This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is the perfect combination of crunchy and creamy, tangy and savory. The golden brown pretzel crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the rich cheddar and Dijon mustard sauce takes the dish to the next level. It’s a restaurant quality meal that’s easy enough to make at home!
Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to serve guests, this recipe has you covered. The chicken stays juicy on the inside while crisping up beautifully on the outside. And that sauce? It’s velvety smooth, cheesy, and just the right amount of tangy to complement the salty pretzel crust. Pair it with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Coating:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the crushed pretzels in one shallow bowl, flour in another, and beat the eggs with milk in a third bowl.
Coat the Chicken:
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the egg mixture, then press into the crushed pretzels, ensuring an even coating.
Cook the Chicken:
5. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
6. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
7. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
8. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
9. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbly.
10. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
11. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
12. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
13. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
14. Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the mustard cheddar sauce.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: A Crispy, Cheesy Delight
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on classic breaded chicken, Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the perfect dish to try. This recipe takes simple, everyday ingredients and transforms them into a crispy, flavorful, and indulgent meal that is sure to impress. The contrast between the crunchy, salty pretzel crust and the creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce makes each bite absolutely irresistible.
This dish is not only easy to make, but it’s also a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining guests, this crunchy and cheesy chicken recipe is bound to be a hit. In this article, we’ll explore what makes this dish so special, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions to help you perfect it in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons why this dish is worth adding to your meal rotation:
- Unique and Flavorful Coating: Using crushed pretzels as a crust gives the chicken a delightful crunch and a salty, slightly buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with the sauce.
- Creamy, Tangy Cheese Sauce: The mustard cheddar sauce adds a luscious, velvety texture and a kick of tangy flavor, making every bite more indulgent.
- Easy to Make: Even though it looks and tastes gourmet, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. With just a few steps, you can have a restaurant quality meal at home.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy coating and cheesy sauce make this dish appealing to both kids and adults. If your little ones aren’t fans of mustard, you can adjust the sauce to be milder.
- Versatile: This dish pairs well with various sides, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
The Secret Behind the Perfect Pretzel Crust
The real game changer in this recipe is the pretzel crust. Instead of using traditional breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels bring a different level of texture and taste. The key to getting the perfect crust is:
- Using finely crushed pretzels: You want a balance between small crumbs and slightly larger pieces for the best texture. Too fine, and you’ll lose the crunch; too coarse, and the coating won’t adhere properly.
- Double-coating the chicken: Dredging the chicken in flour first, then dipping it in the egg mixture before pressing it into the pretzel crumbs ensures a firm and even coating.
- Pan-searing before baking: Quickly browning the coated chicken in a skillet before baking helps lock in the coating and gives it an extra crispy exterior.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even mix different types of pretzels (salted, unsalted, honey mustard flavored) to create a more complex flavor profile.
The Magic of Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
While the pretzel crusted chicken is delicious on its own, the mustard-cheddar sauce is what truly elevates this dish. This creamy sauce is made by blending sharp cheddar cheese with Dijon mustard, milk, and a simple roux. The result is a smooth, rich sauce that perfectly complements the crunchy chicken.
Why This Sauce Works So Well:
- The sharp cheddar provides a deep, tangy cheesiness that balances the saltiness of the pretzels.
- The Dijon mustard adds a mild heat and tang, cutting through the richness of the cheese.
- The smooth consistency makes it easy to drizzle over the chicken, adding a luxurious touch to the dish.
If you love extra heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Pretzel-Crusted Chicken
This dish is incredibly versatile when it comes to side pairings. Here are a few great options:
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots add a fresh and slightly sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes work beautifully with the mustard cheddar sauce, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
- Garlic Butter Green Beans: A simple, fresh side that brings a crisp, light balance to the meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunchiness of a tangy coleslaw pairs well with the crispy chicken, adding a refreshing touch.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries enhances the savory, salty flavors of the chicken.
- Warm Dinner Rolls: If you love dipping, serve the extra mustard cheddar sauce with soft, warm rolls on the side.
Recipe Variations and Customizations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways to modify the dish based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten free pretzels and substitute the all purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten free blend.
- Spicy Version: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the pretzel crumbs or mix hot sauce into the mustard cheddar sauce.
- Air Fryer Method: Instead of pan searing and baking, cook the coated chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Different Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can try smoked gouda, pepper jack, or gruyere for a different twist.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: If you prefer a milder, slightly sweeter sauce, replace the Dijon mustard with honey mustard.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you’ll want to keep that crispy texture intact. Here’s how:
- Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate in a sealed container.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken breasts for up to a month. Just bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion:
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is an outstanding dish that perfectly blends crispy, cheesy, and tangy flavors into one unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a special occasion, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
The contrast between the crunchy pretzel crust and the smooth, rich mustard-cheddar sauce makes every bite exciting and full of flavor. Best of all, this dish is incredibly easy to make while looking and tasting like something straight out of a gourmet restaurant.
So why not give this recipe a try? Serve it with your favorite sides, customize the sauce to your liking, and enjoy a new take on crispy chicken that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Would you like more recipe ideas similar to this one? Let us know in the comments, and happy cooking!