Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crispy, flavorful dish that combines the crunch of pretzel coating with a rich, tangy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress.

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 evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Step 3: Prepare your breading station with three bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard in the second, and crushed pretzels in the third.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally press into the crushed pretzels to fully coat.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: While baking, prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce by heating the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until warm.
7. Step 7: Slowly add shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously 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. Serve warm with the mustard-cheddar sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the crushed pretzels lightly before coating the chicken.
• Substitute sharp white cheddar for a different sharpness in the sauce.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use bone-in chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting baking time accordingly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven to maintain crispiness, and warm the sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour and pretzels to make the breading suitable for a gluten-free diet. Ensure your mustard and Worcestershire sauce are also gluten-free.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken in advance and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake just before serving to preserve the pretzel crust’s crunch.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 114 reviews

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a deliciously crispy baked chicken dish featuring chicken breasts coated in crushed pretzels for a crunchy texture. Paired with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce, this recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors perfect for a comforting dinner.

• Author: Victoria
• 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

Chicken and Coating

• 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

Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (prepared as below)
• 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). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor into the meat.
3. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with the all-purpose flour; another with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; and the last with the coarsely crushed pretzels.
4. Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, ensuring full coverage. Then dip into the egg and mustard mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels to coat thoroughly, creating a crunchy crust.
5. Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
6. Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While chicken bakes, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is warm.
7. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring over low heat until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
8. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove from oven and let rest a few minutes. Serve the crispy pretzel chicken alongside or topped with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a flavorful meal.

Notes

• For extra crunch, crush pretzels coarsely rather than finely.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• The mustard-cheddar sauce can be adjusted in thickness by varying the milk quantity slightly.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
• Substitute gluten-free flour and pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.

Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Mustard Cheddar Sauce, Baked Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Easy Dinner