Description
This Pretzel Crusted Chicken recipe features tender chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful pretzel crust, baked to golden perfection. Paired with a tangy honey mustard sauce, it's a delicious and easy-to-make meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Coating
- 3 cups pretzels (tiny twists recommended)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 large egg
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon honey
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast or chicken tenders
For Baking
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter (melted)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter. Set aside.
- Make Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, and cayenne pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Crush Pretzels: Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed. Alternatively, put pretzels in a plastic bag and crush using a rolling pin until finely broken. Pour into a shallow dish.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In another shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix well and set aside.
- Prepare Egg Dip: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Prepare Chicken: If using chicken breasts, slice each breast into cutlets by cutting in half lengthwise and pounding to even thickness if needed. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dip into the egg mixture completely covering each piece. Finally, coat thoroughly with the crushed pretzels, pressing gently if needed to adhere the coating.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches (5 cm) apart to allow even cooking. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the chicken.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack for 15-16 minutes if using tenders, or 16-18 minutes for thicker chicken breasts. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove chicken from oven and serve warm with the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Using tiny twist pretzels ensures a finer crust and better adherence.
- For extra crispy crust, drizzle melted butter before baking; do not skip this step.
- Ensure chicken is patted dry for better coating adherence.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Can be paired with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American