Crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Dressing
Indulge in this delightful twist on a classic—Crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken! This recipe combines the irresistible crunch of hard pretzels with the savory goodness of tender chicken breast, creating a dish that's perfect for any occasion. The crunchy pretzel coating adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with your choice of tangy Dijon or sweet Honey Mustard Dressing. Each bite brings a satisfying crunch and juicy chicken, making it an instant favorite at the dinner table. Serve it warm or at room temperature, and elevate your meal with a fruity German Riesling that balances the salty and savory notes, turning your dinner into a gourmet experience.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
hard pretzels
4 cups (coarsely crushed)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional)
canola oil
1/2 cup
whole grain mustard
1/2 cup
Dijon or honey mustard
2 tablespoons (good quality)
water
1/4 cup
red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
6 large
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
In a blender or food processor, pulse the hard pretzels until they are coarsely ground, with a mix of fine and coarse crumbs. If you like a bit of heat, add the optional cayenne pepper during the pulsing. Transfer the pretzel crumbs to a shallow bowl and set aside.
3
In a clean blender or food processor, combine canola oil, whole grain mustard, your choice of Dijon or honey mustard, water, red wine vinegar, and the optional cayenne. Blend until smooth, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Pour half of the mustard dressing into a shallow dish, add the chicken breasts, and ensure they are fully coated with the dressing.
5
Dredge each chicken breast in the crushed pretzel mixture, covering all sides thoroughly. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack set over a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drippings.
6
Bake the chicken in the upper third of the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).
7
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving whole. Drizzle with the remaining mustard dressing, and serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
25g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken?
It is a dish where chicken breasts are coated in a savory mustard dressing and dredged in crushed hard pretzels before being baked until crunchy.
What type of pretzels should I use for this recipe?
Hard pretzels are recommended because they provide a sturdy and crunchy texture that holds up well during the baking process.
How should I crush the pretzels?
You can pulse the hard pretzels in a blender or food processor until they are a mix of fine and coarse crumbs.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispness.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken typically takes 20 to 25 minutes to cook through in the upper third of the oven.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is safe to eat once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What ingredients are in the mustard dressing?
The dressing is made from canola oil, whole grain mustard, Dijon or honey mustard, water, red wine vinegar, and optional cayenne pepper.
Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon?
Yes, you can choose between Dijon mustard for a tangier flavor or honey mustard for a sweeter profile.
Why is a wire rack used for baking?
Placing the chicken on a wire rack allows hot air to circulate underneath, ensuring the bottom of the pretzel crust stays crispy.
How can I make this chicken recipe spicy?
You can add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pretzel crumbs or the mustard dressing for an extra kick.
What wine pairs well with pretzel-crusted chicken?
A fruity German Riesling is recommended as it balances the salty and savory flavors of the pretzel coating.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains about 30g of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
This recipe contains 20g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used, though you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
How do I keep the pretzels from falling off?
The mustard dressing acts as a binder; ensure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the dressing before dredging in the crumbs.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing helps keep it juicy and tender.
Can this chicken be served at room temperature?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
What type of oil is best for the dressing?
Canola oil is used in this recipe for its neutral flavor, but other neutral oils like vegetable oil will also work.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine the oil, mustards, water, vinegar, and spices in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
What texture should the pretzel crumbs be?
Aim for a mix of fine dust and coarse pieces to give the chicken a more interesting and crunchy texture.
What type of vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar for the dressing.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe is written for 6 large boneless skinless chicken breast halves.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with simple steps and common ingredients, it is an easy dinner option for home cooks.
Do I use the whole grain mustard for the dressing?
Yes, the dressing uses both 1/2 cup of whole grain mustard and 2 tablespoons of smooth Dijon or honey mustard.
Can I make the dressing in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How do I serve the remaining dressing?
Half of the dressing is used to coat the raw chicken, and the remaining half should be drizzled over the cooked chicken before serving.
Is there salt in the pretzel crust?
Hard pretzels are naturally salty, but you can also add salt and freshly ground black pepper to the dressing to taste.
Can I use gluten-free pretzels?
Yes, you can substitute hard gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten-friendly.