Get ready to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad is not just another recipe—it's a game-changing dish that combines the irresistible crunch of perfectly seasoned pretzels with tender, juicy chicken and a vibrant, fresh salad. Imagine biting into a crispy, golden-brown chicken breast that's been lovingly coated in crushed pretzels, sitting atop a bed of mixed greens and drizzled with a tantalizing honey mustard vinaigrette. This recipe is about to become your new go-to meal that impresses both family and guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a shallow dish, crush pretzels into fine breadcrumb-like consistency using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Coat each chicken breast by first dipping in olive oil, then thoroughly covering with crushed pretzel crumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Place pretzel-crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken bakes, prepare honey mustard vinaigrette by whisking together olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
- In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Once chicken is cooked, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain.
- Arrange sliced pretzel-crusted chicken over prepared salad greens.
- Drizzle honey mustard vinaigrette over the salad just before serving.
Tips
- For maximum crunch, crush pretzels finely and press them firmly onto the chicken to ensure a complete, even coating.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F (74°C) without drying out.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to help retain its juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, try using different pretzel varieties like honey wheat or multigrain.
- Prepare the vinaigrette in advance and store in the refrigerator to save time during meal preparation.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pretzels with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Add toasted nuts or seeds to the salad for additional texture and nutritional value.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
