Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is a delightful twist on comfort food. The crunchy pretzel coating delivers a satisfying crunch, while the creamy honey mustard sauce adds a perfect balance of tangy sweetness. This dish is perfect for a fun dinner or can be sliced into wraps for a delicious lunch!
Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
This dish offers several appealing features that will surely win your heart.
- Flavorful Crunch: The pretzel crust provides an irresistible crunch that pairs perfectly with tender chicken.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a dinner centerpiece or slice it up for wraps and sandwiches.
- Quick Preparation: With just 25 minutes of prep time, this recipe fits easily into any busy schedule.
- Customizable Sauce: Adjust the honey mustard sauce to suit your taste—more tangy or sweeter as you prefer!
- Family-Friendly Meal: Kids and adults alike will love this flavorful chicken, making it a hit at family dinners.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this dish is easy when you have the right tools at hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Heavy-based pan
- Three shallow dishes
- Mixing bowl
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: Quickly transforms pretzels into coarse crumbs for the perfect crust.
- Heavy-based pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking while frying.
- Wire rack: Allows excess oil to drain off, keeping the chicken crispy.
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
How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine all sauce ingredients. Adjust sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess to your liking. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Pretzel Coating
Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse until they become coarse crumbs. Alternatively, crush them using a zip-lock bag and rolling pin.
Step 3: Set Up Dredging Stations
Set up three shallow dishes:
1. Fill one with flour.
2. In another, place beaten eggs.
3. In the third dish, add crushed pretzels mixed with half of the spice mix (paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne).
Step 4: Prepare Chicken Cutlets
Horizontally slice each chicken breast into four even cutlets.
Step 5: Dredge Chicken Cutlets
Dredge each cutlet in flour first, then dip it in egg before coating thoroughly in pretzel mixture. Press down to ensure the coating sticks well.
Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying
Add enough oil to coat the bottom of a heavy-based pan over medium heat until it reaches 180°C / 350°F. You can test by dropping in breadcrumbs; they should sizzle immediately.
Step 7: Fry the Cutlets
Fry two cutlets at a time for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a wire rack after frying. Reheat oil as necessary before continuing with remaining cutlets.
Step 8: Serve Your Dish
Serve hot with flaky sea salt and fresh chives sprinkled on top. Pair with honey mustard sauce drizzled over or served on the side for dipping.
This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce will soon become one of your go-to recipes! Enjoy!
How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
Serving Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce can elevate any meal, making it both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish.
As a Main Course
- Serve it hot as the star of your dinner plate, garnished with fresh chives and flaky sea salt for added flavor.
In a Wrap
- Slice the chicken and place it in a wrap with fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes for a quick, tasty lunch option.
On a Salad
- Top a bed of mixed greens with sliced pretzel crusted chicken for a crunchy, satisfying salad that pairs perfectly with the honey mustard sauce.
With Dipping Sauce
- Serve the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping, allowing guests to control the flavor intensity as they enjoy each bite.
For Game Day
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve as finger food during events or parties alongside the honey mustard sauce for dipping.
How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
Perfecting your Pretzel Crusted Chicken is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some essential tips for achieving crispy, juicy results every time.
- Use Coarse Pretzel Crumbs: A mix of coarse and fine crumbs creates a better texture that holds up well during frying.
- Preheat Your Oil: Ensure your oil is hot enough (180°C / 350°F) before adding the chicken; this helps achieve that golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming, which keeps your chicken crispier.
- Let It Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack. This prevents sogginess by allowing excess oil to drain away.
- Adjust Seasoning: Feel free to tweak spices in your coating mix based on your taste preferences; personalizing flavors can enhance your dish.
- Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve right after frying while still hot and crispy.
Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
Pairing sides with your Pretzel Crusted Chicken can turn an excellent meal into an unforgettable feast. Here are some top side dish options that complement this dish beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that balances the crunch of the chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds color and nutrition to your plate.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of both the chicken and sauce.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Slightly sweet fries add a delightful contrast to the salty pretzel crust while being easy to prepare.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and juiciness that pairs nicely with crispy chicken.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in Caesar dressing adds freshness that complements all elements of your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, it’s easy to encounter a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the spice mix: Not adding the spice mix to the flour and pretzels can result in bland chicken. Always season both components for maximum flavor.
- Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy crusts. Fry in small batches to maintain crispiness.
- Not pressing the pretzels: Failing to press the pretzel coating onto the chicken may cause it to fall off during cooking. Ensure you firmly press the crumbs onto each piece.
- Incorrect oil temperature: Using oil that is too hot or too cold can affect cooking time and texture. Use a thermometer to check that your oil reaches 180°C / 350°F before frying.
- Neglecting sauce adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting the honey mustard sauce can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and modify sweetness or tanginess as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep for up to 3 days.
- Allow chicken to cool before sealing.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap each cutlet in plastic wrap.
- Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 180°C / 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through for crispy results.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but be aware this may make it less crispy.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warm and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is a delicious dish featuring juicy chicken coated in crunchy pretzels, served with a tangy honey mustard dip.
How can I customize my Pretzel Crusted Chicken?
You can add different spices or herbs to the pretzel coating or use various mustards in the sauce for unique flavors.
Can I bake Pretzel Crusted Chicken instead of frying?
While frying gives the best texture, you can bake it at a high temperature (around 200°C / 400°F) if you prefer a healthier option, but expect a different texture.
What sides pair well with Pretzel Crusted Chicken?
This dish goes well with salads, roasted vegetables, or fries. You can also serve it in wraps for lunch!
How long does it take to make Pretzel Crusted Chicken?
The total time is about 35 minutes, including preparation and cooking, making it perfect for a quick dinner option.
Final Thoughts
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is not only crispy and flavorful but also incredibly versatile! You can enjoy it as part of dinner or slice it into wraps for lunch. Feel free to customize the spices and sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences!
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is a delicious twist on classic comfort food. This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pretzel crust that delivers an irresistible texture and flavor. Paired with a creamy honey mustard sauce, it perfectly balances tangy sweetness with savory goodness. Perfect for dinner or sliced into wraps for a quick lunch, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. With just 25 minutes of prep and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the honey mustard sauce by mixing mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, onion powder, and garlic powder in a bowl. Adjust flavors as desired.
- Crush pretzels into coarse crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs mixed with spices.
- Slice chicken breasts into cutlets and dredge each in flour, egg, and finally coat in pretzel mixture.
- Heat oil in a heavy pan over medium heat until hot (180°C/350°F).
- Fry cutlets in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve immediately with honey mustard sauce on the side.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet (150g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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