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A close-up of crispy, golden Pretzel Chicken, highlighting the pretzel crust and juicy chicken inside.

Easy Pretzel Chicken Dinner

This Easy Pretzel Chicken Dinner features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, salty pretzel crust. It's a simple and satisfying recipe perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful combination of textures and flavors that both kids and adults will love. Enjoy this baked chicken dish with your favorite sides for a complete and delicious meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 cups salted pretzels, crushed
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk or buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray optional
  • Dijon mustard optional
  • Hot sauce optional
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • 3 shallow dishes
  • Rolling pin or meat mallet
  • Zip-top bag
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
  • Plastic wrap (optional)
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Prepare chicken breasts: Pound to 1/2 inch thickness or slice horizontally into thinner cutlets.
  3. Crush pretzels in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or meat mallet until fine crumbs are formed.
  4. Set up breading station with three shallow dishes: flour, whisked eggs with milk/buttermilk, and crushed pretzel crumbs with spices.
  5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in crushed pretzel crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  6. Place breaded chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  7. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray (optional).
  8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and the pretzel coating is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Don't overcrowd the pan to ensure crispy coating. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through. Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce for heat. Experiment with different pretzels for unique flavors. Bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Try cooking in an air fryer for quicker and crispier results. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven. Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, coleslaw, or green bean casserole.