Chaikin was born in Santa Monica, California. She has known she wanted to be an actress since she was 11. In 2009, Chaikin got the role of Veronica in the film, The Consultants, released 4 December 2010 (USA).Chaikin then starred alongside Miley Cyrus in the Nicholas Sparks' film adaptation of The Last Song, initially released in the U.S. on March 31, 2010. She played the role of Blaze, the antagonist of the film who is a rebel that stirs up trouble for Ronnie, played by Cyrus.Chaikin appeared in the independent film My Uncle Rafael starring John Michael Higgins. She is also starring in the sitcom Suburgatory alongside Jeremy Sisto and Cheryl Hines.Chaikin is Jewish.