Chicken Fried Pickles Recipe: Crispy, Tangy, and Irresistible

If you’ve ever craved the perfect blend of tangy, crispy, and spicy, then chicken fried pickles are the snack for you. This recipe takes dill pickle spears, coats them in a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fries them until they’re golden and crispy. It’s a game-changing appetizer or snack that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the game, or simply indulging in a tasty treat, these chicken fried pickles will definitely steal the spotlight.

For more indulgent snack recipes, check out these crispy fried pickles or explore other fried appetizers like fried zucchini.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Chicken Fried Pickles Recipe: Crispy, Crunchy, and Delicious

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These crispy, spicy chicken fried pickles are a perfect snack or appetizer. Pickle spears are dipped in a seasoned buttermilk batter, fried until golden brown, and packed with flavor. A fun twist on fried pickles, they’re perfect for any gathering or as a tasty treat on their own!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (24 oz) jar of pickle spears

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 2 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons Louisiana hot sauce (or any preferred hot sauce)

• 2 cups whole wheat flour

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickles:
   Drain the pickle spears and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove excess moisture, allowing the batter to stick better.

2. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and Louisiana hot sauce until well combined.

3. Prepare the Flour Coating:
   In another large bowl, mix together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

4. Coat the Pickles:
   Dip the pickle spears into the buttermilk mixture, making sure they’re fully coated. Then dredge each pickle spear in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.

5. Heat the Oil:
   In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2-3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach a temperature of 375°F (190°C) to ensure a crispy, golden exterior.

6. Fry the Pickles:
   Fry the coated pickle spears in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

7. Serve:
   Transfer the chicken fried pickles to a serving platter and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli.

Notes

Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.

Air Fryer Option: To make these a bit healthier, you can air fry them. Spray the pickles with cooking spray and cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage: Leftover fried pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two, though they’re best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4-5 pickle spears
• Calories: 300 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: Chicken Fried Pickles Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pickles:

• Start by draining the pickle spears from the jar and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial to avoid excess moisture when frying. The drier the pickles, the crispier they will become when fried.

2. Make the Buttermilk Marinade:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, and Louisiana hot sauce. This flavorful marinade adds moisture and tang to the pickles while also infusing them with a subtle kick of heat. Feel free to adjust the amount of hot sauce according to your spice tolerance.

3. Prepare the Flour Coating:

• In another large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. The flour mixture will give the pickles a crispy coating once they’re dipped in it. If you like extra crunch, feel free to add more paprika for flavor or increase the cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.

4. Coat the Pickles:

• Working in batches, dip each pickle spear into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the pickle to the flour mixture and dredge it, making sure it’s evenly coated with the seasoned flour mixture. Repeat the process until all pickles are coated.

5. Heat the Oil:

• In a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 3 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The ideal frying temperature is 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread into the oil—if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is hot enough for frying.

6. Fry the Pickles:

• Carefully add a few pickles to the hot oil at a time. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the pickles to cook unevenly. Fry the pickles for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the pickles halfway through to ensure even cooking on both sides.

7. Drain and Serve:

• Once the pickles are crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining pickles, making sure the oil stays at the right temperature throughout.

8. Serve Hot with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce:

• Serve the chicken fried pickles hot with a dipping sauce of your choice. Ranch dressing, creamy horseradish sauce, or even spicy ketchup pairs perfectly with the crispy, tangy pickles.

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Chicken Fried Pickles

Double Dipping for Extra Crispy Coating:

For an extra-crunchy exterior, consider double dipping your pickles. After the first dip into the buttermilk and flour mixture, dip the pickles back into the buttermilk and then coat them again with the flour mixture. This double coating technique gives the pickles a thicker, crunchier crust that’s irresistible.

Baking Option for a Healthier Version:

If you want to cut down on the oil, you can bake the chicken fried pickles instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the coated pickles on the sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pickles are golden and crispy.

Spicy Kick:

To turn up the heat, you can add additional spices like chili powder or smoked paprika to the flour mixture. For extra heat, drizzle the pickles with a bit of your favorite hot sauce before serving or toss them in a spicy buffalo sauce right after frying.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftover Pickles:

Chicken fried pickles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place the pickles on a baking sheet and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness.

Freezing:

If you want to store the chicken fried pickles for a longer period, freeze them. After frying and cooling them down to room temperature, place the pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 2-3 hours). Once frozen, transfer the pickles to a freezer-safe bag or container. To reheat from frozen, bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Frying Tip:

When frying multiple batches, be sure to allow the oil to return to 375°F before adding more pickles. Overcrowding the pan or dropping cold pickles into the oil can result in soggy, unevenly fried pickles.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Option:

To make these pickles gluten-free, simply replace the whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor and even more crispiness.

Vegan Option:

For a vegan version, you can replace the buttermilk with a plant-based milk (like almond milk or soy milk) mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar tang. Instead of eggs, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flax meal + 3 tablespoons water) as a binding agent.

Low-Carb/Keto Option:

For a keto-friendly version, you can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of regular flour. This keeps the texture crunchy while adhering to low-carb or keto dietary restrictions.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use pickle chips instead of spears?

Yes, you can use pickle chips instead of spears for a bite-sized option. Just be sure to adjust the frying time, as smaller pieces will cook faster.

Can I make these in advance?

While fried pickles are best when fresh, you can bread and freeze them in advance. Fry them just before serving for the best texture.

Can I bake the chicken fried pickles instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them instead of frying. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden brown.

How can I make these less spicy?

To make them milder, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce in the recipe. You can also serve the pickles with a cooling dipping sauce like ranch or yogurt-based dip to balance the heat.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Chicken fried pickles are a flavorful, crunchy treat that’s sure to impress anyone who tries them. Whether you’re making them for a gathering or as a snack for yourself, these crispy delights will become a favorite. By following these simple steps and tips, you can create the perfect balance of tangy pickles, crispy coating, and just the right amount of heat.

So, next time you’re in the mood for something crispy and indulgent, whip up these chicken fried pickles. They’re a quick, easy, and satisfying way to enjoy the bold flavors of fried food with a twist!