Introduction
If you love fried chicken but want a crunchy twist, Pretzel Chicken is your new go-to. The salty, crunchy pretzel crust paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for company.
Why Pretzel Chicken is a Crowd-Pleaser
Everyone loves crunch. The pretzel coating gives chicken a satisfying texture, while the honey mustard sauce adds that irresistible flavor kick.
Perfect for Weeknight Dinners
Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe works whether you pan-fry or air-fry the chicken. Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Crunchy Pretzel Coating
The finely crushed pretzels create a golden, crisp crust that holds up well, even when drizzled with sauce. Unlike breadcrumbs, pretzels give that extra crunch and flavor.
Sweet & Tangy Honey Mustard Sauce
A simple mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey elevates the chicken, balancing savory and sweet perfectly.
Ingredients Breakdown
Pretzels and Seasonings
- Mini pretzels (crushed)
- Ground mustard, kosher salt, black pepper
- Eggs and honey (for breading)
Chicken Selection
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets, about 16–20 ounces total. Choose evenly sized cutlets for uniform cooking.
Sauce Components
- Mayonnaise
- Country Dijon mustard
- Honey
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley.
Tools You’ll Need
Food Processor or Bag & Mallet
To crush pretzels finely for the coating.
Skillet or Air Fryer
Use a heavy skillet for pan-frying or an air fryer for a lighter version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Pretzels
- Place pretzels in a food processor; pulse 15–18 times until finely ground.
- Alternatively, crush in a sealed plastic bag with a mallet or rolling pin.
Bread the Chicken Cutlets
- Mix crushed pretzels with mustard, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Coat each chicken cutlet in egg mixture, then press into pretzel mixture.
- Place coated chicken on a plate, ready for cooking.
Pan-Frying or Air-Frying
Pan-Fry:
- Heat 1 cup vegetable oil over medium-high heat (~300°F).
- Cook chicken 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Air-Fry:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Lightly spray basket and chicken with cooking spray.
- Cook 8 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F internally.
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and remaining honey in a small bowl.
- Serve sauce alongside chicken; garnish with parsley if desired.
Cooking Times and Temperature
Pan-Fry Details
- 6–8 minutes total
- Turn once
- 165°F internal temperature
Air-Fry Details
- 8 minutes total
- Flip halfway through
- 165°F internal temperature
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a simple salad.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 589
- Fat: 31g
- Carbs: 41g
- Protein: 35g
Variations and Tips
Spicy Pretzel Chicken
Add a pinch of cayenne or paprika to the pretzel mix.
Pretzel Coating Alternatives
Use gluten-free pretzels for a gluten-free option or flavored pretzels for extra zing.
Sauce Variations
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Common Mistakes
- Chicken Sticking to Pan: Make sure oil is hot enough before adding chicken.
- Sauce Too Sweet: Adjust honey to taste. Too thick? Add a splash of water or lemon juice.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in skillet or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
Pretzel Chicken is crunchy, sweet, savory, and ridiculously easy. Whether pan-fried or air-fried, it’s a weeknight winner that everyone will love. Serve with honey mustard, your favorite sides, and enjoy the crunch!
FAQs
Can I use whole pretzels or flavored pretzels?
Yes, but crushed pretzels work best for even coating. Flavored pretzels add a fun twist.
Is air-frying healthier than pan-frying?
Yes, air-frying uses less oil and still gives a crunchy exterior.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels instead of regular ones.
How long can leftovers last?
Store in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer or oven.
Can I prep in advance?
Yes, bread the chicken in advance, then cook when ready.
Print
Pretzel Chicken Recipe – Crunchy, Sweet & Savory
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Pretzel Chicken is a crunchy, sweet, and savory dinner option, perfect for weeknights or family meals.
Ingredients
4 cups (5 ounces) mini pretzels 1 teaspoon ground mustard 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 large eggs 1 1/2 tablespoons honey, divided 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast cutlets (16–20 ounces total) 1 cup vegetable oil or canola oil 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon country Dijon mustard Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Place pretzels in food processor; pulse 15-18 times until finely ground. Mix crushed pretzels with mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk eggs and 1 tbsp honey; coat chicken cutlets in egg mixture, then pretzel mixture. Pan-fry chicken in hot oil 6-8 minutes, turning once, until 165°F. Or air-fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping halfway. Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and remaining honey. Serve chicken with honey mustard sauce and garnish with parsley.
Notes
Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Adjust honey for desired sweetness. Reheat in air fryer or skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried / Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 589
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Honey Mustard, Crunchy Chicken, Easy Dinner