Fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food. In its most perfect form, it's hot, juicy, tender, and has a perfectly crisp, well-seasoned, non-greasy crust. But one special ingredient can take this classic dish to a new level.

There’s plenty of room for cooks to put their own spin on the dish, and one ingredient in particular will make your fried chicken irresistible. Pickle juice! Adding a splash of pickle juice to a fried chicken brine can help infuse the meat with a salty, sour flavor.

Just a splash of pickle juice in a fried chicken brine can help infuse the poultry with a rich, tangy flavor. Burger chef Chris Kronner makes a brine of equal parts pickle juice and buttermilk, while “Food & Wine” uses buttermilk, hot sauce, and salt with their dill pickle brine.