### Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Recipe

#### Description
Enjoy a delightful twist on classic chicken with this Pretzel-Crusted Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, seasoned to perfection, and baked until golden brown. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

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#### 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

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#### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
3. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. **Set Up Your Breading Station**: In three shallow dishes, place flour in the first, whisk eggs and Dijon mustard in the second, and crushed pretzels in the third.
5. **Crush the Pretzels**: If not done, crush pretzels in a zip-top bag until they resemble coarse crumbs.
6. **Dredge the Chicken**: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, shaking off excess.
7. **Dip in Egg Mixture**: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and mustard mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
8. **Coat with Pretzels**: Press the chicken into the crushed pretzels, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat for all chicken breasts.
9. **Prepare the Baking Sheet**: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
10. **Arrange the Chicken**: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart.
11. **Add Cheese (Optional)**: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of each chicken breast if desired.
12. **Bake the Chicken**: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
13. **Check for Doneness**: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature or cut into the thickest part to ensure juices run clear.
14. **Rest the Chicken**: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
15. **Slice and Serve**: Slice the chicken into strips or serve whole. Enjoy the crunchy pretzel crust with tender chicken inside.
16. **Pair with Sides**: Serve with honey mustard dipping sauce, fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
17. **Garnish**: Optionally garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese before serving.

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#### Notes
– For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the Dijon mustard for a few hours before breading.
– You can customize the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs or spices you enjoy.
– This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it versatile for any meal.

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#### Prep Time
15 minutes

#### Cook Time
25 minutes

#### Total Time
40 minutes

#### Yield
4 servings