Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers the perfect balance of crispy and juicy, with the rich saltiness of pretzels complementing the tender chicken. The creamy mustard sauce adds a tangy punch, making this dish irresistible. It’s quick to make (ready in 30 minutes!), versatile, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied or pounded to even thickness)
1 cup pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 eggs
1 tablespoon flour
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (divided)
1/2 cup canola oil (for frying)
1 tablespoon za’atar (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the creamy mustard sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
1 tablespoon pickle juice
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 tablespoon dill

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the creamy mustard sauce: Mix mayo, honey, Dijon, whole grain mustard, pickle juice, horseradish, and dill in a bowl until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate.
Prep the chicken: Butterfly or pound chicken breasts to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
Prepare the breading: Whisk eggs, flour, hot sauce, and Dijon in one bowl. In another shallow dish, combine pretzel crumbs, panko, za’atar, sesame seeds, salt, and pepper.
Bread the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the pretzel-panko mixture.
Fry the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain and serve: Place chicken on paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and serve with creamy mustard sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: Add more hot sauce or chili flakes to the breading for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free alternative.
Sauce options: Try a honey mustard or BBQ sauce in place of the creamy mustard sauce for different flavors.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until crispy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken tenders will work great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time, as they will cook faster.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through. For crispiness, consider spraying the chicken with a little cooking spray before baking.

How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

Using a thermometer, ensure the oil reaches 350°F for perfectly crispy chicken.

Can I make the creamy mustard sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the mustard sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge.

What should I serve with pretzel crusted chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, green beans, a simple salad, or even in a sandwich with slaw.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare and bread the chicken in advance, then store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko creates a lighter, crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute if needed.

How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Make sure the oil is at the right temperature and avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Let the oil return to temperature between batches.

Can I freeze the pretzel crusted chicken?

Yes, freeze the breaded chicken (before frying) on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Fry from frozen when ready.

What type of oil should I use for frying?

Canola oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil work best because they can withstand high temperatures without burning.

Conclusion

Pretzel crusted chicken is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. With its irresistible crunchy coating and creamy mustard sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether served on its own, over salad, or as a sandwich, it’s versatile, quick, and incredibly tasty!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken

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Author: Julia
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Pretzel Crusted Chicken combines a crunchy pretzel and panko coating with juicy chicken breasts, fried to golden perfection. Paired with a tangy, creamy mustard sauce, this dish is an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.