Pretzel Crusted Chicken

2 boneless (skinless chicken breasts)

1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper (to taste)

2 eggs

Vegetable oil (for frying)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard

½ teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/4 cup flat leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful, chopped)

1/4 small red onion (finely chopped)

Butterfly each of the chicken breasts, making a total of 4 thin chicken breasts. Then flatten with a mallet so that they are uniform in thickness, about 1/4″.

Put the pretzels in a food processor and grind until fine. Put the crumbs in a shallow dish. Combine with paprika and season with salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs with a splash of water.

Preheat a large non-stick skillet with a 1/4-inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

One at a time, coat each chicken breast in the egg and then the ground pretzels.

Add the pretzel-coated chicken breasts to the hot oil. Cook in a single layer, in 2 batches if necessary, about 3 or 4 minutes on each side, until cooked through.

Meanwhile, make the sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened, 3-5 minutes. Stir in the cheese, mustard, paprika and cayenne. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve chicken breasts with a drizzle of cheddar-mustard sauce and a sprinkle of parsley and red onion.