Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted smooth and creamy.
- 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
