Protein-Packed, Pickle-Loaded & Recovery-Focused!
It’s Stanley Cup Final time, almost Father’s Day weekend, and the Oilers are the last Canadian team standing. If that’s not a reason to cheer—with your mouth full—I don’t know what is.
Whether you’re pacing the living room during a nail-biter or settling in for a family watch party, you’re going to need snacks. Big ones. With real staying power.
This week, I’m sharing one of my favourite no-cook, game-night recipes— Chicken & Pickle Platter!
It’s quick, it’s crave-worthy, and it’s made with Canadian-raised, Alberta Chicken (partner) —the perfect protein to power your plate while you cheer on our last Canadian hope for the Cup.
Why I Love It
This platter checks all the boxes. It’s loaded with lean chicken breast, crunchy veggies, and that salty, tangy dill pickle bite everyone loves. The real MVP? Nearly 30 grams of high-quality protein per serving—just what our bodies need after a workout, a long day, or perhaps even a stressful, cheerleading third period.
There’s also a hidden performance boost here: pickle juice. Yep—those two tablespoons in the dressing do more than add zing. They deliver a quick hit of sodium, helping replenish electrolytes lost during sweat or stress (or both lol). Some hockey athletes, especially those prone to heavy sweating, or muscle cramping, actually drink it on the bench! True story.
And let’s not forget the veggie crunch—red peppers, cucumbers, celery, red onion—bringing fibre, vitamin C, and potassium to help you stay hydrated, fight inflammation and stay fully satisfied.
It’s fun. It’s functional. And it’s officially a staple in our playoff playbook.
Game Night Chicken & Pickle Platter
A deliciously easy, high-protein chicken and pickle platter made for hockey nights, athlete recovery, and everything in between.
Ingredients
Makes 4 Servings
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup light mayonnaise (or use half plain Greek yogurt)
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- 3 Tbsp pickle juice
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup finely diced red onion
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- 3 Tbsp chopped fresh dill
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Directions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayo, Dijon, pickle juice, garlic powder, dill, and pepper.
- Fold in chicken, pickles, and all the veggies until coated.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving with crackers, lettuce cups, or mini bell peppers.
Watch Me Make It
This recipe will be featured LIVE on CTV Morning Live Edmonton tomorrow morning—so be sure to tune in! I’ll be demoing the platter and sharing tips on how to fuel like a fan and an athlete.
I’ll also be posting on-air photos, behind-the-scenes clips, and extra tips over on Instagram @GetJoyfull after the show. Come say hi!
Make It Yours
You can scoop it into pita pockets, pile it high on crackers, or spoon it over greens and grains for a full-on recovery bowl. It lasts up to three days in the fridge, making it perfect for game night spreads or post-practice lunches!
Go Oilers, go protein, and go team GetJoyfull.
Joyfully,
Emily
Emily Mardell is a Registered Dietitian, busy mama of three and proud Alberta foodie. Emily is passionate about quality ingredients and creating delicious, nourishing recipes that bring families together. Follow her on social media @GetJoyfull or GetJoyfull.com for nutrition advice and tips to grow food joy and fill up on family time.
Disclaimer: This post was created in partnership with Alberta Chicken Producers. Special thanks to ACP for their ongoing support to Food Banks Alberta and community food security during the holidays and beyond. From this Dietitian Mama, and local food banks province-wide, thank you farmers!