Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this dish for its delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The crispy pretzel crust envelops tender chicken, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. The creamy mustard-cheddar sauce adds a rich, tangy depth that perfectly complements the savory chicken. It's a comforting yet elevated meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups crushed pretzels
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
¼ 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

(Hint: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- 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:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- 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).
Make the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture is lightly browned and bubbly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the chicken breasts drizzled with the mustard-cheddar sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Cheese Sauce: For a spicier kick, substitute the cheddar with pepper jack cheese. Alternatively, use Swiss cheese for a milder flavor.
Breading: If pretzels aren't available, try using crushed tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
Chicken Cuts: Chicken tenders can be used instead of breasts for quicker cooking.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How can I ensure the chicken stays crispy?

To maintain the crispiness, avoid covering the chicken while it rests after baking. Reheating in an oven or air fryer helps retain the crunch.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the mustard-cheddar sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.

What side dishes pair well with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with thick slices of eggplant or cauliflower steaks for a vegetarian alternative.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the chicken can be frozen, the breading may lose its crispness upon reheating. It's best to freeze the chicken and sauce separately.

Conclusion

I find this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce to be a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The crispy pretzel crust and creamy, tangy sauce elevate the simple chicken breast into a memorable meal. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crispy pretzel-crusted chicken breasts served with a rich, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. A comforting yet elevated dish perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place crushed pretzels in one bowl, flour in another, and beat eggs with milk in a third bowl.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Dredge in flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with crushed pretzels.
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden, 3-4 minutes per side.
Transfer chicken to baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened and simmering.
Reduce heat to low, stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then add Dijon mustard. Season to taste.
Let chicken rest a few minutes, then serve with mustard-cheddar sauce.