Save This repurposed pickle juice creates the most tender, flavorful chicken you've ever tasted. The tangy brine works magic as a marinade, transforming ordinary chicken into juicy, perfectly seasoned meat that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables and creamy sauce in these satisfying wraps.
I discovered this recipe by accident when I was about to toss an empty pickle jar. On a whim, I tried marinating chicken in the leftover brine, and it's become our family's most requested weeknight dinner ever since.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts thinly sliced for quicker cooking and maximum flavor absorption
- Pickle juice: 240 ml pickle juice from dill pickles which tenderizes the meat while adding incredible tanginess
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking the chicken to golden perfection
- Spice blend: Spice blend including smoked paprika garlic powder and black pepper creates depth without overpowering
- Tortillas: 4 large tortillas choose flour for pliability or whole wheat for extra fiber
- Fresh vegetables: Fresh vegetables like lettuce tomato and red onion add essential crunch and freshness
- Dill pickles: Dill pickles for reinforcing that signature flavor that makes these wraps special
- Sauce ingredients: Sauce ingredients including mayo or Greek yogurt create a creamy counterpoint to the tangy chicken
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place thinly sliced chicken breasts in a container with pickle juice making sure all pieces are fully submerged. Refrigerate for at least one hour but no more than four hours as the acid can start to break down the protein too much. The pickle juice works as both a flavor enhancer and a tenderizer thanks to its acidic properties.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the marinade and pat completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear rather than steaming the meat. Discard the used marinade. Season the chicken with smoked paprika garlic powder black pepper and a small amount of salt if needed remember the pickle juice already contains salt.
- Cook to Perfection:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer without overcrowding the pan. Cook for exactly 3 to 4 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has developed a beautiful golden crust. Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Create the Sauce:
- Whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with Dijon mustard honey and a tablespoon of pickle juice until completely smooth. This sauce brings a creamy tanginess that complements the chicken perfectly. Make it slightly thicker than you think necessary as it will thin out when spread on the warm tortilla.
- Assemble with Care:
- Warm each tortilla briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 10 seconds to increase flexibility. Spread a generous tablespoon of sauce across the bottom third of the tortilla. Layer lettuce tomato slices red onion dill pickle slices and cheese if using. Top with sliced chicken and add another small drizzle of sauce.
- Perfect the Wrap Technique:
- Place fillings in the bottom third of the tortilla fold in the sides then roll from the bottom up keeping ingredients tucked in tightly. For easier eating wrap in parchment paper and cut diagonally through the middle to reveal the colorful layers inside.
Save My favorite part about this recipe is how the pickle juice transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary. My teenagers who normally turn their noses up at leftovers actually fight over who gets to take these wraps in their lunch boxes the next day.
The Science Behind Pickle Brine Marinades
Pickle juice works as a marinade through two mechanisms. First the acidity helps break down muscle fibers making meat more tender. Second the salt and seasonings from the pickling process penetrate the meat adding flavor throughout. The combination of acid salt and spices creates chicken that's both tender and deeply flavored without the need for dozens of ingredients.
Make Ahead Options
These wraps can be partially prepped ahead of time for quick assembly. Marinate and cook the chicken up to two days in advance and store refrigerated in an airtight container. The sauce can be prepared up to three days ahead. When ready to serve simply reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave assemble your wraps and enjoy. For meal prep lunches keep the components separate and assemble just before eating to prevent soggy wraps.
Serving Suggestions
Transform these wraps into a complete meal with complementary sides. Sweet potato fries make an excellent pairing with their slight sweetness balancing the tangy chicken. A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing echoes the pickle flavors while adding freshness. For a lighter option serve with a crunchy slaw dressed with apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey. These wraps also work beautifully as part of a buffet spread for casual entertaining.
Ingredient Substitutions
No pickle juice available? Use a mixture of vinegar water and salt for similar tenderizing effects
- Chicken thighs can replace breasts for even juicier results
- For a Mediterranean twist use tzatziki instead of the mayo based sauce
- Gluten free tortillas or large lettuce leaves work well for those avoiding wheat
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer version Add sliced avocado and corn kernels for a seasonal twist
- Fall adaptation Include roasted sweet potato cubes and cranberry sauce
- Winter comfort Serve with a side of warm soup instead of cold sides
Save These wraps are the perfect blend of tangy, savory, and creamy making them a truly satisfying meal. Enjoy building your own perfect wrap with your favorite fillings and sauce.
Recipe FAQ
- → How long should the chicken marinate in pickle juice?
Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor. Longer marinating enhances tanginess.
- → Can I use a grill instead of a skillet?
Yes, grilling the marinated chicken adds a smoky touch. Just ensure the chicken cooks through and remains juicy.
- → Is there a lighter sauce option?
Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy sauce with extra protein and less fat.
- → What kind of wraps can I use?
Use flour or whole wheat tortillas, or substitute for gluten-free wraps if needed. Warm before assembling.
- → What side dishes go well with these wraps?
Serve with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or crisp potato chips. Refreshing drinks like lemonade work well.
- → Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store in the fridge and assemble fresh when serving.