This pretzel-crusted chicken is a cozy dish that is both crunchy and creamy. It’s a great choice for a family dinner or a quick weeknight meal. With a crispy pretzel coating and a rich mustard-cheddar sauce, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Why You Will Love This Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
This pretzel-crusted chicken is so easy to make and incredibly tasty. The crunchy exterior hugs the tender chicken perfectly. It uses simple ingredients that you might already have at home. Plus, it’s family-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
How to Make Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
Making this chicken is straightforward and fun. You’ll start by preparing the crunchy coating and then coat the chicken. Frying gives it a lovely golden color and delicious crispness. Finally, a quick bake ensures it’s cooked through, and a creamy sauce makes it special.
What You Need
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for frying
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine pretzel crumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken breast in buttermilk, then coat with the pretzel mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- For the sauce, mix mustard and cheddar cheese in a saucepan over low heat until melted and combined.
- Serve the chicken topped with the mustard-cheddar sauce.
How to Serve Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
This chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with mashed potatoes for a cozy meal. Top with extra mustard-cheddar sauce for more flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
How to Store Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
To keep leftovers fresh, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wrap each piece in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
Recipe Tips
- Make sure the oil is hot before frying for the best crispiness.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking for juicier meat.
- You can use crushed crackers or bread crumbs if you don’t have pretzel crumbs.
- For a spicy kick, add a little cayenne pepper to the pretzel mixture.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer (165°F or 75°C).
Variations & Swaps
- Swap out cheddar cheese for mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Use turkey breasts instead of chicken for a leaner option.
- For a kid-friendly flavor, add a little honey to the mustard-cheddar sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Is it possible to freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. It will stay good for about two months.
What’s the best way to reheat the chicken?
The best way is to reheat it in the oven for about 15 minutes at 350°F for crispy results.
Can I use different kinds of mustard?
Absolutely! You can try Dijon or whole grain mustard for a different flavor.
What should I do if the chicken is dry?
To avoid dryness, be sure not to overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer helps!
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs for the crunchy coating
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded for the sauce and coating
- 1/4 cup mustard for sauce
- 1/2 cup buttermilk for coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste salt and pepper
- as needed tablespoons olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine pretzel crumbs, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken breast in buttermilk, then coat with the pretzel mixture.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry each chicken breast until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- For the sauce, mix mustard and cheddar cheese in a saucepan over low heat until melted and combined.
Serving
- Serve the chicken topped with the mustard-cheddar sauce.
