Name: Pretzel Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups); ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 eggs; Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1/4-inch depth); 2 Tablespoons butter; 2 Tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper (to taste); ¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful, chopped); ¼ small red onion (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, savory, and utterly comforting, Pretzel Crusted Chicken is exactly what you need on your dinner table. This delightful dish takes tender chicken breasts and encases them in a crunchy, salty pretzel coating that adds a satisfying texture unlike any other. Paired with a creamy sharp cheddar and mustard sauce, it’s a beautiful marriage of flavors that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Pretzel Crusted Chicken is a crowd-pleaser that turns a simple chicken dinner into a special occasion without fuss or fancy ingredients.

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture—simple, familiar pantry staples come together to create something extraordinary. From the salty crunch of pretzels to the smooth richness of cheddar cheese, each item is essential for bringing this dish to life.

2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): The star protein, perfect for coating and frying.
1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups): Provides that irresistible crunchy crust.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the coating and sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings for balanced flavor.
2 eggs: Helps the pretzel crumbs stick to the chicken.
Vegetable oil (for frying): The perfect medium for crisping the crust evenly.
2 tablespoons butter: Base for the creamy cheddar-mustard sauce.
2 tablespoons flour: Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency.
2 cups milk: Creates a smooth, creamy texture in the sauce.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings rich, tangy flavor and melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Adds a gentle kick and depth to the sauce.
½ teaspoon paprika: Enhances the sauce with a hint of warmth.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Gives a subtle spicy edge that wakes up your palate.
¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves (chopped): Adds fresh color and brightness as a finishing touch.
¼ small red onion (finely chopped): A crisp, tangy garnish that complements the richness.

How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying your boneless chicken breasts to create thin, even pieces. This not only helps them cook quicker but also means you get more surface area for that lovely pretzel crust. Use a mallet to gently flatten the chicken to about 1/4 inch thickness, ensuring each piece cooks evenly and stays juicy.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Coating

Next comes the fun part—turning those salty pretzels into the perfect crunchy coating. Pulse the pretzels in a food processor until they become fine crumbs. Mix those crumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper, which adds flavor and color to the crust. Meanwhile, whisk the eggs with a splash of water in a separate shallow dish to create the perfect egg wash for sticking on the crumbs.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet to medium-high. One by one, dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture then coat thoroughly with the pretzel crumbs. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Cook in batches if needed, frying about 3 to 4 minutes per side until the crust is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. This step locks in juiciness while creating that crave-worthy crunch that defines Pretzel Crusted Chicken.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheddar-Mustard Sauce

While your chicken is sizzling away, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to make a smooth roux—this will thicken your sauce beautifully. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until the sauce is slightly thickened, usually 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right kick to elevate the chicken to new heights.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Finish by drizzling the luscious cheddar-mustard sauce over the crunchy Pretzel Crusted Chicken. Sprinkle chopped parsley and finely chopped red onion on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor that balances the richness perfectly.

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and red onion are the classic finishing touches, providing a pop of color and a fresh, mild bite that cuts through the richness. Feel free to experiment with other delicately flavored herbs like chives or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Side Dishes

Pretzel Crusted Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp side dishes that complement without overpowering. Think roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. These sides balance the curiosity of the crunchy chicken and rich sauce beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or brighten up a weeknight meal? Slice the chicken into strips and serve as an appetizer with dipping sauces, or layer it over a hearty grain bowl with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed greens. The crunchy crust and bold sauce work well in a sandwich or wrap too, turning leftovers into a new meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Pretzel Crusted Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispy texture of the chicken crust.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Pretzel Crusted Chicken for up to one month. Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the cheddar-mustard sauce separately to keep its texture intact.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Gently warm the sauce on the stovetop or microwave, stirring frequently to avoid separation.

FAQs

Can I use pretzel sticks instead of pretzel nuggets for the Pretzel Crusted Chicken?

Absolutely! Just break the pretzel sticks into smaller pieces before pulsing in the food processor to get an even crumb. The key is to have fine crumbs that will adhere well to the chicken.

Is it possible to bake the Pretzel Crusted Chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a great alternative if you want a lighter dish. Place the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy and cooked through.

Can I use a different cheese for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar really delivers on flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different nuances. Just make sure it melts well for that creamy sauce texture.

How do I make sure the crust stays crunchy when serving later?

Keep the chicken and sauce separate until right before serving, and reheat the chicken in the oven rather than the microwave. This helps maintain that signature crunch of the Pretzel Crusted Chicken coating.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Traditional pretzels contain gluten, so you would need to use a gluten-free pretzel alternative and ensure the flour used for the sauce is also gluten-free, like a cornstarch blend. This way you can still enjoy the delicious textures safely.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Crusted Chicken is one of those magical recipes that brings joy every time you make it. The contrast of crunchy, salty crust with tender chicken and creamy, tangy sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish adds a fun twist to your usual chicken routine. Give it a try and discover how a humble bag of pretzels can transform your meal into a memorable feast!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

Author: Harry
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crispy and flavorful pretzel crusted chicken breasts coated with a crunchy pretzel coating and served with a rich and tangy sharp cheddar mustard sauce, garnished with fresh parsley and red onion. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic fried chicken, perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal.

Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast so you have four thin pieces total, then flatten them evenly using a mallet to about 1/4 inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
Make Pretzel Crumbs: Place pretzels in a food processor and grind until fine crumbs form. Transfer crumbs to a shallow dish and combine with paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. In another shallow dish, beat eggs with a splash of water to create an egg wash.
Heat Oil: Preheat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil about 1/4 inch deep, heating until hot but not smoking.
Coat Chicken: Dip each flattened chicken breast into the egg wash, then dredge thoroughly in the pretzel crumb mixture ensuring an even coating.
Cook Chicken: Fry the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Cook each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels if desired.
Prepare Sauce: While chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in shredded cheddar, whole grain mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste and cook until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
Serve: Plate the pretzel crusted chicken and drizzle generously with the cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and finely chopped red onion for a fresh finish.

Notes

Butterflying and pounding chicken ensures even thickness and quick, even cooking.
Use salted pretzels as they add both texture and seasoning, but adjust salt in seasoning accordingly.
Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain crispiness.
The cheddar mustard sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated before serving.
For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper slightly in the sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American