Why Make This Recipe
Pretzel Crusted Chicken is not just any ordinary chicken dish. The crispy pretzel crust gives each bite a delightful crunch, making it a fun and tasty dinner option. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can make a regular weeknight feel special. Serve it with a creamy cheddar sauce for an extra layer of flavor that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8-10 oz each)
- 4 oz salted pretzels
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg
- Neutral oil for frying
- Fresh parsley for serving
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour (for sauce)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Directions
- Butterfly each chicken breast to make 4 thinner pieces. Flatten between plastic wrap.
- Crush pretzels in a food processor until crumbly.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Place crushed pretzels in a third dish.
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Dip each chicken piece in flour mixture, then egg, then pretzel crumbs.
- Fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Keep cooked chicken warm in an oven.
- For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour, then milk, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and season to taste.
- Serve chicken with warm mustard cheddar sauce and garnish with parsley.
How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken
You can serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken on a plate with the creamy mustard cheddar sauce drizzled over the top. Add a side of fresh veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad to complete the meal. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color.
How to Store Pretzel Crusted Chicken
If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven or heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying to get a crispy coating.
- You can use different types of cheese for the sauce, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for a twist.
- If you want, you can bake the chicken instead of frying. Just coat the chicken and place it on a baking sheet. Spray it with oil and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
Variation
For a bit of a kick, try adding some cayenne pepper to the pretzel coating or serve the chicken with spicy dipping sauces. You can also substitute the chicken with fish fillets for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken! Coat it as directed, then place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this.
3. Can I freeze Pretzel Crusted Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Pretzel Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8-10 oz each) Butterflied and flattened
- 4 oz salted pretzels Crushed
- 1/4 cup flour For coating
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 piece egg Whisked
- as needed Neutral oil For frying
- Fresh parsley for serving Chopped
For the Mustard Cheddar Sauce
- 1 tablespoon butter For high heat
- 1 tablespoon flour For thickening
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Butterfly each chicken breast to make 4 thinner pieces. Flatten between plastic wrap.
- Crush pretzels in a food processor until crumbly.
- In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg.
- Place crushed pretzels in a third dish.
Frying
- Heat neutral oil in a skillet to 350°F.
- Dip each chicken piece in the flour mixture, then egg, then pretzel crumbs.
- Fry in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until cooked through.
- Keep cooked chicken warm in an oven.
Mustard Cheddar Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then milk, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and season to taste.
Serving
- Serve chicken with warm mustard cheddar sauce and garnish with parsley.