Air Fryer (or Grilled) Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

There’s something about the combo of tangy pickles and savory grilled chicken that sparks pure joy with every bite. These Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers are the kind of meal that surprises you with just how addictive it can be — tender chicken pieces soaked in dill pickle brine, kissed with smoky flavor, and served piping hot off the air fryer or grill. Whether you’re hosting friends, cooking for your family, or just craving something fun and flavorful, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out of a love for two things — grilled meat and pickles. I remember trying a fried pickle chicken sandwich once at a fair and being completely hooked by the zippy punch of the brine. From there, the idea evolved. Why not marinate the chicken in pickle juice itself? The result was even better than I expected — moist, bright, and full of herby goodness. Turning it into skewers just made it even more fun to eat.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Pickle brining isn’t just a trendy technique — it’s been around for ages, especially in the South where fried pickle chips and brined meats are beloved. Using pickle juice as a marinade is a clever and natural way to tenderize meat while also packing in loads of flavor. Dill pickles, with their garlicky, vinegary kick, are the star here, giving this dish a distinctly bold and nostalgic taste that’s both playful and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer (or Grilled) Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

This recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s practical and flexible too. Here’s why it’ll become a regular in your meal rotation:

Versatile: Perfect for dinner, game day snacks, or meal prep bowls.

Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ingredients you already have.

Quick and Easy: With the air fryer, these cook up fast without much babysitting.

Customizable: Swap the dip, tweak the spices, or change the protein — it’s yours to play with.

Crowd-Pleasing: That tangy, herby flavor gets everyone talking and reaching for seconds.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate ahead and cook when ready — no rush, no stress.

Great for Leftovers: Cold skewers sliced into wraps or salads? Yes, please.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

If you want these skewers to be extra juicy and flavorful, here are a few tricks to keep in mind:

1. Use real dill pickle juice: Not just vinegar — the brine from a good-quality jar of dill pickles works best.
2. Marinate long enough: Give it at least 2 hours, but overnight will give you unbeatable flavor.
3. Cut chicken evenly: Equal-sized pieces cook evenly and stay juicy.
4. Preheat your grill or air fryer: Helps get that char or crispy edge right away.
5. Soak wooden skewers: If grilling, soaking them for 30 minutes keeps them from burning.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need a fancy setup for this one. Just a few kitchen basics will do the trick:

Mixing bowls: For marinating the chicken.

Cutting board and knife: To prep everything evenly.

Skewers: Wooden or metal, both work great.

Air fryer or grill: Either cooking method works like a charm.

Tongs: To flip and serve your skewers safely.

Ingredients in Air Fryer (or Grilled) Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together with bold, crave-worthy flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Chicken thighs, boneless skinless: 1.5 pounds – Juicy, flavorful, and ideal for grilling or air frying.
2. Dill pickle juice: 1 cup – Acts as a brine that tenderizes and infuses the meat with tangy flavor.
3. Dill pickles, chopped: ½ cup – Adds crunch and more of that classic pickle zing.
4. Plain Greek yogurt: ½ cup – Creamy base for the dipping sauce.
5. Fresh dill, chopped: 2 tablespoons – Bright and herby, it enhances the flavor of both the marinade and the dip.
6. Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon – Adds a subtle garlicky warmth.
7. Onion powder: 1 teaspoon – Rounds out the flavor with a mellow savory note.
8. Olive oil: 2 tablespoons – Helps everything come together and keeps the chicken from sticking.
9. Salt: ½ teaspoon – Enhances all the savory notes.
10. Black pepper: ½ teaspoon – Adds just a touch of heat.

Ingredient Substitutions

Sometimes you need to work with what you’ve got. Here are a few smart swaps:

Chicken thighs: Chicken tenders or drumsticks.

Dill pickle juice: A mix of white vinegar and water with salt and garlic.

Greek yogurt: Sour cream or plain regular yogurt.

Fresh dill: Dried dill (use less, about 1 teaspoon).

Olive oil: Avocado oil or vegetable oil.

Ingredient Spotlight

Dill Pickle Juice: This unexpected marinade is a flavor booster and natural meat tenderizer, giving chicken a tangy kick.

Fresh Dill: Earthy, grassy, and slightly citrusy, dill is the signature flavor here and worth using fresh if possible.

Instructions for Making Air Fryer (or Grilled) Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

Ready to get cooking? Let’s turn those ingredients into something crave-worthy. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   If using an air fryer, set it to 400°F. If grilling, preheat to medium-high heat.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, mix chicken pieces with pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   If using an air fryer, lightly grease the basket. For grilling, clean and oil the grates. Soak wooden skewers in water if using.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with chopped pickles if desired. Brush lightly with olive oil.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Grill for about 8–10 minutes per side or until nicely charred and juicy.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Mix Greek yogurt with chopped dill and a pinch of salt for dipping sauce. Drizzle a little over skewers or serve on the side.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Serve hot with extra pickles, a side salad, or warm pita. These skewers are a tangy, juicy delight you’ll want to make again.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

You get an unbeatable contrast here — the tender, juicy chicken soaked with briny pickle flavor, crisp edges from the grill or air fryer, and that creamy, herby dip that cools and balances every bite. It’s bold, fresh, and satisfying in every mouthful.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Here are a few extra nudges to make your cooking smoother:

• Always pat your chicken dry before marinating so the flavors stick better.
• Don’t skip preheating the grill or air fryer.
• For extra color, add red onion or bell pepper chunks between chicken pieces.
• Double the dip — trust me, people will ask for more.

What to Avoid

A few missteps to dodge so you get perfect results:

• Overcrowding the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed to get crisp edges.
• Skipping marinade time: The flavor won’t be as bold if rushed.
• Uneven cutting: Leads to uneven cooking and dry bits.
• Using sweet pickles: Stick with dill for that classic tang.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280
Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 2 hours marinating)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 22 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is great for prepping in advance. Marinate the chicken the night before, and it’ll be ready to skewer and cook the next day. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer to revive the crispness. You can also freeze the marinated uncooked chicken for up to a month.

How to Serve Air Fryer (or Grilled) Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

These skewers are fantastic over a bed of greens, tucked into flatbreads with tzatziki, or served alongside roasted veggies and a chilled lemonade. For a party platter, pile them high with extra dipping sauces and pickled veggies.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Slice up leftover chicken and toss it into:

• A tangy pickle-chicken salad.
• Wraps with crunchy lettuce and ranch.
• A quick dill pickle pasta bowl.

Additional Tips

• Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• No skewers? Just cook the marinated chunks in a pan.
• Add a little lemon zest to the dip for extra zing.

Make It a Showstopper

Garnish with extra fresh dill, thin pickle slices, and a drizzle of sauce. Serve on a rustic board or metal tray with lemon wedges for color contrast. The visual pop will wow your guests before they even take a bite.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or hot sauce to the marinade.
• Smoky BBQ Style: Mix in a dash of smoked paprika or BBQ seasoning.
• Herb-Loaded: Toss in chopped parsley and chives for a garden-fresh flavor.
• Lemon Dill Version: Add fresh lemon juice to the marinade for extra brightness.
• Vegetarian Twist: Try with tofu or halloumi instead of chicken.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use chicken tenders instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken tenders work well. Just watch the cooking time since they cook faster.

Q2: Is it okay to use metal skewers in the air fryer?

Absolutely, just make sure they fit inside your air fryer basket.

Q3: Can I skip the dip?

Sure, but the creamy dill dip adds an amazing contrast that pairs perfectly.

Q4: Can I grill these outdoors instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, they grill beautifully and get a fantastic smoky char.

Q5: Can I use bottled pickle juice?

You can, but fresh from a jar of quality dill pickles gives the best flavor.

Q6: How long can I marinate the chicken?

Anywhere from 2 hours up to 24 hours works best.

Q7: Can I bake instead of air frying or grilling?

Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q8: Is this kid-friendly?

Most kids love it, especially with the dipping sauce. Just go easy on the pepper if needed.

Q9: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, use about 1 teaspoon of dried dill if fresh isn’t available.

Q10: What sides go well with this dish?

Try coleslaw, roasted potatoes, corn on the cob, or a chilled cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Air Fryer or Grilled Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers are zippy, juicy, and packed with personality. From the bold flavor to the easy prep, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Trust me, it’s worth every bite.

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