Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken is a fun, oven-baked twist on fried tenders, where chicken breasts are coated in a zesty mustard-egg wash and rolled in crushed pretzels for salty crunch, baked to golden perfection—ideal for weeknight dinners, game days, or kid-friendly meals with no deep-frying mess. This 35-minute recipe serves 4 at ~350 calories per serving, blending pretzel’s tang with juicy chicken. For more crunchy coatings, explore our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, which uses breadcrumbs similarly.
What is the Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe?
The Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe is a sheet-pan bake where pounded chicken breasts are dipped in Dijon mustard and egg, then pressed into crushed pretzels mixed with seasonings like garlic powder and paprika, baked until crispy outside and tender inside—perfect for mains. This playful essential mimics fried crunch without oil, using pretzels’ saltiness for flavor. If you’re craving textured ease, follow the Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe to recreate this favorite at home. It’s a natural companion to herbed sides like our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide, where garlic echoes the coating.
Why You’ll Love Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe
This recipe’s fun lies in its simple crunch and versatility, making it a family staple.
Quick Sheet-Pan Crunch
Prep in 10 minutes, bake 25—no frying. Ideal for weeknights, like ease in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Salty Tangy Texture
Pretzel crunch with mustard zing and juicy chicken—customize heat, akin to herb depth in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
Minimal Cleanup
One bowl and pan; pantry staples like pretzels—stress-free, much like our Moist Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins.
Versatile Family Main
Serves 4; gluten-free with GF pretzels. Pairs with pasta from our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide.
Lean Indulgence
Protein-rich at ~350 calories/serving; fun yet healthy, like citrus in the Baby Lemon Impossible Pies Recipe.
Showstopper Simplicity
Golden, pretzel-studded pieces—dip in honey mustard for flair, like layers in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe.
For gluten-free, see our Oat-Flour Pasta Experiment.
Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Main Dish, Poultry
Method: Oven
Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs; pounded to ½-inch thick)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Coating
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed (about 2 oz; thin twists for fine crunch)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Prep Chicken: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment; spray with oil. Pat 4 chicken breasts dry; season with salt and pepper. Pound to ½-inch even thickness.
- Crush Pretzels: In a zip bag, crush 2 cups pretzels with a rolling pin to coarse crumbs. Mix with 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp paprika, and ½ tsp onion powder in a shallow dish.
- Make Wash: In another dish, whisk 2 eggs and ¼ cup Dijon until smooth.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each breast in egg wash, then press into pretzel mixture to coat evenly. Place on sheet.
- Bake: Spray tops lightly with oil. Bake 20–25 minutes until golden and internal temp 165°F (crust crispy). Rest 5 minutes; slice.
Nutrition (Per Serving): ~350 calories.
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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown
Chicken Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (4, 1.5 lbs): Lean, juicy base; pound for even bake.
- Salt & Pepper: Basic seasoning.
Coating Ingredients
- Pretzels (2 cups crushed): Salty crunch; thin for coating.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind wash.
- Dijon Mustard (¼ cup): Tangy adhesion.
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp), Paprika (½ tsp), Onion Powder (½ tsp): Flavor boost.
These create crispy, tangy crust.
How to Make Perfect Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken Recipe
Focus on even coating and hot oven for essential crunch.
Step 1: Chicken Prep
Pound breasts—essential for uniform cooking.
Step 2: Pretzel Crush
Coarse crumbs for texture, like in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe.
Step 3: Wash Mix
Whisk egg/Dijon—adheres coating.
Step 4: Coat
Dip and press firmly—double-dip for extra crunch.
Step 5: Bake
High heat for crisp; rest for juices.
Inspired by coatings? Our Make-Ahead Ravioli Freezer Guide offers prep tips. For a classic external take, try this Pretzel Crusted Chicken recipe from Allrecipes, which bakes for crunch.
Storage and Shelf Life
Refrigerate covered up to 4 days; reheat at 375°F 10–15 minutes for crisp. Freeze cooked up to 2 months (wrapped); thaw and reheat. Signs of spoilage: slimy chicken, stale crust—discard. (Pro tip: Like storing in our Tender Chicken Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe, re-crisp in oven.)
Tips and Variations
Use thin pretzels; spray oil for golden bake. Variations: Honey mustard dip, add herbs. For air-fryer, 375°F 15 minutes. Essential: Don’t overcrowd pan. Like herb balance in the Lemon Herb Tahini Recipe, adjust paprika.
Conclusion
Pretzel Crunch Baked Chicken is a crispy, tangy essential for fun mains—juicy, crunchy, and simple. With key steps, it’s your go-to bake. From picks to storage, success every bite. Bake ahead, slice and enjoy with loved ones! Pair with our Fresh Herb Pasta Guide for sides.