Name: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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); 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (mixed into sauce); 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (added to sauce); Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delightful twist on classic breaded chicken. The crunchy pretzel coating adds a satisfying texture, while the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce provides a tangy and cheesy complement. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a comforting dinner.

This close-up image shows a stack of two crispy, golden-brown fried chicken pieces with a crunchy texture. They are generously covered with a thick, creamy mustard-yellow sauce that drips down the sides, decorated with small green parsley flakes sprinkled on top. The chicken rests on a black plate, with a white marbled texture in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly.
Step 3: Prepare your breading station by placing the flour in one bowl, beating the eggs with Dijon mustard in a second bowl, and placing crushed pretzels in a third bowl.
Step 4: Coat each chicken breast by first dipping it into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally pressing it into the crushed pretzels to adhere well.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and the crust is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: While the chicken bakes, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until warmed.
Step 7: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed, then remove from heat.
Step 8: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, toast the crushed pretzels lightly before breading the chicken.
Substitute sharp white cheddar for a more intense cheese flavor in the sauce.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the pretzel coating for a subtle smoky note.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to preserve the crunch. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of three stacked crispy fried chicken pieces with a rough, golden-brown textured crust. Each piece has a warm, crunchy appearance and is covered by a thick layer of smooth, creamy yellow mustard sauce that drips down the sides. Small green parsley leaves are scattered on top of the sauce and around the base, adding a fresh contrast. The dish is set on a white marbled textured surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through and offer a juicier texture.

Is it possible to make the sauce dairy-free?

You can substitute the milk with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cheddar-style cheese to make the sauce suitable for a dairy-free diet, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.