked in an oven at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes.
  • For a crispier exterior, you can finish the chicken under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
  • Turn this into bite-sized appetizers by cutting the chicken into smaller pieces before brining.
  • The sodium content displayed in the nutrition info is estimated, but will vary depending on the brine time and sodium content in your pickle juice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/pickle-brined-chicken-thighs-recipe/