Description
Transform boring chicken breasts into a crunchy, flavor-packed main dish with this Pretzel-Crusted Chicken served with a tangy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.25–1.5 lb total), pounded to 3/4–1/2 inch thickness
- 2 cups pretzel pieces (about 6 oz), crushed to coarse crumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra loft)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan (optional, for umami)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt (adjust as needed)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp whole milk or water
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Olive oil spray or 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Pound chicken to an even thickness and dry with paper towels.
- Crush pretzels in a zip-top bag or with a food processor until they are coarse crumbs.
- Set up a dredging station with flour (optional), beaten eggs with milk and Dijon, and the pretzel mixture.
- Dust chicken in flour (if using), dip in egg wash, and press into the pretzel mixture to coat.
- For a thicker crust, repeat the egg wash and pressing process.
- Chill coated chicken in the fridge for 10–15 minutes to help the crust set.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C) or air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- For oven: Bake for 18–22 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160–165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- For air fryer: Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce by warming milk/cream, whisking in Dijon, and slowly adding cheddar until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Slice chicken on the bias, serve with sauce either on top or in a ramekin for dipping, and garnish if desired.
Notes
Use low-sodium pretzels to reduce general sodium levels. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables and grains.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: chicken, pretzel crust, mustard sauce, weeknight dinner, kid-friendly