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- 2 large chicken breasts - 1 cup crushed pretzel nuggets or sticks - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 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) Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference. Start with two large chicken breasts. These will serve as our protein base. Next, we need one cup of crushed pretzel nuggets or sticks. They give our chicken that delightfully crunchy crust. Then, grab half a cup of all-purpose flour. This helps the coating stick. We can’t forget the seasonings! We’ll use one tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This adds a nice tang. One teaspoon of garlic powder gives it depth. Paprika adds warmth and rich color. You’ll also need half a teaspoon of black pepper and some salt to taste. For optional garnishes, have olive oil on hand. It helps with browning. A drizzle of honey brings out the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color on top. Now you're ready to create a crispy meal everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. 2. Tenderizing the chicken breasts Take the large chicken breasts and gently pound them with a meat mallet. This helps cook them evenly and keeps them juicy. 1. Dredging in flour mixture In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Take one chicken breast and coat it in this flour mixture. Make sure to cover all sides well. 2. Dipping in egg mixture In another dish, whisk two eggs with Dijon mustard. Dip the floured chicken in this mixture. Let any extra egg drip off. 3. Pressing into pretzel crumbs Place crushed pretzel nuggets or sticks in a third shallow dish. Roll the chicken in the pretzel crumbs until fully coated. Press gently to make them stick. 1. Baking time and temperature Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top. Bake in the oven for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and the crust golden brown. 2. Tips for achieving crispiness Drizzle a little olive oil to help with browning. For extra crispiness, turn on the broiler for the last few minutes. Just watch closely to avoid burning! To make sure your chicken cooks evenly, tenderize it first. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken breasts gently. This step helps them cook well and stay juicy. For a crispy crust, here are some tips. First, coat the chicken well with the flour before the egg. Then, press it firmly into the crushed pretzels. This helps the crust stick better. Drizzle olive oil on top before baking. It adds flavor and promotes crispiness. Want to boost the taste? Try adding more seasonings. You can mix in some onion powder or smoked paprika for a twist. Another great idea is to add some cayenne pepper for heat. For sauces, consider honey mustard or a tangy barbecue sauce. You can serve these on the side or drizzle them on top. They add a nice touch to the dish. When handling raw chicken, keep safety in mind. Always wash your hands and tools after touching it. Use separate cutting boards for chicken and other foods to avoid cross-contamination. After cooking, let the chicken cool down for a bit. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to three months. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality pretzels for the best flavor and texture. Perfecting the Coating: Make sure to press the chicken into the crushed pretzels firmly to ensure an even and thick coating. Resting Time: Allow the chicken to rest after baking; this helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the pretzel coating for an extra burst of flavor, such as dried thyme or cayenne pepper. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in this recipe. Turkey or pork can work well. Just make sure they are cut to a similar size as chicken breasts. This keeps your cooking time the same. For a vegetarian option, try using eggplant or tofu. Slice them thick enough to hold up to the crust. Both options give a great texture and flavor. Get creative with spices! You can add cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Try mixing in some onion powder or smoked paprika for deeper flavor. Another fun idea is to add cheese to the crust. Grated Parmesan or cheddar can give a rich taste. Just mix the cheese in with the crushed pretzels before coating the chicken. This chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Crispy roasted potatoes or a fresh salad work nicely. You can also serve it with steamed veggies for a healthy touch. For plating, slice the chicken and arrange it on a colorful plate. Drizzle some honey on top and sprinkle parsley for a pop of color. This makes the dish look as good as it tastes! After enjoying your pretzel crusted chicken, store any leftovers. Use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep the chicken fresh. Refrigeration is the best option for short-term storage. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to store it longer, freezing is a good choice. Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. This way, it can last up to three months. To enjoy your chicken again, reheating properly is key. For oven reheating, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This method keeps the coating crispy. If you need a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 1-2 minutes. Check that the chicken is hot in the middle. Note that the crust may not stay as crispy in the microwave. How long can you store this chicken? In the refrigerator, it lasts for three days. In the freezer, it can stay fresh for three months. Watch for signs of spoilage. If the chicken has an off smell or changes color, it’s best to throw it away. Always prioritize food safety. To make the chicken extra crispy, follow these tips: - Use olive oil. Drizzle it over the chicken before baking. - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the crust become crunchy. - Bake on parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and helps with even cooking. - Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. Leave space around each piece for good air flow. Baking at a high temperature helps the crust turn golden. If you want an even crispier result, you can broil the chicken for the last few minutes. This adds more crunch without overcooking the meat. Yes, you can! Here are some fun options: - Use pretzel sticks, nuggets, or even pretzel chips. Each brings a different crunch. - Try flavored pretzels, like cheese or spicy varieties. This adds a new taste to your chicken. - If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pretzels. They work well too. Feel free to mix and match pretzel types for added texture and flavor! Here are some great side dishes to pair with your pretzel crusted chicken: - French fries: A classic choice that kids love. - Coleslaw: The crunch and creaminess balance the chicken's texture. - Steamed vegetables: Broccoli or green beans add color and nutrients. - Mac and cheese: Creamy and cheesy, this satisfies any comfort food craving. - Potato salad: A nice cold side that works well for gatherings. These sides complement the flavors of the chicken and make your meal complete! In this blog post, we explored the steps to make pretzel-crusted chicken. We covered the key ingredients, essential seasonings, and optional garnishes. I shared clear cooking instructions, tips for a crispy finish, and even some flavorful variations. Remember, you can use different proteins or add your own spices. Don't forget to store leftovers properly and reheat them to keep that crunch. With these tips, you can create a tasty dish that your family will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress everyone with your new skills!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken

A delicious chicken dish coated with crushed pretzels for a crispy texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pretzel nuggets or sticks, crushed
  • 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  • In a shallow dish, place the crushed pretzels. In another shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. In a third dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until combined.
  • Take each chicken breast and tenderize it slightly with a meat mallet to ensure even cooking.
  • Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally press it into the crushed pretzels until fully coated.
  • Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help with browning and crispiness.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
  • If desired, drizzle a little honey over the top for added sweetness just before serving.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Drizzle with honey for added sweetness before serving.
Keyword baked, chicken, crispy, pretzel