Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers

If there’s only ONE recipe that you make this summer, let it be my Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers. These tender, juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken skewers are marinated in pickle juice and skewered with fresh pickle slices for that salty, tangy, dill pickle flavor that you know and love. Plus, they can be prepared two different ways — either on the grill or in the air fryer — making it the perfect, versatile recipe to add to your summer menu!

Friends, if there’s one thing that I’ve learned in all of my years as a recipe creator, it’s that when I share a recipe with pickles in it, you guys make it viral. And to be honest, I can’t complain! As much as I love when you all make and share my recipes, I also happen to really love pickles, which means that I love creating recipes that use them. After all, not only are pickles a delicious snack, but they’re also the perfect way to add flavor and texture to so many different recipes… including these chicken skewers!

These chicken skewers are so juicy, so tangy, and are packed with flavor, making them the only chicken skewer recipe that you need, this summer! The key to making this chicken extra juicy is to allow the chicken to marinate, for a minimum of 30 minutes, in the pickle juice (and hot honey!) As the chicken marinates, it soaks in the brine and takes on the salty pickle flavor, which truly takes it to the next level. Plus, when it’s paired with the fresh pickle slices and the ranch seasoning? The combination is delicious and truly unbeatable.

Plus, arguably the best part about this recipe is that it can be prepared two different ways: either on the grill or in the air fryer. While I recommend making it on the grill, if possible (because nothing beats grilled chicken, in my opinion), they still taste perfectly juicy and delicious when prepared in the air fryer. As always, with all of my recipes, I recommend just using what you have! Just be sure that you don’t skip out on the buttery dill sauce that’s slathered atop these skewers at the end. They make the chicken so moist and delicious, I truly cannot get enough of it!

What You Need to Make These Pickle-Brined Chicken Skewers

• Chicken Thighs: I like using chicken thighs, because they’re tender, delicious, and soak in all of the delicious pickle flavors! Just be sure to cut the chicken thighs into cubes — if you want, you can also ask your butcher to do this for you!
• Dill Pickles: Of course, these wouldn’t be Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers without the pickles! I like to use sliced dill pickles, so that they’re easier to skewer.
• Hot Honey: Hot honey is the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, without making the skewers too spicy, making it the perfect addition to this recipe.
• Olive Oil: I like to brush the skewers with a better-for-you oil, such as olive oil.
• Ranch Seasoning: I get ranch seasoning at Trader Joe’s, but you can also use a ranch dressing packet from any grocery store! This seasoning blend adds a tangy and delicious flavor to the chicken that is truly unbeatable.
• Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter not only forms the base of the sauce, but also makes the chicken moist, tender, juicy, and delicious.
• Dill: A little chopped, fresh dill brings out the flavor of the ranch seasoning and adds a delicious flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip it!
• Garlic: I will always recommend using fresh garlic cloves in my recipes, and this recipe is no exception!
• Chicken Broth: A little chicken broth helps to thin the sauce and adds a delicious, rich, hearty flavor. It brings out the flavor of the chicken and is way better than just using water.

How to Make These Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers: Two Ways!

There are two ways to prepare these chicken skewers: first, on the grill, and second, in the air fryer. While I recommend preparing them on the grill for the best flavor, you can also prepare them in the air fryer if you don’t have access to a grill or don’t want to use one!

How to Prepare the Skewers:

To make these skewers, start by preparing the chicken. Cut the chicken thighs into cubes and set them aside. Next, remove the pickle slices from a jar and add them to a bowl. Set the pickles aside, keeping the brine in the jar. Then, add the hot honey into the jar with the pickle brine and set it aside.

Add the cubed chicken thighs to the jar with the pickle brine and honey and stir until they’re fully coated. Transfer the jar to the fridge, and allow the chicken to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes. Once the chicken is done marinating, remove the chicken thighs from the jar and assemble the skewers. Add the chicken thighs and pickle slices to skewers, alternating each one. I like to do one piece of chicken, two pickle slices, then another piece of chicken, but you can layer them any way that you prefer.

Once the skewers have been assembled, line them up on a tray and use a paper towel to pat away the excess moisture. Brush the skewers with olive oil on all sides and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the ranch seasoning over the skewers. Use your hands to rub them in.

Grilling Instructions:

To make these skewers on the grill, heat your grill to 450 F. Once the grill is hot, add the skewers to it. Allow the skewers to cook, completely undisturbed, for 7-8 minutes, so that they don’t stick to the grill. Then, flip them to the other side and allow them to cook for another 6-7 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 F.

Air Fryer Instructions:

To make these skewers in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400 F for 5 minutes. Add the assembled skewers to the basket of an air fryer and allow them to cook for 10 minutes. Then, flip them to the other side and allow them to cook for another 8 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through.

Preparing the Sauce:

Once the skewers are done, remove them from the grill or air fryer and set them aside. Prepare the sauce by heating a small saucepan, on the stove, over medium heat, and adding in the butter.

Once the butter has melted, add in the ranch seasoning, chopped dill, mashed garlic, and chicken broth. Whisk the ingredients together until they’re fully incorporated. Allow the sauce to simmer for five minutes, then remove it from the heat.

Drizzle some of the sauce over the skewers, then serve immediately and enjoy!

If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.

** Photography by Tanya Pilgrim