Pretzel Chicken Sandwich Recipe

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Pretzel Chicken Sandwich is a masterpiece where crispy, juicy chicken meets the soft, salty goodness of a pretzel bun. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels fancy enough to impress guests but simple enough to whip up for a casual weeknight dinner.

How to make a Pretzel Chicken Sandwich

The Pretzel Chicken Sandwich is a type of chicken sandwich that features a soft pretzel bun instead of a traditional burger bun.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pounded to an even thickness or halved if large)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 2 cups crushed pretzels (try to crush them finely, but keep some texture for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:

• 4 soft pretzel buns (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 slices of cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
• 2-4 slices of cooked bacon (optional but highly recommended)
• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickles (optional, for added crunch and tang)

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard or honey mustard
• 1 tbsp honey (optional, if you like a sweeter touch)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat your oven (or air fryer) to 400°F (200°C). Alternatively, you can shallow fry the chicken on the stovetop if you prefer.
2. Place the crushed pretzels in a shallow dish. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. In two additional bowls, set up your dredging station:
4. Bowl 1: Add flour.
5. Bowl 2: Beat the eggs.
6. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper.
7. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour (shaking off the excess), dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it thoroughly with the crushed pretzel mix. Press gently to ensure the pretzels stick evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In the Air Fryer: Lay the coated chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
2. In the Oven: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
3. On the Stovetop: Heat 2-3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and crispy, making sure it’s fully cooked. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Toast the Pretzel Buns

1. Lightly heat your pretzel buns in the oven for a few minutes or toast them in a skillet with a dab of butter for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Assemble Your Pretzel Chicken Sandwich
3. Spread a generous amount of the honey mustard sauce on the bottom half of each pretzel bun.
4. Top with lettuce, a slice of tomato, and the crispy pretzel chicken.
5. Add a slice of cheddar cheese and bacon (if using). You can also add pickles for extra crunch or tanginess.
6. Finish with the top half of the pretzel bun.

Tips for the Best Pretzel Chicken Sandwich

• Crush Pretzels Properly: For the perfect crust, crush the pretzels into a mix of fine crumbs and small pieces. This gives the chicken that crunchy texture while still keeping it light. You can use a food processor or place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
• Customizable Sauce: Experiment with the sauce to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or sriracha. Prefer something sweeter? Increase the amount of honey.
• Make It Extra Cheesy: Want a gooey cheese pull? After assembling the sandwich, pop it in the oven for a minute to let the cheese melt perfectly.
• Homemade Pretzel Buns: If you want to go all out, making your pretzel buns can take this sandwich to the next level. They’re not as intimidating as they sound and will give your sandwich a fresh, homemade touch.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the cooked chicken to sit for a few minutes before assembling the sandwich prevents the bun from getting soggy and lets the juices redistribute.

What to serve with

• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Every great sandwich deserves a crispy sidekick, and fries are a natural choice. Whether you stick with the timeless appeal of regular French fries or opt for the sweeter, caramelized flavor of sweet potato fries, they pair perfectly with the pretzel chicken sandwich. For even more fun, serve them with a side of dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy ketchup.
• Potato Chips: Keep things simple with a crunchy handful of kettle-cooked potato chips. The salty, crisp texture complements the chewy pretzel bun and tender chicken without overpowering the sandwich itself. Barbecue or sea salt-flavored chips work especially well with this dish.
• Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy flavors of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of a Pretzel Chicken Sandwich. Whether you go with a classic mayo-based slaw or a lighter vinegar-based one, the crunchy cabbage adds texture and balance. You can even pile some slaw directly onto your sandwich for added flavor!

Ingredients Substitutes

Let’s face it—sometimes recipes call for ingredients you don’t have on hand, or maybe you’re looking for a twist that fits your dietary needs or personal taste.

1. Substitutes for the Chicken

Vegetarian or Vegan Options

• Breaded tofu: Slice firm tofu into slabs, press out extra moisture, and bread it with the same pretzel mixture used for chicken. Bake, fry, or air fry as directed for equally crispy results.
• Portobello mushrooms: Use large Portobello mushroom caps as a “patty” base. Coat them with seasonings and crushed pretzels for a meaty, plant-based alternative.
• Cauliflower steaks: Cut thick slices of cauliflower and follow the same breading process to create crispy “steaks” that mimic the crunch of chicken.
• Vegan chicken patties: Pre-made vegan chicken alternatives (like brands such as Beyond Meat or Gardein) are a great no-hassle substitute.

Other Protein Options

• Ground chicken or turkey patties: For a different texture, shape ground chicken or turkey into burger patties and coat with pretzel crumbs.
• Thinly sliced pork chops: Boneless pork chops can be flattened and breaded just like chicken for a unique take on the sandwich.
• Fish fillets: Breaded white fish like cod or tilapia can make a great alternative if you’re craving something lighter or a seafood twist.

2. Substitutes for the Pretzel Bun

Other Types of Bread

• Regular burger buns: If you can’t find pretzel buns, your standard burger buns work as an easy alternative. Toast them lightly to add texture.
• Ciabatta rolls: These rolls provide a sturdy base with a slightly chewy bite, making them a great substitute for pretzel buns.
• Brioche buns: For those who love a soft and slightly sweet bread, brioche adds a decadent touch to the sandwich.
• Sourdough slices: Use hearty slices of sourdough bread for a more rustic, open-face version of the Pretzel Chicken Sandwich.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need a gluten-free alternative:

• Gluten-free buns: Many grocery stores offer gluten-free burger buns that can easily replace pretzel buns.
• Lettuce wraps: For a low-carb and gluten-free alternative, use large, sturdy lettuce leaves (like romaine or iceberg) as a wrap instead of bread.

Homemade Substitutes

If you have time, try making homemade pretzel buns using gluten-free flour or whole wheat alternatives. Recipes online can guide you step-by-step, and you’ll have complete control over the texture and flavor.

3. Substitutes for the Crispy Pretzel Coating on the Chicken

Crunch Alternatives

• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create a similar crunch to crushed pretzels.
• Crushed crackers: Saltine crackers, Ritz crackers, or even seasoned crackers can create a crispy coating close to pretzels.
• Cornflakes: Crush cornflakes into crumbs for a light yet satisfying crunch. They’re especially great for oven-baking or air frying.
• Ground nuts: Use finely chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans for a nutty alternative. This works best for baked chicken.

Dietary Adjustments

• Gluten-free pretzels: Find gluten-free pretzels and crush them for a coating that keeps the original pretzel flavor intact without the gluten.
• No-breadcoating option: Season the chicken directly with spices (garlic powder, smoked paprika, etc.), skipping the breading for a lighter version.

4. Substitutes for the Sauce

For the Dijon Mustard Sauce

If you want to switch up the honey mustard sauce or cater to different tastes:

• Spicy mayo: Mix mayonnaise with Sriracha or cayenne for a creamy yet spicy kick.
• Barbecue sauce: For smoky sweetness, slather BBQ sauce on the bun instead.
• Ranch dressing: A cool, herby ranch sauce is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Avocado crema: Blend avocado, lime juice, and Greek yogurt for a lighter and more refreshing sauce.
• Vegan mayonnaise: To make this sauce friendly for vegans, swap traditional mayo with plant-based versions (like Vegenaise).

For Sweetener Alternatives

If honey or sugar isn’t your thing:

• Maple syrup: A splash of maple syrup adds a sweet nuance similar to honey.
• Agave syrup: It’s another vegan-friendly option that provides sweetness with a mild flavor.
• Skip it altogether: If you prefer a more savory sauce, omit sweeteners entirely and let the mustard shine.

5. Substitutes for Toppings

Cheese

• Swiss cheese: Replace cheddar with Swiss for a nuttier, creamier flavor.
• Pepper Jack: Add a kick with pepper jack cheese for heat lovers.
• Dairy-free cheese slices: Perfect for vegan or lactose-intolerant options—choose plant-based cheese slices.

Bacon

If you don’t have bacon or want alternatives:

• Turkey bacon: A leaner option that still adds crispiness.
• Tempeh bacon: A vegan alternative with a smoky flavor.
• Crispy fried onions: For a crunchy layer with a hint of sweetness, try using fried onions instead of bacon.

Extra Veggies

Expand your topping game:

• Red onion slices: Add a sharp, flavorful crunch.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado elevates the sandwich to gourmet status.
• Roasted red peppers: These add a smoky sweetness without overwhelming other flavors.

Final Thoughts

When serving a Pretzel Chicken Sandwich, it’s important to balance the flavors and textures with complementary side dishes.

More Pretzel Recipes:

• Copycat Chick-fil-A Pretzel Cheddar Club Sandwich Recipe