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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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Sauce:
• For the Chicken:
• For Garnish
• How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare Pretzel Crumbs
• Step 3: Set Up Breading Station
• Step 4: Slice Chicken Breasts
• Step 5: Bread Chicken Cutlets
• Step 6: Fry Chicken Cutlets
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• For a Classic Dinner
• In a Wrap
• As an Appetizer
• How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I bake Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?
• How do I customize the honey mustard sauce?
• What sides pair well with Pretzel Crusted Chicken?
• Can I use different meats instead of chicken?
• How do I store leftovers properly?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Pretzel Crusted Chicken, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or zip-lock bag
• Three shallow dishes
• Heavy-based frying pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly turns pretzels into crumbs for easy coating.
• Shallow dishes: Help in organizing the breading station for efficient dredging.
• Heavy-based frying pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents the oil from cooling too quickly.

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)

For Garnish

• 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 Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Mix well until smooth. Adjust sweetness and tanginess to your liking. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Prepare Pretzel Crumbs

Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse until you achieve coarse crumbs. Alternatively, put pretzels in a zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes:
1. One with plain flour.
2. One with beaten eggs.
3. One with crushed pretzels mixed with half of the spice blend (paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne).

Step 4: Slice Chicken Breasts

Horizontally slice each chicken breast to create four even-sized cutlets.

Step 5: Bread Chicken Cutlets

Dredge each cutlet in flour first. Then dip them in beaten egg and coat thoroughly in the pretzel mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Cutlets

Add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom of a heavy-based pan and heat over medium until it reaches about 180°C / 350°F. A breadcrumb should sizzle on contact. Fry two cutlets at a time for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack.

Step 7: Serve

Sprinkle hot cutlets with flaky sea salt and fresh chives before serving. Enjoy with honey mustard sauce drizzled over or served on the side for dipping!

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Serving Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce can elevate your meal experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

For a Classic Dinner

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great comfort food that complements the crunch of the chicken.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans add a fresh touch to your plate.
• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad provides a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.

In a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps: Slice the chicken and wrap it in tortillas with lettuce, tomatoes, and the honey mustard sauce for a delicious lunch option.
• Pita Bread: Use pita bread for a Mediterranean twist; add some cucumber and feta cheese for extra flavor.

As an Appetizer

• Chicken Bites: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks alongside the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
• Sliders: Make mini sliders using small buns and top with coleslaw for added crunch.

How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Perfecting your Pretzel Crusted Chicken involves attention to detail. With these tips, you’ll achieve that crunchy texture and juicy flavor every time.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken breasts and high-quality pretzels for the best taste.
• Crush Pretzels Properly: Aim for a mix of coarse and fine crumbs to create a varied texture that clings well to the chicken.
• Heat Oil Correctly: Ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying—test with a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower oil temperature, leading to soggy coatings. Fry in batches instead.
• Let it Rest: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack. This helps maintain its crispiness.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to customize your spice mix by adding other dried herbs or spices according to your taste preference.

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Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pairing sides with your Pretzel Crusted Chicken enhances its flavors. Here are some excellent side dishes that work wonderfully together.

1. Crispy French Fries: Golden fries offer a satisfying crunch alongside the chicken’s texture—perfect for dipping in honey mustard!
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a slightly bitter contrast that complements the sweetness of the sauce beautifully.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is fun to eat, making it a family favorite.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a nutritious complement that’s also filling.
6. Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor pairs well and makes every meal feel like an occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the spice mix: Not using the spice mix in both the flour and pretzels can lead to bland chicken. Make sure to divide it evenly for full flavor.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many cutlets at once will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep them crispy.
• Not pressing the pretzels: Failing to press the crushed pretzels onto the chicken means they won’t stick well. Ensure you press them firmly for a better coating.
• Using stale pretzels: Old or stale pretzels won’t provide that desired crunch. Use fresh pretzels for the best texture.
• Neglecting to adjust sauce ingredients: If you don’t taste and adjust your honey mustard sauce, it may not be balanced. Taste and tweak sweetness and tanginess before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pretzel chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep the honey mustard sauce in a separate container for freshness.

Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Wrap individual cutlets in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes; check frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until warmed up and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?

Baking is possible but may result in a less crispy texture. For best results, shallow fry as indicated in the recipe.

How do I customize the honey mustard sauce?

You can add ingredients like sriracha for heat or lemon juice for extra tang. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

What sides pair well with Pretzel Crusted Chicken?

This dish goes great with salads, potato wedges, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it sliced in wraps for lunch.

Can I use different meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This pretzel crust works well with pork chops or turkey breasts as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The honey mustard sauce should be stored separately.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is not just a delightful dish; it’s versatile enough for any meal! Whether served hot for dinner or cold in a wrap for lunch, this recipe is easy to customize. Don’t hesitate to try different spices or sauces—it’s all about making it your own!