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. This dish is 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 Garnish
• How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
• Step 2: Crush the Pretzels
• Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations
• Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets
• Step 5: Cook the Chicken
• Step 6: Serve
• How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• As a Classic Dinner Plate
• In a Wrap
• On a Salad
• With Dipping Sauces
• As Party Appetizers
• 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
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other types of breading instead of pretzels?
• How do I make this dish gluten-free?
• What is the best way to serve this chicken?
• How long does it take to prepare?
• Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of crunchy pretzels and creamy honey mustard creates an irresistible taste experience.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main dish, in a wrap, or as part of a salad; it fits any meal occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating and tasty sauce make this chicken appealing to kids and adults alike.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare the sauce ahead of time for a quick weeknight dinner solution.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Heavy-based pan
• Wire rack
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly crushes pretzels into fine crumbs for even coating.
• Shallow dishes: Perfect for setting up your breading station for easy dredging.
• Heavy-based pan: Ensures even heat distribution for perfectly fried chicken without burning.

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

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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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 the sauce ingredients. Adjust the balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess to your taste. Set aside or refrigerate until needed.

Step 2: Crush the Pretzels

Place pretzels in a food processor and pulse to a coarse crumb. Alternatively, use a zip-lock bag and rolling pin to crush them.

Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed pretzels. In another small bowl, mix paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Divide this spice mix—half goes into the flour and half into the pretzels.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken Cutlets

Horizontally slice each chicken breast to create four even-sized cutlets. Dredge each cutlet in flour first, then dip in egg before coating thoroughly in the pretzel mixture. Press down gently to ensure they stick. Place prepared cutlets on a tray.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Add enough oil to a heavy-based pan to coat the bottom well. Heat over medium until it reaches about 180°C / 350°F; breadcrumbs 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 them to a wire rack once done. If necessary, top up and reheat oil before frying remaining cutlets.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh chives on top. Enjoy with your 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 is all about enhancing its delightful flavors and textures. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this dish that will elevate your meal experience.

As a Classic Dinner Plate

• Serve the chicken alongside roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner.
• Pair it with mashed potatoes for a comforting combination.

In a Wrap

• Slice the chicken and place it in a tortilla with fresh greens and extra honey mustard sauce for a tasty lunch wrap.
• Add avocado or sliced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

On a Salad

• Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss it on top of mixed greens, drizzled with honey mustard dressing.
• Add nuts or seeds for crunch, along with your favorite salad toppings.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional sauces like BBQ or ranch as an alternative dip.
• Create a mini platter with various dips to enhance the snacking experience.

As Party Appetizers

• Cut the chicken into smaller pieces to serve as finger food at parties.
• Present it on skewers with dipping sauce on the side for easy serving.

How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Perfecting your Pretzel Crusted Chicken is key to achieving that crispy texture and juicy flavor. Follow these tips to ensure your dish stands out.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken breasts yield better flavor and tenderness than frozen ones.
• Crush pretzels properly: Ensure the pretzels are crushed to both coarse and fine textures for optimal crunchiness.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil at 180°C / 350°F for even cooking. Use a thermometer if needed.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming, which can make the coating soggy.
• Let them rest: Allow cutlets to rest briefly after frying on a wire rack; this keeps them crispy.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to adjust the spice blend according to your taste preferences for a personal touch.

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Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Pretzel Crusted Chicken can transform your meal into something special. Here are some delicious options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort and richness.
2. Roasted Broccoli – Flavorful roasted broccoli provides a healthy, crunchy contrast.
3. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy sweet potato fries offer sweetness that balances the salty chicken.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, making it an excellent side option.
5. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled corn brings sweetness and bright color to your plate.
6. Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasted Brussels sprouts deliver deep flavor and texture, perfect alongside fried chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using fine pretzel crumbs – Fine crumbs can create a dense coating. Aim for a mix of coarse and fine crumbs for the best texture.
• Not seasoning the flour – Failing to season your flour can result in bland chicken. Always mix spices into the flour before dredging.
• Skipping the rest period – If you fry immediately after coating, the crust may fall off. Let coated cutlets rest for a few minutes to help the coating adhere better.
• Overcrowding the pan – Cooking too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in batches for the crispiest results.
• Using low-quality oil – The choice of oil impacts flavor and texture. Use a good quality vegetable oil with a high smoke point.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing to avoid moisture buildup.

Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Freeze uncooked cutlets for up to 3 months.
• Place between parchment paper layers in an airtight container for easy separation during cooking.

Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Oven – Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave – Heat on medium power in short intervals; this may soften the crust slightly.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other types of breading instead of pretzels?

Yes! You can experiment with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for different textures and flavors.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pretzels and flour to create a gluten-free version of Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce.

What is the best way to serve this chicken?

This dish pairs well with salads or fries, but you can also slice it up and serve it in wraps or sandwiches for lunch!

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time is approximately 35 minutes, including prep and cooking time. It’s perfect for a quick dinner!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The honey mustard sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until needed.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it as a main dish, slice it for wraps, or serve it alongside salads. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite spices or toppings. Give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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