Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce is a dish that brings excitement to your dinner table! Imagine juicy chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, then smothered in rich, cheesy sauce. This meal is perfect for family gatherings, casual weeknights, or even a festive get-together. Its delightful flavors and appealing presentation will surely impress your guests and loved ones.

Every bite offers a delightful crunch from the pretzels, paired with the smooth and tangy cheddar mustard sauce that dances on your taste buds. You’ll find that the combination of textures and flavors makes this dish memorable. In this article, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to prepare this delicious chicken, along with tips for serving and customizing it to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh Ingredients: Made with boneless chicken, fresh herbs, and creamy cheese.
2. Ease of Preparation: Simple steps make it easy for cooks of all skill levels.
3. Nutrition: Offers protein from chicken and calcium from cheese.
4. Versatility: Great for dinner parties or as a comforting weeknight meal.
5. Presentation: The colorful plating makes it visually appealing for any occasion.

With all these benefits, you’ll love making this recipe again and again!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 50 minutes
• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
  (Note: Times may vary.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra crushed pretzels for texture

How To Make Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

1. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
2. Set up dredging bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs and Dijon in another, and crushed pretzels mixed with garlic powder and paprika in the third.
3. Dredge the chicken in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly in crushed pretzels.
4. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in mustards, reduce heat, and add cheese. Stir until melted, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve the chicken hot, topped with cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra crushed pretzels.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve on a colorful plate, drizzled with the sauce.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
3. Portions: Cut the chicken into slices for easier sharing.
4. Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a refreshing iced tea or light beer.

Your guests will love how inviting this meal looks on the table!

Additional Tips

• Flavor Enhancement: Add spices like cayenne pepper for heat.
• Customization: Substitute with turkey or use gluten-free pretzels for a different twist.
• Serving Suggestions: Try it with mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the sauce.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Pretzel Crust: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the pretzel coating for extra heat.
2. Herb-Infused Sauce: Mix fresh herbs like chives or dill into the cheddar mustard sauce for added flavor.
3. BBQ Twist: Use BBQ sauce instead of mustard for a smoky flavor in both the crust and the sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Special Equipment

1. Meat mallet or rolling pin
2. Baking sheet
3. Mixing bowls
4. Skillet
5. Whisk
6. Saucepan

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

2. Is this recipe healthy?
It provides a good balance of protein and flavorful ingredients, making it a nutritious choice.

3. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
You can coat the chicken a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake.

4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to add your favorite spices or different kinds of cheese to the sauce.

5. What are alternative cooking methods?
You can grill the chicken instead of baking it for a smoky flavor.

Conclusion

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce is sure to become a favorite in your home. It combines delicious flavors with an eye-catching presentation, making it perfect for both special occasions and everyday dinners. With its simple preparation, you’ll feel confident serving it to family and friends. So, roll up your sleeves, get cooking, and enjoy this delightful dish!

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Juicy chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Chicken Preparation

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste

Dredging Mixture

• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Pretzel Coating

• 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces) For the crunchy coating.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Baking

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter For brushing on the chicken before baking.

Cheddar Mustard Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter For the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded For the sauce.

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
• Extra crushed pretzels for texture

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
• Set up dredging bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs and Dijon in another, and crushed pretzels mixed with garlic powder and paprika in the third.

Dredging

• Dredge the chicken in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat thoroughly in crushed pretzels.

Baking

• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil or melted butter, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

Cooking

• Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Making the Sauce

• In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Gradually add milk, cooking until thickened.
• Stir in mustards, reduce heat, and add cheese. Stir until melted, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving

• Serve the chicken hot, topped with cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra crushed pretzels.

Notes

Flavor enhancement can be achieved by adding spices like cayenne pepper for heat. Customize by substituting turkey or using gluten-free pretzels.

Keyword Cheddar Mustard Sauce, Comfort Food, crispy chicken, Easy Dinner, Pretzel Crust