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Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delicious and crispy baked chicken dish featuring a crunchy pretzel crust, perfectly seasoned and paired with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe combines the salty crunch of pretzels with tender chicken breasts, topped with a rich sauce that adds a burst of flavor, making it a comforting yet sophisticated meal perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

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 ensure easy clean-up.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor into the meat before breading.
  3. Set Up Breading Station: Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with coarsely crushed pretzels. These will be used to coat the chicken properly.
  4. Bread Chicken: Take each chicken breast, first dip it into the flour making sure it’s fully coated, then into the egg mixture letting excess drip off, and finally press into the crushed pretzels until well covered for a crispy crust.
  5. Bake Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the crust turns golden brown and crunchy.
  6. Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While baking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir consistently until heated through without boiling.
  7. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
  8. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Serve the pretzel-crusted chicken with a generous spoonful of the warm mustard-cheddar sauce on top or on the side.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can spray the chicken lightly with cooking spray before baking.
  • Crush pretzels coarsely for better texture rather than finely ground crumbs.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F (75°C).
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
  • Make the mustard-cheddar sauce ahead of time and gently reheat before serving if desired.