Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

The Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce are not just a delightful dish; they are perfect for parties, game days, or a fun dinner at home. These crispy bites combine the tangy flavor of pickles with tender chicken, making them irresistible. Served with a rich blue cheese sauce, they cater to everyone’s taste buds and are sure to impress your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed: The pickle brine infuses the chicken with zesty goodness, while the creamy blue cheese sauce adds richness.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these bites can be ready in no time.
• Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a festive celebration, these chicken bites shine as an appetizer or snack.
• Kid-friendly: The crunchy cornflake coating makes these bites appealing to younger palates.
• Customizable: Easily adjust flavors by experimenting with different dips or seasonings.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these tasty chicken bites, gather your tools and equipment for a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Deep frying pan
• Ziploc bags
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Toothpicks
• Meat thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Deep frying pan: Ensures even cooking and proper oil temperature for crispy results.
• Ziploc bags: Perfect for crushing cornflakes without mess while providing a sturdy way to marinate chicken.
• Meat thermometer: Guarantees that your chicken is cooked safely to the right internal temperature.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

• Boneless skinless chicken thigh or breast (I love a thigh but either would work)
• Pickle juice + pickle chips
• Dill

For the Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

• 2 tbsp of sour cream or yogurt
• Blue cheese crumbles
• Chopped chives

Coating & Frying

• Sea salt
• Pepper
• Corn flakes
• Egg
• Flour
• Fry oil

For Serving

• Toothpicks

How to Make Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to a bowl.
2. Pour pickle juice and dill over the chicken.
3. Allow it to marinate for at least an hour or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare for Frying

1. Add cornflakes to a Ziploc bag and pound until crushed into large crumbs.
2. Set up three bowls: one with flour, another with whisked egg, and the last one with cornflake crumbs.
3. Heat fry oil in a deep pan until it reaches 350°F.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Bites

1. Working in small batches, coat each piece of marinated chicken first in flour, then dip it in egg, and finally coat it with cornflake crumbs.
2. Carefully add coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan.
3. Fry for about 6-8 minutes until golden brown, flipping halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Blue Cheese Sauce

1. In a bowl, combine sour cream (or yogurt), blue cheese crumbles, chopped chives, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

1. Skewer each piece of fried chicken onto toothpicks with a dollop of blue cheese sauce and a pickle chip on top.
2. Repeat with remaining pieces of chicken and enjoy your delicious bites!

How to Serve Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Serving pickle-brined chicken bites is all about presentation and pairings. These flavorful bites can be enjoyed in various creative ways that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

On Skewers

• Use toothpicks or small skewers to create bite-sized servings. Thread a piece of chicken, a dollop of blue cheese sauce, and a pickle chip for a fun and easy appetizer.

With Fresh Veggies

• Pair the chicken bites with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. The crunchiness complements the tender chicken perfectly.

As a Salad Topping

• Add the crispy chicken bites to a mixed greens salad. Drizzle with extra blue cheese dressing for added flavor and creaminess.

In Sliders

• Serve the chicken bites on mini slider buns with lettuce and additional pickles. This makes for a delightful snack or meal that is easy to handle.

Alongside Dipping Sauces

• Provide a variety of sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo. This allows guests to customize their flavors while enjoying the bites.

How to Perfect Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Perfecting your pickle-brined chicken bites can take your dish from good to great. Follow these tips for the best results.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight intensifies the pickle flavor, making each bite more delicious.

• Use Fresh Dill: Fresh dill enhances the taste compared to dried options, providing an aromatic touch that pairs well with the blue cheese sauce.

• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your fry oil is at 350°F before adding chicken. This helps achieve that crispy exterior without greasy results.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in batches prevents temperature drops in the oil, ensuring evenly cooked and crispy bites every time.

Best Side Dishes for Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

Complement your pickle-brined chicken bites with some delightful side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully:

1. Coleslaw
   A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the flavors of the chicken bites.

2. Potato Wedges
   Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that everyone loves.

3. Corn on the Cob
   Sweet corn on the cob is an excellent complement, especially when grilled or roasted to perfection.

4. Macaroni Salad
   A classic macaroni salad brings a comforting element to your meal, enhancing those savory flavors.

5. Sweet Potato Fries
   Crispy sweet potato fries offer a hint of sweetness that pairs nicely with tangy chicken bites.

6. Garlic Breadsticks
   Warm garlic breadsticks provide an irresistible addition and are perfect for dipping into any leftover blue cheese sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect your dish’s flavor and texture.

• Over-marinating the chicken: Leaving the chicken in pickle juice for too long can make it overly salty. Aim for 1 hour or up to overnight for best results.
• Inadequate coating: Not properly coating the chicken pieces can lead to uneven frying. Ensure each piece is coated in flour, egg, and cornflake mixture thoroughly.
• Crowding the pan: Adding too many chicken bites at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy pieces. Fry in small batches to maintain the heat.
• Not checking internal temperature: Failing to check if the chicken has reached 165°F can lead to undercooked meat. Use a meat thermometer for safety.
• Ignoring sauce consistency: If your blue cheese sauce is too thick, it won’t cling well to the bites. Adjust with a little sour cream or yogurt until desired consistency is reached.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

• Place cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F, place on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), checking frequently until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water, covering until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about making Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce, here are some common questions answered.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute with turkey or even beef if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and cornflakes as an alternative for breading.

What can I serve with Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce?

These bites pair well with fresh veggies, dipping sauces, or even salads for a complete meal.

How do I customize the creamy blue cheese sauce?

Feel free to add herbs like parsley or garlic powder for an extra kick of flavor!

Final Thoughts

Pickle-Brined Chicken Bites w/ a Creamy Blue Cheese Sauce are not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize them by adding different spices or serving them with various sauces. Try this recipe today and enjoy an exciting twist on classic chicken bites!