If you’re looking for a dish that combines crunchy, savory goodness with a rich and tangy sauce, you simply have to try this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. Imagine tender chicken breasts coated in crispy crushed pretzels, baked to golden perfection, and paired with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that sings with flavor. This recipe brings together textures and tastes in a way that feels both indulgent and comforting, making it a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential to bring the magic of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce to life. Each one adds a unique layer—whether it’s the salty crunch from pretzels, the creamy zip of mustard, or the melty richness of cheddar—that turns a simple chicken dinner into something special.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.
2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels: Provide that unbeatable crispy coating you’ll love biting into.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and gives the chicken a light crust.
2 large eggs: Mixed with Dijon mustard, these act as the glue for the pretzel coating.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth both in the chicken breading and the sauce.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory warmth to the seasoning mix.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a subtle, sweet earthiness complementing the garlic.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese: The cheesy star of the sauce that brings comfort to a whole new level.
½ cup milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the mustard-cheddar sauce.
1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (recipe below): The luscious finishing touch to this cozy chicken dish.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep the Baking Sheet

Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Setting the right temperature upfront ensures that your chicken will crisp up beautifully without drying out.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Generously season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning base lets the chicken shine and ensures each bite has a balanced burst of flavor before the crunchy coating gets added.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs combined with Dijon mustard, and one with crushed pretzels. This setup makes the breading process clean and easy, guaranteeing an even coating on every piece of chicken.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

First, fully coat each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing any extra egg to drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the crushed pretzels, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch after baking.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Arrange the coated chicken breasts on your prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C), with the crust turning a luscious golden brown. This ensures juicy chicken inside with a satisfyingly crisp exterior.

Step 6: Prepare the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While your chicken bakes, warm milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until heated through, then slowly add your shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until it melts completely into a silky, flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken reaches the perfect temperature, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This little pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite tender. Serve the chicken with a generous drizzle or side of the mustard-cheddar sauce for an irresistible finish.

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a pop of bright color and a fresh, herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also add an unexpectedly nice zing that lifts the whole dish.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes complement the cheesy sauce without overpowering it. For some green balance, steamed asparagus or a crisp side salad with vinaigrette brings freshness and crunch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce and serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or buttered noodles for a heartier meal. You can also stack a sliced breast on toasted artisan bread with extra sauce for a gourmet sandwich that’s perfect for lunch or a casual 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 four days. Keeping the sauce separate helps maintain the chicken’s crispiness when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag for up to two months. Freeze the mustard-cheddar sauce separately in a freezer-safe container to preserve its creamy texture.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through to keep the pretzel crust crispy. Warm the mustard-cheddar sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until smooth and hot.

FAQs

Can I use pretzel crumbs from store-bought pretzels?

Absolutely! Store-bought pretzels make a fantastic, crunchy coating as long as you crush them coarsely. Avoid using pretzel sticks since they’re harder to crush evenly, but regular salted pretzels work perfectly and add great flavor.

Is the mustard-cheddar sauce spicy?

The sauce has a gentle tang from the Dijon mustard but is not spicy. It offers a mild zing that complements the cheddar cheese’s richness without overpowering the palate, making it approachable for most tastes.

Can I use a different cheese in the sauce?

While cheddar cheese is classic and melts beautifully, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Gouda or Gruyere for unique flavors. Just choose a cheese that melts well to keep that creamy sauce texture you want.

What can I serve instead of chicken breasts?

Chicken thighs can be used if you prefer darker meat; just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are fully cooked. Alternatively, thick-cut pork chops can also be coated and baked in the same way for a different but equally delicious dish.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour and pretzels for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free pretzels. Be sure to check your chosen mustard and other seasonings to confirm they’re gluten-free to keep the dish safe and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you want to wow your dinner guests or just treat yourself to something cozy and delicious, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a recipe worth making again and again. The combination of crunchy pretzel coating and the creamy, tangy sauce is pure comfort food perfection. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a favorite go-to dinner in your repertoire.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

Author: Gabriel
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delicious twist on classic breaded chicken. Tender chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and baked to golden perfection, then served with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe combines savory flavors with a satisfying texture for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor into the meat.
Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and one with crushed pretzels—for an efficient breading process.
Bread Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, coating thoroughly, then into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels to form a crunchy crust.
Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the pretzel crust is golden brown.
Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is hot.
Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to your preference and then remove from heat.
Serve: Allow the baked chicken to rest a few minutes after removing it from the oven, then serve with generous spoonfuls of the warm mustard-cheddar sauce alongside.

Notes

Ensure the pretzels are coarsely crushed for the best crunchy texture.
You can substitute milk with a dairy-free alternative for a lactose-free version.
If desired, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use a meat thermometer to accurately check chicken doneness.
Leftover chicken is great for sandwiches or salads the next day.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American