When you’re craving something hearty, crispy, and bursting with flavor, look no further than Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. This recipe is a perfect combination of tender chicken breasts, crispy pretzel crust, and a rich, creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that ties everything together in one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests at a dinner party or treat your family to something special on a weeknight, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal.

In this article, we will guide you through every step of creating Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, from preparing the chicken to making the sauce that will elevate this dish to another level. You’ll learn how to achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy and tender on the inside. So, let’s dive into the recipe and explore how to make this mouthwatering dish at home!

Why You’ll Love Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

The combination of flavors and textures in Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce makes it a truly satisfying meal. The crunchy pretzel crust adds a delightful contrast to the tender chicken, while the mustard-cheddar sauce brings a tangy and cheesy richness that complements the savory elements perfectly.

What makes this dish stand out is the ease of preparation. The breading process is straightforward, and the sauce is incredibly simple to make, yet packed with flavor. It’s a dish that’s both comforting and elegant, making it suitable for any occasion.

Ingredients for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
The chicken breasts should be of even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly and remain juicy.
2 cups crushed pretzels
Pretzels provide a crunchy, salty crust for the chicken. Make sure the pretzels are crushed finely to create an even coating.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
The flour is used to create a light, floury base that will help the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
2 large eggs
Eggs are essential for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken, providing a crisp and golden exterior.
1/4 cup milk
Milk helps thin out the egg mixture for dipping and ensures an even coating.
Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper ensures every bite is full of flavor.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
The oil is used for frying the chicken, giving it that golden, crispy exterior.

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
Butter forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and flavor.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Flour is used as a thickening agent to give the sauce its creamy texture.
1 cup milk
The milk adds a smooth consistency to the sauce and helps create a balanced texture.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
The shredded cheddar cheese gives the sauce its rich, cheesy flavor.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick to the sauce, perfectly balancing the richness of the cheese.
Salt and pepper to taste
Seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s go step-by-step on how to make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.

1. Prepare the Breading Station

Begin by setting up a breading station. This is essential for ensuring the chicken is evenly coated. You’ll need three shallow bowls:

Flour Bowl: Place the all-purpose flour in one bowl. This is the first step of the breading process.
Egg and Milk Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Crushed Pretzels: In the third bowl, place the crushed pretzels. This will form the crispy outer layer of the chicken.

2. Coat the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Now, take each chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the crushed pretzels, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick. Repeat this process for each chicken breast.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about one minute, until the flour is lightly browned. This step will help create a roux that thickens the sauce.

Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Mix until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve the Chicken

To serve, place the crispy pretzel-coated chicken breasts on individual plates and drizzle with the mustard-cheddar sauce. The creamy sauce should perfectly complement the crispy chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that everyone will love.

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

To ensure your Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

Even Chicken Thickness: For uniform cooking, try to ensure that the chicken breasts are even in thickness. If necessary, you can pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet.
Use Fresh Pretzels: For the best texture and flavor, use freshly crushed pretzels. Stale pretzels may not have the same crunch.
Avoid Overcrowding the Skillet: If you’re cooking multiple pieces of chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from getting that crispy crust.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the mustard-cheddar sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutritional Information for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a rich and filling dish, but it’s also a great source of protein. Below is the approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving (based on a recipe serving 4):

Calories: 460
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 30g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

Please note that the nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Why You Should Try Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that works for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, and even more formal occasions. The crispy pretzel crust gives the chicken a satisfying crunch, while the mustard-cheddar sauce adds a creamy, tangy kick that perfectly complements the savory flavors. This dish is a great way to elevate your chicken game and bring something new to your table.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you love Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, you’ll want to try these delicious, similarly-themed recipes that combine similar flavors and cooking techniques:

Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Parmesan Chicken Tenders – A crunchy, flavorful chicken tender recipe with a zesty ranch twist.
Cheesy Garlic Butter Chicken – This rich and cheesy dish combines the goodness of garlic butter with tender chicken breasts.
Stuffed Red Pepper Chicken – A unique stuffed chicken recipe with vibrant, flavorful ingredients.

FAQs About Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

1. How do you make chicken pretzel?

To make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, start by crushing pretzels into fine crumbs. Set up a breading station with flour, an egg-milk mixture, and the crushed pretzels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then coat it in flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and press it into the pretzel crumbs. Pan-fry in vegetable oil for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Serve with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a delicious flavor boost.

2. Can I use pretzels as breadcrumbs?

Yes! Pretzels make a fantastic substitute for breadcrumbs. Their crunchy texture and salty flavor enhance dishes like breaded chicken, fish, or even casseroles. Simply crush pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin and use them in place of traditional breadcrumbs for extra crunch and a unique taste.

3. What can you do with pretzels?

Pretzels are incredibly versatile! You can use them in both sweet and savory dishes. Some creative ideas include:

Coating for chicken or fish – Crush pretzels for a crispy breading.
Topping for mac and cheese – Sprinkle crushed pretzels on baked macaroni and cheese for extra crunch.
Dessert ingredient – Use pretzels in no-bake bars, cookies, or chocolate bark.
Snack mix – Toss pretzels with nuts, dried fruit, and seasonings for a delicious homemade snack mix.
Pretzel crust – Use crushed pretzels as a pie or cheesecake crust for a salty-sweet contrast.

4. What to do with pretzel chip crumbs?

Don’t waste those pretzel crumbs! Here are some great ways to use them:

Breadcrumb alternative – Use crushed pretzel chip crumbs in place of breadcrumbs for coating meats, adding to meatloaf, or sprinkling over baked dishes.
Soup or salad topping – Add a crunchy texture to soups or salads by sprinkling pretzel crumbs on top.
Ice cream garnish – Sprinkle pretzel crumbs over ice cream for a sweet and salty combination.
Binding agent – Use them in place of breadcrumbs in meatballs or stuffing.

By repurposing pretzel crumbs creatively, you can add extra flavor and texture to a variety of dishes!

Conclusion

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the perfect balance of crispy, tender, and creamy. The pretzel coating adds a satisfying crunch, while the rich mustard-cheddar sauce ties everything together beautifully. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests or treat your family to something special, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

With easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe is as rewarding to make as it is to eat. Try it out today and discover just how delicious crispy chicken can be when paired with a creamy, flavorful sauce!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Author: Amelia Sullivan
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Enjoy the crispy crunch of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, a delicious and savory dish perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy pretzel crust and drizzled with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. The combination of crunchy pretzels and smooth, cheesy sauce creates an irresistible meal your whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups crushed pretzels
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three bowls—one with flour, one with a whisked mixture of eggs and milk, and one with crushed pretzels. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then coat it with crushed pretzels. Press gently to make sure the pretzels adhere.
Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
Add Cheese and Mustard: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Drizzle the mustard-cheddar sauce over the crispy pretzel chicken and serve hot.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels and flour.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mustard-cheddar sauce.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Pan-frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 38g
Cholesterol: 135mg

Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, Crispy Chicken, Pretzel Coating, Easy Chicken Recipe, Cheesy Chicken Dinner, Family Meal, Chicken Dinner Idea, Comfort Food, Quick Chicken Recipe