Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a deliciously crunchy and savory dish that combines the salty crunch of pretzels with tender, juicy chicken. Topped with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce, it’s a perfect meal to impress family or friends without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for breading)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (recipe below)

Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and one with crushed pretzels.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, making sure it is fully covered. Then dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels to adhere the coating well.
5. Step 5: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until warm.
7. Step 7: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
8. Step 8: Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken drizzled with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use high-quality pretzels for the best crunch and flavor.
• Add finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or dill to the crushed pretzels for an aromatic twist.
• Include a pinch of cayenne pepper in the seasoning for a subtle heat.
• For a spicy sauce, mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha into the mustard-cheddar sauce.
• Try stuffing chicken breasts with spinach and feta before breading for a creamy surprise inside.
• Substitute different cheeses such as gouda or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile.

Storage

Store leftover Pretzel Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat leftovers in the oven to maintain the crispy crust and warm sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs can be used. They offer a juicier texture but may require slightly adjusted cooking times to ensure even cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, since pretzels and flour contain gluten. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free flour blends, ensuring all other ingredients are safe for gluten-free diets.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Replace cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use plant-based milk such as almond or coconut milk for both the breading and the sauce.

What sides pair well with Pretzel Chicken?

This dish goes well with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, creamy mashed potatoes, or classic mac and cheese for a comforting meal.

Can I bake this dish instead of frying?

Yes, this recipe is designed for baking, which yields a crispy crust without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 61 reviews

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a deliciously crunchy and savory baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts coated in crushed pretzels for a crispy crust. Served with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce, this recipe balances rich flavors with an easy-to-follow method perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pretzel Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (recipe below)

Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This seasoning layer provides foundational flavor that complements the pretzel crust.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: put all-purpose flour in the first, beat the eggs together with Dijon mustard in the second, and place the crushed pretzels in the third. This setup facilitates organized and efficient breading.
4. Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating it thoroughly. Then plunge it into the egg and mustard mixture, letting any excess drip off to avoid clumps. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels, ensuring an even crust that will bake to a crispy golden finish.
5. Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the pretzel crust turns golden brown and crispy.
6. Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through.
7. Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the warmed milk mixture, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted fully and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, then remove from heat.
8. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to seal in the juices. Serve the chicken brushed with or dipped into the warm mustard-cheddar sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Use freshly baked or high-quality pretzels for the best crunch and flavor.
• Use an oven thermometer to ensure precise baking temperature.
• Customize the seasoning by adding spices such as cayenne pepper for heat.
• Allow the chicken to rest after baking to keep it juicy.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze cooked chicken wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven for best texture.
• For gluten-free version, substitute pretzels and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
• To make dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese.

Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, Baked Chicken, Crispy Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner, Savory Chicken, Comfort Food