Name: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-487821H50M55S
Total time: PT-487821H50M55S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup milk; 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (recipe below)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking to transform classic comfort food into something truly special, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce will absolutely sweep you off your feet. Imagine chicken breast that’s juicy on the inside and encased in a shatteringly crisp pretzel crust, draped in a silky melted cheddar and Dijon sauce that’s equal parts tangy and creamy. It’s irresistible, full of bold flavors and playful crunch, and beloved by both kids and grown-ups. This recipe always brings a touch of festivity to dinnertime, and once you taste it, you’ll see why it’s become a favorite in my kitchen!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s building up that distinct crunchy coating or crafting the luscious, melty sauce that finishes the dish.

Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless ones to ensure juiciness and easy prep.
Crushed pretzels: These give your chicken that irresistible salty crunch and golden color.
All-purpose flour: Helps the egg and pretzel sticks adhere perfectly for even coverage.
Eggs: Binding power ensures the crust clings lovingly to each piece of chicken.
Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle heat and seasoning to both the breading and sauce.
Garlic powder: Lends savory depth and a whiff of garlicky magic to the chicken.
Onion powder: Offers sweetness and complexity, making the flavors pop.
Salt and pepper: Adjustable to taste, essential for all-around seasoning.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Creates a rich, melt-in-your-mouth sauce that ties the dish together.
Milk: Loosens the sauce and keeps it luxuriously smooth and pourable.
Mustard-cheddar sauce: This creamy, tangy dream is spooned over the crunchy chicken for the perfect union.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Pan

Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C) to make sure everything bakes evenly and crisps up beautifully. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Massaging these flavors in helps the seasoning permeate every bite, guaranteeing that distinctive Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce flavor all the way through.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Lay out three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with eggs whisked together with Dijon mustard, and one with your crushed pretzels. This “assembly line” makes breading the chicken tidy and efficient.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

One at a time, dredge each seasoned chicken breast in flour—shake off the extra—then dip in the egg mixture, and finally press firmly into the crushed pretzels until fully coated. Being generous with the pretzel coating is what gives Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce its signature crunch.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Arrange your pretzel-coated chicken on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Pop into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. When done, the crust will be golden brown and the inside perfectly juicy (aim for an internal temp of 165°F/75°C).

Step 6: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken bakes, heat the milk, Dijon mustard, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. This base draws out the creamy tanginess that makes the sauce unforgettable.

Step 7: Add the Cheddar and Finish the Sauce

Stir in the shredded cheddar bit by bit until it melts completely and the sauce becomes velvety smooth. Taste for salt and pepper, then take it off the heat—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let the chicken rest briefly out of the oven. Then, arrange it on plates and spoon over plenty of hot Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. Every bite delivers the delightful twist of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce at its very best.

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Garnishes

Give your plates a final flourish with chopped fresh parsley, thinly sliced scallions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for color. These simple touches elevate the look and add a pop of freshness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken and sauce.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with crispy roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a tangy coleslaw to balance all the rich flavors. Lightly dressed leafy greens or honey-glazed carrots also make a fantastic contrast alongside Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and serving it over a crisp salad, or nestle the pieces inside a toasted pretzel bun for an unforgettable sandwich. For parties, you can even skewer bite-sized portions with a drizzle of Mustard-Cheddar Sauce for crowd-pleasing appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though I wouldn’t count on it!), store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken keeps for up to 3 days, and the sauce stays smooth and flavorful when gently reheated.

Freezing

Pretzel Chicken can be frozen before or after baking. For best results, freeze the breaded, uncooked chicken on a tray until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. While the sauce is best fresh, it can be frozen in a pinch—thaw and whisk well to restore its creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy (about 10-15 minutes) so that the crust stays crunchy. Warm the sauce in a saucepan on low, stirring frequently; add a splash of milk if it seems too thick.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are delicious and juicy in this recipe. Just keep in mind they may need a couple extra minutes to cook through completely, depending on thickness.

How do I keep the pretzel crust from falling off?

The key is to pat the chicken dry and follow the flour-egg-pretzel sequence carefully. Press the pretzel crumbs on firmly, and let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before baking to help the crust adhere.

What kind of pretzels work best for the crust?

Use sturdy, plain salted pretzels (the thicker rods or twists work great). Avoid pretzel sticks that are too thin or soft pretzels, since you want a crunchy, even coating.

Can I make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce gluten-free?

Yes—swap regular pretzels for your favorite gluten-free variety and use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The rest of the recipe stays deliciously the same!

What can I substitute for cheddar in the sauce?

If you’re out of cheddar, try using Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a mild Swiss. Each gives the sauce its own twist while still delivering that creamy finish that makes Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce so tempting.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce becomes the most requested meal at your table! The crispy-crunchy coating and tangy, cheesy sauce are pure comfort food magic, and it’s just as fun to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re trying it for a cozy weeknight or sharing with friends, be prepared for smiles and second helpings!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the crispy, flavorful goodness of Pretzel Chicken served with a velvety Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. This dish combines the satisfying crunch of pretzels with tender chicken, topped with a creamy and tangy cheddar sauce.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Set Up Breading Station:
- In one bowl, place the flour.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the Dijon mustard.
- In a third bowl, add the crushed pretzels.
Bread Chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour, covering it completely.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the crushed pretzels, pressing gently to adhere.
Bake Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken is baking, in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until heated through.
Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Serve: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

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