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Here are the key ingredients you need for pretzel crusted chicken. Each item brings unique flavor and texture. - 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup pretzel nuggets or sticks, crushed into fine crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Salt to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients work together to create a crunchy and tasty dish. The pretzels add a great crunch, while the spices give it flavor. The honey drizzle at the end adds a sweet touch. You can find most of these items at your local grocery store. Choose fresh chicken and good-quality pretzels for the best taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet. Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps with easy cleanup later. 2. Tenderizing chicken breasts. Take your chicken breasts and place them between plastic wrap. Use a meat mallet to gently pound each breast. This makes them cook evenly and keeps them juicy. 3. Bread the chicken in the order of flour, egg, and pretzels. Set up three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with Dijon mustard. In the last dish, pour in the crushed pretzel crumbs. Start by coating each chicken breast in the flour mix, then dip it in the egg mix. Finally, press it into the pretzel crumbs until fully covered. 1. Bake until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over each piece. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The coating should look golden brown and crispy. 2. Drizzle with honey before serving. Once baked, take the chicken out of the oven. Drizzle honey over the top of each piece. This adds a sweet touch that balances the salty pretzel crust. 3. Garnish with chopped parsley. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top. This not only looks nice but adds fresh flavor. To ensure even cooking, start by gently pounding each chicken breast with a meat mallet. This step helps the chicken cook uniformly. Aim for a thickness of about one inch. Bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Keep a meat thermometer handy. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Look for a golden brown coating. For a rustic look, serve the pretzel crusted chicken on a wooden board. Add a small dish of honey for drizzling. This adds a nice touch to the dish. Pair your chicken with a fresh side salad. A light salad balances the crunch of the chicken. Dipping sauces, like honey mustard or ranch, complement the flavors well. Pro Tips Crushing Pretzels: For the best texture, use a food processor to crush the pretzels into fine crumbs. This ensures an even coating and maximizes crunchiness. Egg Mixture Variations: Experiment with adding a splash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to your egg mixture for an extra flavor kick. This adds depth to the chicken's taste. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken moist and tender when sliced. Serving Suggestions: Pair the pretzel crusted chicken with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or a zesty ranch dressing to enhance the overall flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can try different pretzel types for your chicken. Think about using flavored pretzels like cheddar or spicy mustard. This adds a fun twist to your dish. If you need a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free pretzels. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour as a substitute for regular flour. This way, everyone can enjoy the crispy goodness. Adding spices can really boost the taste of your pretzel crusted chicken. Try using smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also add nice flavors. If you want some sweetness, switch out the honey for maple syrup or agave nectar. Each choice makes a unique dish that you will love. To keep your Pretzel Crusted Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down before you seal it. If you do this right, it can last up to four days in the fridge. Keep an eye on any changes in smell or texture as well. If it looks or smells off, it's best to throw it out. To reheat the chicken and keep it crispy, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help restore the crunch. You can also use an air fryer for the same time and temperature for a crispier result. If you plan to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To check if chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink. Yes, you can use pork or turkey. Both work well with pretzel crusts. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. Pork should also reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. This dish pairs great with fresh salads or vegetables. You might enjoy it with roasted potatoes or sweet potato fries. A simple honey mustard sauce also complements the chicken nicely. You can prep the chicken ahead of time. Bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours. Bake it right before serving. This keeps it fresh and crispy. This article covered how to make Pretzel Crusted Chicken. We went over the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and storage tips. You learned about cooking methods and serving ideas. In closing, this tasty dish is simple to make and fun to enjoy. With a few tweaks, you can make it your own. Try it out tonight and delight your taste buds!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Crispy chicken breasts coated in pretzel crumbs for a delicious twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pretzel nuggets or sticks, crushed into fine crumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • to taste salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey (for drizzling)
  • to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat to facilitate easy cleanup later on.
  • In a shallow dish, pour in the crushed pretzel crumbs. In a separate shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. In a third dish, whisk the eggs and Dijon mustard together until they are well blended.
  • To ensure even cooking, gently pound each chicken breast with a meat mallet to tenderize them slightly.
  • Begin the breading process: first, coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully covered. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, followed by pressing it firmly into the crushed pretzels until thoroughly coated and crispy.
  • Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over each piece to promote browning and enhance crispiness during baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the coating is golden brown and crisp to the touch.
  • For a delightful touch, drizzle a bit of honey over the tops of the chicken just before serving to add a hint of sweetness.
  • Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes post-baking before slicing into it. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with honey for drizzling and a side salad for a complete meal.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, pretzel