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:
• How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Sauce
• Step 2: Crush the Pretzels
• Step 3: Set Up Breading Station
• Step 4: Prepare Chicken Cutlets
• Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying
• Step 6: Fry Chicken Cutlets
• Step 7: Serve Your Dish
• How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce
• With a Fresh Salad
• In a Wrap
• As an Appetizer
• 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
• What is Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce?
• Can I bake instead of fry?
• How do I customize my honey mustard sauce?
• What sides pair well with this dish?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and ingredients, making this dish is a breeze.
• Flavor Explosion: The crunchy pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the creamy honey mustard sauce.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a hearty dinner or slice it up for tasty wraps at lunch.
• Customizable: Adjust seasonings in the coating or sauce to fit your taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly: This dish is sure to please kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Food processor or zip-lock bag
• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dishes (3)
• Heavy-based frying pan
• Wire rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Food processor: Quickly crushes pretzels into fine crumbs for an even coating.
• Shallow dishes: Ideal for setting up your breading station; makes dredging easy.
• Heavy-based frying pan: Ensures even heat distribution while frying for perfectly crispy chicken.

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

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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 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 them into coarse crumbs. Alternatively, use a zip-lock bag and rolling pin to crush them.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed pretzels. In a 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 Chicken Cutlets

Horizontally slice each chicken breast to create four equal cutlets. Dredge each cutlet in flour first, then dip in egg before coating thoroughly in the pretzel mixture. Press down on the pretzels to ensure they stick well.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

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

Step 6: Fry Chicken Cutlets

Fry two cutlets at a time for about 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer cooked cutlets to a wire rack. Reheat oil if necessary before frying remaining cutlets.

Step 7: Serve Your Dish

Serve hot with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and fresh chives. Drizzle honey mustard sauce over or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Serving Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce can elevate your meal experience. This dish pairs beautifully with various sides and garnishes, making it perfect for any occasion.

With a Fresh Salad

• Garden Salad: A mix of greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing and croutons complements the crunchy chicken well.

In a Wrap

• Chicken Wrap: Slice the chicken and wrap it in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and honey mustard sauce for a quick lunch.
• Pretzel Chicken Sandwich: Place the cutlets on toasted buns with pickles and your favorite sauce for a hearty sandwich.

As an Appetizer

• Chicken Bites: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and serve them on skewers for easier eating at parties.
• Dipping Platter: Create a platter with pretzel chicken bites alongside an array of sauces like barbecue or ranch.

How to Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Creating the ideal Pretzel Crusted Chicken takes some careful attention to detail. Follow these tips to ensure your chicken turns out perfectly every time.

• bold Use Coarse Pretzel Crumbs: For the best texture, use both coarse and fine crumbs. The coarse crumbs provide crunch, while fine crumbs help adhere better.
• bold Ensure Chicken is Dry: Pat the chicken cutlets dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
• bold Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil at 180°C / 350°F while frying. If it’s too cool, the chicken will absorb more oil; too hot will burn the crust.
• bold Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry only two cutlets at a time to maintain oil temperature and achieve even cooking.
• bold Let Them Rest: After frying, place cutlets on a wire rack to cool slightly. This keeps them crispy by allowing steam to escape rather than condensing underneath.
• bold Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices in your coating for added flavor or heat based on your preferences.

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Best Side Dishes for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pairing side dishes with your Pretzel Crusted Chicken can enhance its flavors and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delectable options you can try.

1. bold Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender add color and nutrition to your plate.
2. bold Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside crispy chicken.
3. bold Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries offer sweetness that pairs well with honey mustard sauce.
4. bold Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of fried chicken.
5. bold Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac & cheese is always a crowd-pleaser and complements this dish’s savory flavors perfectly.
6. bold Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with herbs and lemon juice adds freshness without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce, small missteps can impact your dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Not Crushing the Pretzels Properly: If the pretzels are not crushed to a coarse crumb, they won’t adhere well to the chicken. Use a food processor or a rolling pin for an even consistency.
• Skipping the Spice Mix: Failing to season the flour and pretzel crumbs can lead to bland chicken. Always mix half of your spice blend into both the flour and pretzel coating for maximum flavor.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many cutlets at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches to maintain heat and achieve that crispy texture.
• Using Cold Oil: If you add chicken to oil that isn’t hot enough, it won’t crisp up properly. Make sure the oil reaches 180°C / 350°F before frying.
• Not Letting Chicken Rest: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking releases juices, making it dry. Allow the fried cutlets to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the honey mustard sauce separate for freshness.

Freezing Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Freeze cooked cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag.
• They will last for about 2 months in the freezer.

Reheating Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C / 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat cutlets on medium power for about 1-2 minutes. This may soften the crust.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side until warmed and crispy again.

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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 sweet and tangy sauce.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Baking is an option, but frying provides a better crunchy texture. If you prefer baking, make sure to spray the cutlets with oil before placing them in the oven.

How do I customize my honey mustard sauce?

You can adjust sweetness by adding more honey or change flavors by using different mustards based on your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with this dish?

Pretzel Crusted Chicken goes well with salads, potato wedges, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Honey Mustard Sauce is not just an appealing dish but also versatile enough for various occasions. It’s perfect for dinner or as lunch in a wrap. Feel free to customize both the coating spices and sauce ingredients to suit your taste!