If there’s one thing Southern cooking is famous for, it’s comfort food packed with flavor and crunch. From golden fried chicken to tangy pickles on the side, these staples have been part of Southern kitchens for generations. But what happens when you combine them into one irresistible dish? Enter Southern-Style Dill Pickle Chicken Fritters—a recipe that’s crunchy, juicy, and brimming with that signature dill pickle tang.
Why Dill Pickles and Chicken Belong Together
In the South, fried chicken and dill pickles often share a plate. The salty, tangy flavor of pickles cuts through the richness of fried chicken, creating the perfect balance. By mixing dill pickle brine and chopped pickles right into chicken fritters, you get that bold, zesty flavor in every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes these fritters so special:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
1/2 cup dill pickle brine (from the jar)
2 eggs (for binding)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for melty goodness)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for structure and crunch)
1/4 cup diced onion (optional, for extra flavor)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil for authentic Southern crispiness)