If you’re a pickle lover like me, you have to try these Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers! They’re tangy, juicy, and full of flavor from the dill pickle brine, spicy hot honey, and creamy ranch seasoning. You can cook them outside on the grill or inside in the air fryer whatever works best for you! These skewers are fun to make, perfect for parties or BBQs, and the drizzle of buttery dill ranch sauce on top makes them extra special. This recipe is always a hit in my house and disappears fast!
Method
1. Marinate the Chicken
Dill pickle chicken skewers recipe start, take your chicken thighs and cut them into bite-sized cubes. Set those aside while you prep the marinade. Open your jar of dill pickles and remove the pickle slices keep them in a bowl for later. Now, don’t throw out that pickle brine! It’s going to be the base of our marinade. Whisk 2 tablespoons of hot honey right into the brine while it’s still in the jar or in a separate mixing bowl, making sure it’s well combined. Add your cubed chicken to the brine, cover the bowl, and place it in the fridge to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the chicken time to soak up all that delicious tangy flavor.
2. Build the Skewers
Once your chicken is done marinating, take it out of the brine and get ready to build your skewers. I like to alternate between the ingredients for flavor and texture so start with 1–2 pieces of chicken, then add 2 slices of dill pickles, followed by more chicken. Keep layering like this until the skewer is filled. Repeat this pattern until all the chicken and pickles are used up. Lay the finished skewers on a tray and gently pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps them brown better when cooking and avoids extra splatter.
3. Season and Cook
Brush the skewers all over with olive oil to help them crisp and prevent sticking. Then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning evenly over the top. Now it’s time to cook either on the grill or in the air fryer.
If using a grill, preheat it to 450°F. Once it’s hot, place the skewers down and let them cook undisturbed for 7 to 8 minutes. This helps create a nice sear and prevents sticking. Flip the skewers and cook for another 6 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through (165°F on a meat thermometer).
If using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F for 5 minutes. Place the skewers inside and air fry for 10 minutes. Then, flip them over and cook for another 8 minutes. The result will be juicy, golden-brown chicken with crispy edges and warm, tangy pickle bites between each piece.
4. Make the Sauce
While the skewers are cooking, you can whip up the buttery dill ranch sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/3 cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, stir in the remaining ranch seasoning (about 1 to 2 tablespoons), the chopped fresh dill, mashed garlic cloves, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, which gives the garlic time to soften and helps the flavors blend beautifully. Then remove it from the heat and get ready to drizzle.
5. Finish and Serve
When your skewers are fully cooked, remove them from the grill or air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Immediately spoon or drizzle the warm buttery dill sauce over the top of each skewer. You’ll smell the mix of ranch, garlic, and dill right away it’s mouthwatering! Serve hot and enjoy the mix of spicy, tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors in every bite.
Necessary Tools
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Mixing bowl with cover
- Grill or air fryer
- Small saucepan
- Basting brush
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Knife and cutting board
Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers Recipe (Air Fryer or Grilled!)
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings35
minutes15
minutes50
minutesIngredients
For the Skewers:
1 lb chicken thighs, cubed
1 (24 oz) jar dill pickle slices (with the brine)
2 tbsp hot honey
1 tbsp olive oil
2–3 tbsp ranch seasoning (divided)
For the Sauce:
1/3 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
3 cloves garlic, mashed
1/4 cup chicken broth
Remaining ranch seasoning
Directions
- Marinate the Chicken
First, cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. Open the jar of dill pickles and remove the pickle slices. Don’t toss the brine we’ll use it! Add the hot honey to the jar of pickle brine and whisk to mix. Then place the chicken pieces into the brine, cover, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up that tangy pickle flavor. - Build the Skewers
Once the chicken is done marinating, take it out of the brine and start building your skewers. I like to alternate: 1–2 pieces of chicken, then 2 slices of pickles, and repeat. This makes each bite full of flavor. After your skewers are assembled, lay them out on a tray and gently pat them dry with paper towels. - Season and Cook
Brush all sides of the skewers with olive oil, then sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning over them. Now it’s time to cook!
For the grill: Preheat to 450°F. Place the skewers down and let them cook undisturbed for 7–8 minutes so they don’t stick. Then flip and cook another 6–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F.
For the air fryer: Preheat to 400°F for 5 minutes. Cook the skewers for 10 minutes, then flip and cook another 8 minutes until done. - Make the Sauce
While the skewers are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the remaining ranch seasoning, chopped dill, mashed garlic, and chicken broth. Whisk everything together for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and fragrant. Remove from heat. - Finish and Serve
When the skewers are done, place them on a plate and drizzle that warm, buttery dill sauce right over the top. It smells amazing and tastes even better. Time to dig in!
Notes
- Be sure to pat the skewers dry before cooking to help them brown and avoid splattering.
- Let the grill get hot before adding the skewers this keeps them from sticking.
- Always check the chicken is fully cooked look for 165°F on a meat thermometer.
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they don’t burn.
- Don’t rush the sauce let it simmer so the garlic softens and the flavors blend.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with potato wedges or roasted veggies.
- Great with a side of coleslaw or a crisp green salad.
- Turn leftovers into a wrap with a warm tortilla and some shredded lettuce.
- Makes a fun game-day snack or summer BBQ star!
Fun Fact
Did you know that pickle juice isn’t just for flavor? It’s packed with electrolytes and has been used as a post-workout drink by athletes! So yes marinating chicken in it is genius and tasty.
Conclusion
These Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers are fun, flavorful, and full of zippy goodness. Whether you grill them outdoors or toss them in the air fryer, they turn out juicy and golden every time. The combo of hot honey, ranch seasoning, and dill pickle brine makes each bite something special. Plus, the buttery dill sauce on top? Chef’s kiss. Save this one for your next BBQ, game day, or dinner night you’re going to love it!
