Add everyone’s favorite summer drink to the mix, and these Lemonade Pickle Brined Grilled Chicken Skewers become everything you want at a backyard cookout.

Sweet, tangy, garlicky, and packed with savory flavor, the chicken stays incredibly tender and juicy while the pickle slices develop smoky, charred edges on the grill. A leftover jar of pickle juice is already packed with flavor, but combining it with sweet lemonade and fresh garlic takes this pickle brined chicken to a whole new level.

A hand holds up a grilled chicken skewer loaded with juicy charred chicken thighs, dill pickle slices, and red onion. The pickle brined chicken is garnished with fresh dill and chives and served on a platter with lemon slices and a side of creamy ranch dipping sauce. In the background, grilled corn on the cob and a glass of lemonade create the perfect summer cookout scene.

And that’s before we even dip it into creamy ranch dressing or a spicy sriracha garlic aioli.

Ready to make your taste buds dance?

If you’ve ever heard of pickle-brined fried chicken, then you probably already know the secret: pickle juice makes chicken incredibly juicy. Naturally, I had to test that same trick on the grill.

Spoiler alert: it worked like a charm.

Chicken thighs soak up all the flavor from the pickle juice brine while staying tender and moist on the grill. The salt in the pickle juice helps the chicken retain moisture, making it nearly impossible to dry out.

And if you know me, I love giving food a fun name so my kids get excited about dinner before they even take a bite. Lemonade chicken with pickle pops? On a stick?

Sold.

Whether you’re planning a Fourth of July barbecue, a summer backyard gathering, or simply looking for a fun way to switch up chicken night, these grilled chicken skewers are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

A platter of lemonade pickle brined grilled chicken skewers topped with fresh dill and chives, layered with charred pickle slices and red onion. The juicy grilled chicken is served with lemon wedges, creamy ranch dipping sauce, and grilled corn on the cob for an easy summer barbecue meal.

Why You Will Love These Grilled Chicken Skewers

They Are Kid-Approved

Chicken on a stick already feels more exciting than regular grilled chicken. Add pickle “pops” in between the chicken pieces and suddenly dinner becomes a lot more fun.

The Chicken Stays Extra Juicy

If you’ve ever wondered why pickle brined chicken has such a cult following, the answer is simple. The salt and acidity in pickle juice help tenderize the meat while allowing it to retain moisture during cooking. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for grilling, frying, or skewering.

A Great Way to Use Leftover Pickle Juice

Instead of pouring that flavorful pickle juice down the drain, turn it into the secret ingredient for the juiciest grilled chicken skewer.

The Marinade Is Incredibly Simple

Just pickle juice, lemonade, and garlic. Three ingredients that work together to create a sweet, tangy, savory flavor that’s perfect for summer grilling.

Perfect for Summer Entertaining

These pickle brined grilled chicken skewers are easy to prep ahead, quick to cook, and always disappear fast at cookouts, potlucks, and family gatherings.

Ingredients for lemonade pickle brined chicken skewers displayed on a countertop, including chicken thighs, a jar of pickle juice, lemonade, and minced garlic. The simple four-ingredient marinade creates juicy, flavorful grilled chicken perfect for summer cookouts and backyard barbecues.

How to Make Pickle Brined Grilled Chicken Skewers

Whisk together leftover pickle juice, lemonade, and minced garlic to create a sweet, tangy brine.
Toss the chicken cubes in the marinade and let them soak up all that flavor for at least 30 minutes.
Once done marinating, drain the chicken and place it on a paper towel to remove extra moisture.
On skewers, alternate chicken, pickle slices, chicken, red onion, and repeat until each skewer is filled.
Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Remove the skewers from the grill as soon as the chicken is done to avoid overcooking the chicken and pickles.

The combination of juicy pickle brined chicken thighs, smoky grilled pickles, sweet lemonade, and savory garlic tastes like summer on a stick. Add a creamy dipping sauce and you’ve got a recipe that’s equal parts nostalgic, unexpected, and downright delicious.

So the next time you’re staring at a nearly empty pickle jar, don’t pour that liquid gold down the drain. Turn it into these Lemonade Pickle Brined Grilled Chicken Skewers instead. Your summer cookouts will thank you.

Get the recipe:Pickle Brined Grilled Chicken Skewers (Juicy Every Time)

Yield: 8
These pickle brined grilled chicken skewers are juicy, tangy, garlicky, and perfect for summer grilling. Made with leftover pickle juice, lemonade, garlic, chicken thighs, pickle slices, and red onion, they are fun, flavorful, and perfect for summer cookouts.
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Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1–2 inch cubes
  • 16 oz jar of leftover pickle juice, roughly 1 cup
  • ½ cup lemonade
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced, about 2 tbsp
  • ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 jar Pickle slices
  • 1/2 Red onion, cut into chunks
  • Fresh dill, finely chopped, for garnish
  • Fresh chives, finely chopped, for garnish
  • Ranch dressing or sriracha garlic aioli, for serving

Instructions 

  • Cut the chicken thighs into 1–2 inch cubes.
  • In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine pickle juice, lemonade, minced garlic, and salt.
  • Add the chicken to the marinade and make sure it is fully submerged. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a paper towel. Pat off excess liquid.
  • Using 16-inch skewers, alternate chicken, 2–3 pickle slices, chicken, red onion, and repeat until each skewer is filled.
  • Place assembled skewers on a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
  • Preheat the grill to 400°F.
  • Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Remove the skewers from the grill as soon as the chicken reaches 165°F to avoid overcooking the chicken and pickles.
  • Sprinkle with finely chopped dill and chives. Serve with ranch dressing or sriracha garlic aioli.

The Nutrition Facts above are specific to the ingredients I chose to use for this recipe, which may vary.

Author: Shuang Shuang Liang
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American