Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. This dish takes classic crispy chicken and gives it an irresistible twist with a crunchy pretzel coating, then tops it all off with a silky, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. Every bite is an adventure in flavor and texture, featuring the kind of satisfying crunch and creamy richness that’s perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner with friends. The best part? It’s deceptively simple and you’ll only need staple ingredients – the result is nothing short of spectacular.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is all about simple ingredients combining for big results. Each component plays a starring role, lending flavor, crunch, and that gorgeous golden color everyone loves.

• Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless breasts for quick, even cooking and a juicy bite every time.
• Coarsely crushed pretzels: These are the secret to an ultra-crunchy, salty crust that’s pure perfection.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and adds a touch of body to the coating.
• Large eggs: The eggs bind everything together for the ultimate crispiness.
• Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle heat and zing in both the chicken and the sauce.
• Garlic powder: For a pop of savory flavor in every bite.
• Onion powder: Adds a mellow sweetness and depth to the seasoning.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for dialing up all the other flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for creamy, tangy richness.
• Milk: Creates a smooth base for the sauce and keeps it pourable.
• Mustard-cheddar sauce: This is the finishing touch that ties it all together – tangy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) – getting the oven nice and hot is key for a perfect, crispy crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lay out your chicken breasts and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper, followed by garlic powder and onion powder. This step is simple but sets the stage for deeply flavorful chicken underneath the crunchy coating. Don’t be shy with your seasoning!

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

You’ll need three shallow bowls for this classic setup: one with flour, one with beaten eggs and Dijon mustard, and one with your coarsely crushed pretzels. Mixing Dijon right into the eggs is a game-changer, giving every bite a pop of savory flavor.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken breast, one at a time, in the flour. Next, dip into the egg-mustard mix, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally press firmly into the crushed pretzels to ensure a thick, even crust. Take your time here – the crunchier the better!

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the breaded chicken on your prepared baking sheet and pop it into the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the pretzel crust is golden brown and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. The aroma alone will have everyone drifting into the kitchen!

Step 6: Whip Up the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken bakes, grab a small saucepan and warm together the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce over medium heat. Stir often, letting everything meld and get bubbly just at the edges. It smells incredible already!

Step 7: Melt in the Cheese

Add the shredded cheddar slowly, stirring constantly as it melts into creamy, dreamy goodness. Taste and season with a bit of salt and pepper if you like. When it’s glossy and smooth, remove from heat – your masterpiece sauce is ready to go!

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Garnishes

A scattering of freshly chopped chives or parsley over the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce adds a flash of color and garden-fresh flavor. For even more zing, try a light dusting of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish is pure comfort, so it’s absolutely delicious alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crispy roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Even sweet potato fries or classic coleslaw make wonderful partners for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack chicken slices over toasted brioche for a gourmet sandwich, or slice into strips and nestle over a bed of greens for a hearty salad – just drizzle with that luscious sauce! For parties, serve bite-sized pieces with toothpicks and a bowl of mustard-cheddar sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate in a small jar or sealed container to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

Freeze the baked, un-sauced chicken breasts by wrapping tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag. The chicken will keep for up to 2 months. Wait to make the sauce fresh when you’re ready to eat for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes to revive its crunchy coating. Gently warm the mustard-cheddar sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring as needed. If the sauce thickens, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce and offer extra juiciness. Just adjust baking time down a bit, since thighs cook faster.

What kind of pretzels are best?

Look for classic salted pretzel twists or rods and crush them coarsely for maximum crunch. Avoid flavored varieties, as their added seasonings can change the taste of the final dish.

Can I make this gluten-free?

You can easily swap in gluten-free pretzels and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should generally be safe, but always double-check labels!

Is there a way to make the sauce spicy?

Definitely! Stir in a splash of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne, or even a teaspoon of horseradish for some extra kick in your mustard-cheddar sauce. It’s easy to customize to taste.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheddar is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce less silky. For best results, grate your own cheese – it melts better and gives the sauce an ultra-creamy finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a twist on traditional comfort food, give Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce a spot on your dinner table. The recipe is a breeze to make and always gets rave reviews. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a weeknight staple and your guests start asking for seconds (and the recipe). Enjoy every bite!

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