Pretzel Crusted Chicken: A Deliciously Crunchy Recipe for Dinner

Pretzel Crusted Chicken is a delightful twist on a classic dish that brings together the savory crunch of pretzels and the juicy tenderness of chicken. This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a fun and unique way to enjoy a family favorite. The origins of pretzel-crusted dishes can be traced back to German cuisine, where pretzels are a beloved staple. Over the years, this dish has gained popularity for its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

People love Pretzel Crusted Chicken for its satisfying crunch and the way it elevates a simple chicken breast into something extraordinary. The salty, buttery pretzel coating adds a delightful contrast to the moist chicken, creating a dish that is both comforting and exciting. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup crushed pretzels (about 2 cups whole pretzels)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Preparing the Chicken

1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and get that perfect crispy crust. 2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. 3. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Breading Station

4. **Set Up Your Breading Station**: You’ll need three shallow dishes for the breading process. In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined. In the third dish, place the crushed pretzels. 5. **Crush the Pretzels**: If you haven’t done this yet, place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or your hands until they resemble coarse crumbs. You want some larger pieces for texture, but they should be mostly crushed.

Breading the Chicken

6. **Dredge the Chicken**: Take one chicken breast and dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour. 7. **Dip in Egg Mixture**: Next, dip the floured chicken breast into the egg and mustard mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. 8. **Coat with Pretzels**: Finally, press the chicken breast into the crushed pretzels, ensuring it’s fully coated. You can gently press down to help the pretzels stick. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.

Cooking the Chicken

9. **Prepare the Baking Sheet**: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier. 10. **Arrange the Chicken**: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart to allow for even cooking. 11. **Add Cheese (Optional)**: If you’re a cheese lover like me, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of each chicken breast for an extra layer of flavor. 12. **Bake the Chicken**: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The pretzel crust should be golden brown and crispy.

Finishing Touches

13. **Check for Doneness**: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear and there’s no pink meat. 14. **Rest the Chicken**: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions

15. **Slice and Serve**: After resting, slice the chicken breasts into strips or serve them whole. The pretzel crust should be crunchy and delicious, providing a wonderful contrast to the tender chicken inside. 16. **Pair with Sides**: I love serving this pretzel-crusted chicken with a side of honey mustard dipping sauce, a fresh salad, or some roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes or a grain like quinoa for a heartier meal. 17. **Garnish**: For

Conclusion:

In summary, this Pretzel Crusted Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor. The combination of the salty pretzel crust and the juicy chicken creates a mouthwatering experience that is sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this dish with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness of the chicken. You can also experiment with variations by adding your favorite spices to the pretzel coating or serving it with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or ranch dressing. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this Pretzel Crusted Chicken a try and share your experience with me! I would love to hear how it turned out for you and any creative twists you added to the recipe. So roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite! Print