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 Honey Mustard Sauce
• Step 2: Prepare Pretzel Coating
• Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
• Step 4: Slice Chicken Breasts
• Step 5: Bread the Chicken Cutlets
• Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying
• Step 7: Fry Chicken Cutlets
• Step 8: Serve
• How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• With a Fresh Salad
• Inside a Wrap
• Accompanied by Dipping Sauces
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• With Roasted Vegetables
• As Part of a Platter
• 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
• How do I make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce gluten-free?
• Can I bake Pretzel Crusted Chicken instead of frying?
• How do I customize the honey mustard sauce?
• What sides pair well with Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?
• Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of pretzels and honey mustard creates an irresistible taste.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for dinner, lunch wraps, or as a party appetizer.
• Crispy & Juicy: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crispy crust and juicy chicken.
• Make-Ahead Sauce: The honey mustard sauce can be prepared in advance for convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or zip-lock bag
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Heavy-based frying pan
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly turns pretzels into crumbs for an even coating.
• Shallow dishes: Help in organizing your breading station for easy assembly.
• Heavy-based frying pan: Ensures even cooking and prevents burning while frying.

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 Honey Mustard Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Adjust the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess to your taste. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Prepare Pretzel Coating

Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse to create coarse crumbs. Alternatively, place them in a zip-lock bag and crush using a rolling pin.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

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

Add the other half of the spice mix to the flour.

Step 4: Slice Chicken Breasts

Horizontally slice each chicken breast to create four evenly sized cutlets.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken Cutlets

Dredge each cutlet in flour first. Then dip in beaten egg before coating thoroughly in the pretzel mixture. Press down firmly so that the pretzels stick well.

Step 6: Heat Oil for Frying

Add enough oil to your heavy-based pan to coat the bottom. Heat over medium until it reaches about 180°C / 350°F—test by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle immediately.

Step 7: Fry Chicken Cutlets

Fry two cutlets at a time for 3–4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Transfer them to a wire rack once done. Repeat with remaining cutlets after topping up oil if necessary.

Step 8: Serve

Serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh chives. Enjoy with honey mustard sauce either 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 offers a delightful twist to your meal. The crispy chicken pairs perfectly with various sides and garnishes, allowing you to create the ideal dining experience.

With a Fresh Salad

• A crisp garden salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.

Inside a Wrap

• Sliced chicken in a tortilla wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and extra honey mustard sauce makes for a delicious lunch option.

Accompanied by Dipping Sauces

• Serve additional sauces like BBQ or ranch alongside the honey mustard for varied flavors that guests can enjoy.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the chicken right before serving to enhance both flavor and presentation.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Pairing the chicken with roasted seasonal vegetables can add color and nutrition to your plate.

As Part of a Platter

• Create a sharing platter featuring pretzel crusted chicken cutlets, assorted dips, and fresh veggies for gatherings or parties.

How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

To make your Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce even more delicious, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose quality pretzels: Using good-quality pretzels will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the coating.
• Use the right oil: Opt for vegetable oil that can withstand high temperatures for frying without burning.
• Ensure even cooking: Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps achieve an evenly crispy coating.
• Press firmly: When coating the chicken, press down on the pretzel crumbs to ensure they stick well during frying.
• Let it rest: Allowing fried chicken to rest on a wire rack keeps it crispy while preventing sogginess from steam.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust spices in your flour mixture based on personal preference for added flavor.

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Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pairing side dishes enhances your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes topped with butter provide a comforting side that pairs well with savory chicken.
2. Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tangy flavor of coleslaw balance the richness of the chicken, making it an ideal companion.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add sweetness and texture that contrast beautifully with the salty pretzel crust.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Charred corn brings smokiness and sweetness, enhancing your meal’s overall flavor profile.
5. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter offer a wonderful dipping option alongside honey mustard sauce.
6. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad packed with veggies provides a healthy complement that’s both filling and nutritious.
7. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add comfort food vibes that pair well with crunchy chicken cutlets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, it’s easy to make small errors that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Skipping the spice mix: Neglecting to add the spice mix to the flour and pretzel crumbs can result in bland chicken. Always season every layer for maximum flavor.
• Using fine pretzel crumbs: Fine crumbs may not provide the desired crunch. Aim for a mix of coarse and fine crumbs for a satisfying texture.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches to keep that crispy coating.
• Not letting the chicken rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately after frying can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for a few minutes for juicier results.
• Forgetting to adjust sauce ingredients: The honey mustard sauce is customizable; don’t hesitate to tweak it according to your taste preferences.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pretzel Crusted Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Place cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• It will keep well for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Use microwave-safe plates, heating on medium power in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm. This might make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pretzels and flour as substitutes. This allows you to enjoy this delicious dish without gluten.

Can I bake Pretzel Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

While baking is possible, it may not yield the same crispy texture. If you choose this method, consider using a high heat and adding oil spray.

How do I customize the honey mustard sauce?

You can adjust sweetness by adding more honey or tanginess by increasing Dijon mustard. Experiment until you find your perfect blend!

What sides pair well with Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?

This dish goes wonderfully with salads, roasted vegetables, or potato wedges, enhancing your meal experience.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This pretzel crust also works well with pork chops or fish fillets, providing a delightful twist on the recipe.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is an exciting twist on classic comfort food. Its crunchy exterior paired with creamy sauce makes it a hit at any meal. Feel free to customize both the spices and sauce based on your preferences—try adding different herbs or experimenting with mustard types! Enjoy this versatile dish any night of the week.