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Delicious Pretzel Chicken, a crispy and flavorful dish, is showcased as the article's featured image.

Perfect Pretzel Chicken

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy and flavorful meal by coating it in crushed pretzels. With a sticky egg and mustard base and a high-temperature cooking method, this dish is easy to make and satisfying for the whole family. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, about ½ inch thick
  • 2 cups hard pretzels, lightly salted or unsalted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard or mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray

Equipment

  • Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin
  • Three shallow dishes
  • Baking sheet or air fryer
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • whisk
  • Pounder (if using chicken breasts)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Pretzels: Crush the pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a resealable bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow dish.
  2. Set up the Breading Station: Place the flour in a second shallow dish. In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard (or mayonnaise). Season with garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about ½ inch. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the pretzel crumbs, making sure the crumbs adhere to all sides.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Baking: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Place the breaded chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzel coating is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Cook the Chicken: Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzel coating is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce.

Notes

For extra crispy chicken, use an air fryer. Baking is a healthier option, but may not be as crispy. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Choose lightly salted or unsalted pretzels to control the saltiness of the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispness.