Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crunchy, flavorful dish that combines a salty pretzel crust with juicy chicken breasts. Paired with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce, it makes a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special but is easy to prepare.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder evenly on all sides.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with the flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with the crushed pretzels.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, and finally press the chicken into the crushed pretzels until fully coated.
5. Step 5: Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
7. Step 7: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking before serving with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free pretzels and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
• For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Try substituting sharp white cheddar or pepper jack cheese in the sauce for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel 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 about 10 minutes to keep the crust crispy. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and can add more juiciness. Adjust the baking time slightly, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

How do I make the crust extra crispy?

For a crunchier crust, spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking oil before baking or bake on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air circulation.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crispy baked chicken dish coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, paired with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe combines the savory flavors of seasoned chicken with the unique texture of crushed pretzels for a delightful twist on traditional breaded chicken. It’s perfect for a comforting family dinner or a casual gathering, delivering both taste and visual appeal.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the 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

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup prepared mustard-cheddar sauce (made by combining milk, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and cheddar cheese)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the chicken does not stick and bakes evenly.
2. Prepare Chicken. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to add flavor that complements the crunchy crust.
3. Set Up Breading Station. Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, another with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and a third with coarsely crushed pretzels. This setup is crucial for proper breading.
4. Bread Chicken. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated to help the egg mixture stick. Then dip into the egg and mustard mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels until well coated, carefully ensuring the pretzels adhere to form a crunchy crust.
5. Bake Chicken. Arrange the breaded chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust turns golden brown and crisp.
6. Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. While the chicken bakes, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm and well blended.
7. Add Cheese. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until the sauce becomes smooth and fully melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
8. Serve. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Serve warm with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce poured over or on the side.

Notes

• Use coarsely crushed pretzels for the best crunchy texture. Finely crushed pretzels may result in a less crisp crust.
• Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• You can substitute Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for a stronger flavor.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to keep it moist and tender.
• The sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving.
• If preferred, use gluten-free pretzels and flour to make the recipe gluten-free.

Keywords: pretzel chicken, baked chicken, mustard cheddar sauce, crispy chicken, easy chicken recipe, dinner recipe, chicken with cheese sauce