Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken is a crispy, flavorful twist on classic breaded chicken. Coated in crunchy crushed pretzels and baked to golden perfection, it pairs beautifully with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a comforting meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (recipe below)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Prepare your breading station by placing the flour in one bowl, beating the eggs with Dijon mustard in another, and putting the crushed pretzels in a third bowl.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, then dip it in the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally press it firmly into the crushed pretzels until well coated.
5. Step 5: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, make the mustard-cheddar sauce by warming the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring to combine.
7. Step 7: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, then serve with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the crushed pretzels lightly before coating the chicken.
• Use spicy brown mustard in the egg wash for a tangier flavor.
• Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the pretzels for a subtle kick.
• You can swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack or gouda in the sauce to change up the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to preserve the crispiness, or microwave covered on low power if in a hurry. The sauce can be refrigerated separately for up to 2 days and reheated on the stove.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use pretzel crumbs instead of crushed pretzels?

Yes, pretzel crumbs work well, but for the best texture, coarsely crushed pretzels provide a crunchier coating.

Is it necessary to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Baking offers a healthier alternative while still achieving a crispy crust. If you prefer frying, you can shallow-fry the breaded chicken in oil until golden and cooked through, but watch the temperature closely to avoid burning the pretzels.

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 90 reviews

Pretzel Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy crushed pretzel crust, baked to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe combines savory spices and a unique pretzel coating for a delightful twist on baked chicken, perfect for a satisfying and comforting meal.

• Author: Nethan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Coating

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (prepared as detailed in instructions including Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance their natural flavor.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Set out three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with coarsely crushed pretzels. This setup will make breading the chicken easier and more organized.
4. Bread Chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, ensuring full coverage. Next, dip into the egg and mustard mixture, letting excess drip off so the coating adheres well. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels, making sure the pretzel crumbs stick well to form a crunchy crust.
5. Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
6. Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, heat milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through.
7. Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the warmed milk mixture, stirring consistently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
8. Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Serve each piece topped or accompanied by the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a deliciously tangy complement.

Notes

• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Coarse pretzel crumbs provide the best crunchy texture; pulse pretzels in a food processor if needed.
• Letting the chicken rest before serving helps keep it juicy.
• The mustard-cheddar sauce can be adjusted by varying the cheddar cheese sharpness to your liking.
• For extra crunch, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Keywords: pretzel chicken, baked chicken, mustard cheddar sauce, crunchy chicken, easy chicken recipes, comfort food