Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce offers a crunchy twist on a classic favorite. The salty pretzel coating crisps up beautifully, while the tangy cheddar mustard sauce adds a flavorful kick. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Crush the pretzels into small pieces and place them in a shallow dish.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry, then coat each one evenly with the crushed pretzels, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Step 3: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
4. Step 4: Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the chicken is baking, mix the shredded cheddar cheese with the Dijon mustard in a small bowl until well combined to form the sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve the pretzel-crusted chicken hot with the mustard cheddar sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, mix some garlic powder or smoked paprika into the crushed pretzels before coating the chicken.
• Use spicy brown mustard instead of Dijon for a sharper sauce taste.
• Try adding a splash of cream to the mustard cheddar sauce for a smoother texture.
• If you prefer, chop the cheddar finely and sprinkle it over the chicken in the last 5 minutes of baking to melt.

Storage

Store leftover pretzel chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in an oven or toaster oven to maintain the crispiness of the pretzel coating. The mustard cheddar sauce can be refrigerated separately and warmed slightly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well with this recipe and stay juicy. Adjust baking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked.

How do I keep the pretzel coating crispy after baking?

To keep the coating crisp, reheat the chicken in an oven or toaster oven rather than a microwave, which can make it soggy.

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 110 reviews

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a savory baked chicken dish featuring crunchy pretzel coating and a tangy cheddar mustard sauce. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic breaded chicken with a flavorful, creamy dip that’s perfect for a family dinner or casual gathering.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pretzel Coating

• 2 cups pretzels, finely crushed
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mustard Cheddar Sauce

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the pretzel coating. Finely crush the pretzels until you have about 2 cups of crumbs. In one shallow dish, place the flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, beat the eggs.
2. Coat the chicken breasts. Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the crushed pretzels until fully coated on all sides.
3. Bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzel crust is golden brown and crispy.
4. Make the mustard cheddar sauce. While the chicken bakes, combine shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve. Once the chicken is cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the pretzel chicken hot with a side of mustard cheddar sauce for dipping.

Notes

• For extra flavor, add garlic powder or smoked paprika to the pretzel coating.
• Use gluten-free pretzels if you need a gluten-free version.
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• The sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
• Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Mustard Cheddar Sauce, Baked Chicken, Crunchy Coated Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe