Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: Recipe

If you’re looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners with something crispy, creamy, and downright irresistible, then Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the culinary hug you need. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a satisfyingly crunchy pretzel crust, all drizzled with a luscious, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce that takes every bite to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing friends, this recipe is a guaranteed winner that brings comfort and flavor together in the most delightful way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, you won’t need a long list—just some simple, straightforward ingredients that pack a punch in taste and texture. Each component plays a vital role, from the salty crunch of crushed pretzels to the creamy zing of mustard in our luscious cheddar sauce.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and perfect for a tender main star.
• Crushed pretzels: Adds an irresistible crunchy crust with a hint of saltiness.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and creates a base layer for the coating.
• Eggs: Bind everything together to secure the crust on the chicken.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth to both the breading and the sauce.
• Garlic and onion powder: Infuse the chicken with savory warmth and complexity.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basics that elevate all the other flavors.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for creamy richness and sharpness.
• Milk: Provides a smooth base for the mustard-cheddar sauce.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep the chicken from sticking and to make cleanup easy. This step ensures your kitchen will be ready for perfectly crisp and golden chicken.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. These simple spices make a huge difference, infusing the meat with savory flavors that balance beautifully with the crunchy coating.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with a tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and one with coarsely crushed pretzels. This setup helps you get an even, full coating—and keeps the process fun and organized.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating it completely to ensure the next layers stick well. Then, dip into the egg and mustard mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, cover the chicken fully in the crushed pretzels, gently pressing so the crust sticks tight. This triple coating creates a beautiful, flavorful crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the coated chicken breasts on your prepared sheet and bake them for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they are ready when the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The result is a juicy, tender interior with a satisfyingly crisp outside.

Step 6: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken bakes, warm up milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until combined and heated through. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts into a smooth, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of tang and richness. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken comes out of the oven, let it rest a few minutes to lock in the juices before serving. Then, drizzle generously with your homemade mustard-cheddar sauce. Every bite will be a celebration of textures and flavor, courtesy of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a refreshing pop of color and flavor that beautifully contrast the rich cheddar sauce. A squeeze of lemon over the top can also provide a bright, zesty note that cuts through the richness wonderfully.

Side Dishes

Pair your Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce with roasted vegetables, like crispy Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans, to keep things balanced and nutritious. Creamy mashed potatoes or a simple buttered pasta also complement the meal and soak up every bit of that amazing sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your chicken sliced into strips over a bed of mixed greens drizzled with a light vinaigrette for a lighter twist. You can also use leftover chicken in sandwiches with a touch more mustard-cheddar sauce, making lunch just as exciting as dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate and adding it when reheating helps preserve that fresh, creamy texture.

Freezing

If you want to keep this delicious meal longer, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer-safe bags. The Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce will stay great for up to 2 months. Freeze the sauce separately in small containers for best results.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the crust as crispy as possible. Warm the mustard-cheddar sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, then pour it over the chicken right before serving to ensure every bite stays creamy and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness, but they might require a bit more cooking time. Just check the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is it possible to bake this recipe without mustard in the breading?

You can omit mustard if needed, but it adds a subtle tang that complements the pretzel crust perfectly. Without it, the breading might be a little less flavorful but still delicious.

Can I make the mustard-cheddar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving to avoid separating or becoming grainy.

What can I substitute for crushed pretzels?

If you don’t have pretzels, crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of salt provide a nice crunchy alternative, though the signature pretzel flavor will be missed.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can try using gluten-free pretzels and flour alternatives to make it gluten-free. Just be sure to check all labels carefully to maintain safety.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is one of those dishes that feels special without any fuss. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and perfectly paired with a sauce that sings with sharp cheddar and tangy mustard, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. I can’t encourage you enough to give this comforting delight a try—you might just have found your new favorite dinner!

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