Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad

The Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad is a dish that brings together a delightful mix of flavors and textures that feel like a hug on a plate. Picture a sunny afternoon, friends gathered around the table, laughter filling the air. I made this salad for one of those occasions, wanting to create something that was both unique and comforting. The thought of crispy, pretzel-crusted chicken combined with fresh greens and a tangy dressing was irresistible. Every bite is a perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, making it the star of any gathering.

Ingredients Required for Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad

When creating the Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad, the ingredients play a crucial role in delivering flavor and nutrition. Each component works harmoniously to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing. From the crunch of the pretzels to the fresh greens, every ingredient is essential for that perfect bite.

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders (or 2 large breasts cut into tenders) – The main protein that brings heartiness to the salad.
• 1 1/4 cups crushed thin pretzel twists – This gives the chicken a satisfying crunch and a flavorful crust.
• 2 egg whites – Helps the pretzel coating adhere to the chicken.
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard – Adds a tangy depth of flavor to both the chicken and the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon honey – Sweetens the dressing and balances the tanginess of the mustard.
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1/4 cup olive oil – Used in the dressing for healthy fats.
• 1/2 lime juiced – Adds a refreshing citrus note.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Provides a subtle smokiness to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon pepper – A classic seasoning to enhance flavors.
• 2 cups tiny twist pretzels for the honey mustard roasted pretzel croutons – Adds extra crunch to the salad.
• 4-6 cups bib lettuce or a mix of lettuce and spinach – The base of the salad, adding freshness.
• 2 cups sliced strawberries – Offers a sweet and juicy contrast.
• 1 large avocado diced – Creamy texture that adds richness.
• 2 ounces feta cheese crumbled – A tangy finish that complements the sweet and savory flavors.

Recipe Steps for Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad

Making the Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad is an enjoyable process that brings all these lovely flavors together. Let’s dive into the steps and create this culinary delight!

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is essential as it prepares the oven for the perfect baking of your chicken. A preheated oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust.

2. In a large bowl, combine honey, dijon mustard, and egg whites. Whisk these together until well blended. The mixture should be smooth, and the sweetness of the honey will beautifully complement the tangy mustard.

3. Toss the chicken in the honey mustard mixture until well coated. Make sure each piece is generously covered, as this is what will help the pretzel crumbs stick later.

4. Place the pretzels in a sealable plastic bag, seal it tightly, and crush them with a meat mallet or a heavy utensil. Take your time with this step; the goal is to achieve a fine crumb that will create a delightful crust.

5. Spread the crushed pretzels out on a large plate or in a large dish. This will make it easier to coat the chicken in the next step.

6. Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This is crucial because we want to achieve that perfect crunchy texture without any mess.

7. Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the honey mustard mixture. Place it in the bag with the pretzel crumbs, then use your fist to pound the pretzels onto the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat this for each piece of chicken.

8. Arrange the crusted chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Mist the tops with nonstick spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.

9. Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Look for a golden brown crust and ensure that the chicken is cooked through. It should be juicy and tender!

10. While the chicken cooks, prepare the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well and taste it to adjust the seasoning. You want it to be just right, perfectly balancing sweet and tangy.

11. Once the chicken is nearly done, take a few tablespoons of the honey mustard dressing and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss the whole pretzels with the dressing, ensuring they are coated well.

12. Place the dressed pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake alongside the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remember to flip them halfway to avoid burning!

13. After the pretzels are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a bowl.

14. In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and avocado. This colorful mix will form the gorgeous base of your salad.

15. To serve, plate the salad and top each dish with a sliced piece of the crispy chicken, a handful of roasted honey mustard pretzels, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with additional dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

Pro Tips and Tweaks

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken may lose some of its crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze the salad once assembled, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea on a warm day.
• Customize: Feel free to add additional fruits like blueberries or nuts like almonds for an extra crunch.
• Dress It Up: You can change the dressing to a yogurt-based version for a lighter option.

Serve This Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad With

• Grilled Vegetables: Roasted or grilled veggies like zucchini and bell peppers complement this salad beautifully.
• Fresh Bread: Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
• Picnic Venues: Perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings, this salad is easy to transport.
• Brunch Events: Great for brunch, served alongside quiches and fresh fruit.
• Seasonal Variations: In fall, consider adding apples or nuts for a seasonal twist.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad is a vibrant, tasty dish that brings together crispy chicken and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the experience of sharing good food with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s sure to become a favorite in your home!

Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad

The ultimate comfort food, Honey Mustard Pretzel Crusted Chicken Salad combines crispy chicken with fresh greens and a zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this easy weeknight dinner will impress your family and friends. Make it tonight for a delicious meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 452 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Oven
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders or 2 large breasts cut into tenders
• 1 1/4 cups crushed thin pretzel twists
• 2 egg whites
• 1/4 cup dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/2 lime juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups tiny twist pretzels for the honey mustard roasted pretzel croutons
• 4-6 cups bib lettuce or a mix of lettuce and spinach
• 2 cups sliced strawberries
• 1 large avocado diced
• 2 ounces feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. This step is essential as it prepares the oven for the perfect baking of your chicken. A preheated oven ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and develops a lovely golden crust.
• In a large bowl, combine honey, dijon mustard, and egg whites. Whisk these together until well blended. The mixture should be smooth, and the sweetness of the honey will beautifully complement the tangy mustard.
• Toss the chicken in the honey mustard mixture until well coated. Make sure each piece is generously covered, as this is what will help the pretzel crumbs stick later.
• Place the pretzels in a sealable plastic bag, seal it tightly, and crush them with a meat mallet or a heavy utensil. Take your time with this step; the goal is to achieve a fine crumb that will create a delightful crust.
• Spread the crushed pretzels out on a large plate or in a large dish. This will make it easier to coat the chicken in the next step.
• Spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This is crucial because we want to achieve that perfect crunchy texture without any mess.
• Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the honey mustard mixture. Place it in the bag with the pretzel crumbs, then use your fist to pound the pretzels onto the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat this for each piece of chicken.
• Arrange the crusted chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Mist the tops with nonstick spray to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
• Bake in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through. Look for a golden brown crust and ensure that the chicken is cooked through. It should be juicy and tender!
• While the chicken cooks, prepare the dressing by combining all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk well and taste it to adjust the seasoning. You want it to be just right, perfectly balancing sweet and tangy.
• Once the chicken is nearly done, take a few tablespoons of the honey mustard dressing and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss the whole pretzels with the dressing, ensuring they are coated well.
• Place the dressed pretzels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake alongside the chicken for 10 to 15 minutes until they turn golden brown. Remember to flip them halfway to avoid burning!
• After the pretzels are golden and fragrant, remove them from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a bowl.
• In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, spinach, strawberries, and avocado. This colorful mix will form the gorgeous base of your salad.
• To serve, plate the salad and top each dish with a sliced piece of the crispy chicken, a handful of roasted honey mustard pretzels, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with additional dressing for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The chicken may lose some of its crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious.
• Freezing: While it's not recommended to freeze the salad once assembled, you can freeze the cooked chicken separately. Reheat in an oven to maintain crispiness.
• Pairing: This salad pairs wonderfully with a light white wine or a refreshing iced tea on a warm day.
• Customize: Feel free to add additional fruits like blueberries or nuts like almonds for an extra crunch.
• Dress It Up: You can change the dressing to a yogurt-based version for a lighter option.

Keyword Easy Chicken Salad Recipe, healthy chicken salad, Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, Pretzel Crusted Chicken

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Meet Penny Porter

I bring the energy to our cooking sessions. I don’t have a “specialty” because I love it all I’m just as happy kneading dough as I am stirring a spicy curry. My favorite part of being on this team is the variety. One day we’re making pasta from scratch, and the next we’re grilling outdoors. I love the fast-paced creative process and am always the first one to grab an apron when a new idea pops up.