Save Juicy bite-sized chicken pieces marinated in tangy pickle brine, coated in a crispy seasoned crust, and served on skewers. This appetizer is perfect for snacking or parties, offering bold flavor and crunchy texture in every bite.
I first tested these Pickle Popcorn Chicken Skewers for a game night snack, and they instantly became a family favorite. The punchy pickle brine makes every bite juicy and delicious, and everyone loves creating their own skewer combinations.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes; 120 ml (½ cup) dill pickle brine (from a jar of pickles)
- Breading: 75 g (¾ cup) all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 120 g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs; 50 g (½ cup) cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp ground black pepper; ½ tsp salt
- For Frying: Vegetable oil, for frying
- To Serve: Dill pickles, sliced; Ranch or honey mustard dip (optional); Fresh dill, chopped (optional); 8 12 wooden skewers
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken:
- Place chicken pieces and pickle brine in a bowl or zip-top bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for stronger flavor).
- Pat Dry:
- Remove chicken from brine and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prepare Breading Station:
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, cornmeal (if using), garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, pepper, and salt.
- Bread Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Fry Chicken:
- Heat 2 3 cm (1 inch) oil in a deep skillet or saucepan to 180°C (350°F). Fry chicken pieces in batches for 3 4 minutes, turning to brown all sides, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Skewer & Serve:
- Thread 3 4 cooked chicken pieces onto each skewer, alternating with dill pickle slices if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with fresh dill.
Save 
Save This recipe has become a weekend tradition for my kids, who love assembling their own skewers and dipping them in ranch or honey mustard. It's such a hit that it's now requested for every birthday and movie night at home.
Required Tools
Mixing bowls, knife and cutting board, shallow bowls for breading, deep skillet or saucepan, tongs or slotted spoon, paper towels, and skewers are needed for preparation and cooking.
Allergen Information
Contains eggs and wheat (gluten). If using ranch dip, check labels for dairy and potential allergens. Always verify ingredient labels for possible allergen content.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately 340 calories, 13 g total fat, 22 g carbohydrates, and 30 g protein.
Save 
Save Serve these skewers fresh and warm for the crispiest texture and best flavor. They're perfect for parties or an exciting family dinner.
Recipe Guide
- → How long should chicken marinate in pickle brine?
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper tanginess.
- → Can I air fry the chicken pieces?
Yes, cook coated chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 10–12 minutes in an air fryer, flipping halfway for a crispy texture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free dip as a side, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free to accommodate dietary needs.
- → What should I serve with the skewers?
Dill pickles, fresh dill, and ranch or honey mustard dips complement the flavors and textures beautifully.
- → Can chicken be substituted in this preparation?
Firm tofu is a great alternative, offering a vegetarian twist with similar texture and taste when breaded and cooked.
- → How do I achieve extra crunch in the crust?
Add cornmeal to the breadcrumb mixture and fry at the right temperature for golden, crispy results.