Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is the perfect comfort food with a twist. The crunchy pretzel coating adds a salty, satisfying crunch, while the creamy honey mustard sauce balances it out with tangy sweetness. Ideal for a fun dinner or sliced into a wrap for lunch!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pretzels and honey mustard creates a unique taste that everyone loves.
• Crispy Texture: The pretzel crust gives you an incredible crunch that makes each bite satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a dinner option or slice it into wraps for a tasty lunch.
• Quick to Prepare: You can have this meal ready in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun twist on chicken.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your essential tools to make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Heavy-based frying pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Makes crushing pretzels quick and easy for the perfect texture.
• Shallow dishes: Ideal for breading chicken, allowing easy access when dredging in flour, eggs, and pretzels.
• Heavy-based frying pan: Provides even heat distribution for frying the chicken to golden perfection.

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• 5 tbsp full-fat mayonnaise
• 3 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp classic yellow mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/8 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder

For the Chicken:

• 100g / 3.5 oz pretzels
• 2 chicken breasts (250g / 9 oz each)
• 35g / 1/4 cup plain flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tsp paprika
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 180ml / 3/4 cup vegetable oil (or as needed)
• Flaky sea salt, to serve
• Finely diced fresh chives, to serve

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How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Adjust the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess to your taste. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Crush the Pretzels

Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse to a coarse crumb. Alternatively, use a zip-lock bag and rolling pin to crush them manually.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes:
1. Fill one with flour.
2. In another, place beaten eggs.
3. In the third dish, add crushed pretzels.

In a small bowl, mix together paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Divide this spice mix—half goes into the flour and half into the crushed pretzels.

Step 4: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Horizontally slice each chicken breast to create four even-sized cutlets. Dredge each cutlet in flour first; then dip in egg before coating thoroughly in the pretzel mixture. Press down firmly to ensure the pretzels stick well.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

Add enough oil to a heavy-based pan to coat the bottom and heat over medium until it reaches about 180°C / 350°F. A breadcrumb should sizzle upon contact with the oil.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Cutlets

Fry two cutlets at a time for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a wire rack once done. Add more oil if necessary before frying remaining cutlets.

Step 7: Serve

Serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh chives on top. Enjoy your Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce either drizzled over or served on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or lunch, these suggestions will elevate your meal and impress your guests.

As a Main Course

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
• Pair with coleslaw for a crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken.

In a Wrap

• Slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with greens, tomatoes, and the honey mustard sauce.
• Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra flavor.

On a Platter

• Arrange cutlets on a platter with dipping bowls of honey mustard sauce.
• Garnish with fresh chives for color and taste.

With Dipping Options

• Offer additional sauces like barbecue or ranch as fun alternatives.
• Provide pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

To ensure your Pretzel Crusted Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips. They will help you achieve that crispy texture and delicious flavor.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and spices enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Crush pretzels finely: A mix of coarse and fine crumbs gives the chicken better adhesion and crunch.
• Heat the oil properly: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to avoid greasy cutlets.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy results.
• Allow resting time: Let the chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain its crispiness.
• Customize spice levels: Adjust cayenne pepper according to your heat preference for personalized flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

The right side dishes complement Pretzel Crusted Chicken beautifully. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside this tasty main dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and richness.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrition.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken flavors.
4. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing gives a refreshing crunch that pairs well.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and complements the pretzel crust nicely.
6. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a flavorful side that enhances this American comfort food experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using fine pretzel crumbs: Coarse pretzel crumbs provide better texture and crunch. Use a food processor or crush them with a rolling pin to achieve the right consistency.
• Skipping the spice mix: Not seasoning the flour and pretzels can lead to bland chicken. Ensure you mix half of your spices into each component for balanced flavor.
• Frying at too low a temperature: Cooking at low heat can result in greasy chicken. Make sure the oil is hot enough (180°C / 350°F) before frying for crispy results.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature. Cook in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Not letting cutlets rest: Placing hot chicken directly on a plate can steam it, making it soggy. Allow fried cutlets to rest on a wire rack for optimal crunch.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Wrap each cutlet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 190°C (375°F). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This may soften the coating, so use this method only if necessary.
• Stovetop: Add a little oil to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until warmed through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?

You can add different spices or herbs to the pretzel coating, such as Italian seasoning or cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Can I use other types of mustard in the sauce?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different mustards like whole grain or spicy brown mustard for unique flavors.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it great for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

How do I serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?

Serve hot as an entrée, slice it into wraps, or pair it with salads and sides like wedges for a complete meal.

What should I do if my chicken isn’t crispy?

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can make the coating soggy.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that will please any palate. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it as a main dish or inside wraps for lunch. Feel free to customize the spices and sauces to suit your taste preferences!

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