Crispy Pretzel-Bacon Crusted Chicken Breasts
This delightful recipe takes the classic chicken breast to new heights by enveloping it in a savory blend of crushed pretzels, crispy bacon bits, and grated Parmesan cheese. The added touch of apple cider in the batter provides a subtle sweetness, while spices give it a gentle kick. Originally inspired by a recipe from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking, this variation promises a crunchy, flavorful coating that contrasts beautifully with the tender, juicy chicken inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
miniature pretzels
4 cups (coarsely chopped)
real bacon bits
1/3 cup (as is)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
parsley flakes
1 tablespoon (dried)
egg
1 large (whisked)
apple cider
1/2 cup (as is)
all-purpose flour
1/3 cup (as is)
paprika
1 teaspoon (as is)
ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (as is)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
6 pieces (as is)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 13x9-inch glass baking dish by lightly coating it with cooking spray.
2
Using a food processor, combine the pretzels, bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes. Process until the mixture is coarsely chopped and transfer into a shallow plate or bowl.
3
In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the egg, apple cider, all-purpose flour, paprika, ground ginger, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
4
Dip each chicken breast into the egg and cider batter, ensuring it is well coated, then roll it in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5
Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Leave space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.
7
Serve hot, optionally accompanied by a mixture of honey Dijon mustard and apricot preserves for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein used in the Crispy Pretzel-Bacon Crusted Chicken Breasts?
The recipe uses 6 pieces of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken should be baked for 40 to 50 minutes until the juices run clear.
What creates the crunchy coating for this chicken?
The coating is a blend of miniature pretzels, real bacon bits, Parmesan cheese, and parsley flakes.
What is the secret ingredient in the batter that adds sweetness?
Apple cider is included in the batter to provide a subtle sweetness.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 13x9-inch glass baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should the pretzels and bacon be prepared for the crust?
They should be combined in a food processor and processed until the mixture is coarsely chopped.
What spices are included in the chicken batter?
The batter contains paprika, ground ginger, and black pepper.
Is there a recommended dipping sauce for this dish?
Yes, you can serve it with a mixture of honey Dijon mustard and apricot preserves.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of pretzels should be used?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of miniature pretzels.
Should the chicken be greased or the pan?
The glass baking dish should be lightly coated with cooking spray.
What is the texture of the crust?
The crust is described as a crunchy, flavorful coating.
Is the chicken breast used skinless or with skin?
The recipe specifically uses skinless chicken breasts.
What kind of cheese is in the crust mixture?
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese is used in the crust.
Does the recipe contain flour?
Yes, 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour is whisked into the batter.
What role does the egg play in the recipe?
The egg is whisked with the cider and flour to create a batter that helps the pretzel mixture adhere.
How should the chicken be placed in the baking dish?
Leave space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
Can dried parsley be used?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried parsley flakes.
Is this recipe suitable for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is described as perfect for weeknight dinners or for entertaining guests.
What inspired this specific chicken recipe?
This variation was inspired by a recipe from Taste of Home Healthy Cooking.
How do you ensure the pretzel mixture sticks to the chicken?
After dipping the chicken in the batter, roll it in the pretzel mixture while pressing gently to adhere.
How much bacon is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of real bacon bits.
Is the bacon bits' preparation 'as is'?
Yes, the bacon bits are used as is and processed with the pretzels.
What is the internal condition of the chicken after baking?
The chicken remains tender and juicy inside despite the crunchy exterior.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
While the recipe specifies apple cider, apple juice is often a common substitute for a similar sweetness.
How much ground ginger is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger.
Should the batter be smooth or chunky?
The egg, cider, and flour mixture should be whisked until smooth.
What is the preparation for the pretzels?
The miniature pretzels should be coarsely chopped.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.