Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce offers a delightful twist on classic breaded chicken. The crunchy pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy sauce for a comfort meal that’s both tasty and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup pretzel crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
3. Step 3: Set up a breading station with the flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and pretzel crumbs in a third.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with pretzel crumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
5. Step 5: Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
6. Step 6: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
8. Step 8: Serve the baked pretzel-crusted chicken breasts topped or sided with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

• Use crushed flavored pretzels, like honey mustard, for an extra layer of taste.
• Substitute Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese in the sauce for a different creamy flavor.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before baking.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder to the pretzel crumbs for added depth.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness. The mustard-cheddar sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated on low heat, stirring frequently.

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 with this recipe. Adjust baking time as thighs may require a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is pretzel chicken suitable for freezing?

You can freeze cooked pretzel chicken wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to keep the crust crispy. The sauce is best made fresh or stored separately in the fridge.

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delicious and crispy baked chicken dish featuring juicy boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in crunchy pretzel crumbs. The chicken is perfectly seasoned, baked to golden-brown perfection, and served with a rich, creamy sauce made from sharp cheddar cheese, tangy Dijon mustard, and buttery milk. Garnished with fresh parsley, this easy-to-make meal marries savory and tangy flavors into one satisfying dish.

• Author: Marco
• 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
• 1 cup pretzel crumbs
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
3. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes for breading: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs. This will help achieve a crispy coating.
4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the pretzel crumbs, ensuring an even coating that adheres well.
5. Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until fully cooked through and the crust is a beautiful golden-brown color.
6. Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in Dijon mustard and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly, approximately 5 minutes.
7. Add Cheddar Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted smooth and creamy.
8. Serve: Plate the baked pretzel-crusted chicken breasts and generously spoon the mustard-cheddar sauce over or alongside. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal touch.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, use crunchy pretzels and crush them finely to coat the chicken evenly.
• Chicken breasts should be of similar size for even cooking; if thick, consider pounding them to uniform thickness.
• Use whole milk for a richer sauce; low-fat milk can be used but may yield a thinner texture.
• Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated before serving.
• This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: pretzel chicken, baked chicken, mustard cheddar sauce, crispy chicken breast, easy chicken recipe, savory chicken dish