Description

Pretzel Crusted Chicken meets crispy perfection in this easy weeknight recipejuicy flavorful and ready in minutes Your quick dinner win awaits

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (about 150 g)

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

2 large eggs

1–2 tablespoons milk or water

Olive oil spray, as needed

Salt, to taste

Dipping sauce (optional): honey mustard, spicy mayo, lemon yogurt dip, or charred lemon juice for serving

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Instructions

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment for clean removal. In a shallow dish, mix the crushed pretzels, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. If you plan to use an air fryer, preheat it to 390°F (200°C) and place the basket nearby for quick transfer.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If they vary in thickness, gently pound the thicker ones to an even 1/2 inch (about 1.25 cm) to cook uniformly. For a faster option, you can cut the breasts into evenly sized fillets.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a splash of milk or water to create a smooth egg wash. For a vegan-friendly crust, substitute flax eggs. Have a small amount of salt ready to adjust seasoning after dipping if needed.
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, letting excess drip off. Roll in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently to ensure crust adheres evenly. Place the coated pieces on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for extra crunch.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway if you want an even crust. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If using an air fryer, cook at 390°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
Allow the chicken to rest for 3–5 minutes to redistribute juices and crisp the crust. A squeeze of lemon or a tangy dip brightens the flavors.
Plate with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa. Serve with dipping sauces such as honey mustard or lemon yogurt dip.

Notes

Pretzel Crusted Chicken offers a savory, crunchy crust with a juicy interior. This versatile recipe works in the oven or in an air fryer, making a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner that’s easy to customize for different diets.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 servings
Calories: 360-420 kcal
Sugar: 1-3 g
Fat: 12-18 g
Carbohydrates: 22-28 g
Fiber: 1-3 g
Protein: 28-34 g