Every now and then, a recipe comes along that surprises you and quickly becomes a family favorite. For me, that dish is Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. The crunch of the pretzel crust against the juicy chicken paired with a creamy, tangy sauce takes this simple meal to the next level. It’s not just about the combination of flavors but also about that satisfying crunch—it’s a delightful meal that wins over kids and adults alike.

What Makes This So Good:

Crunchy Texture: The pretzel crumbs create a crispy exterior that’s irresistible.
Creamy Sauce: The mustard-cheddar sauce adds a rich, tangy complement to the chicken.
Simple Preparation: Easy to make and requires minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
2 cups pretzel crumbs (you can crush regular pretzels if needed; about 150 g)
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 120 g)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (freshly shredded is best; about 100 g)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (about 60 g)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (about 60 g)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

Smart Swaps:

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of pretzel crumbs.
Swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.

Sourcing Tips:

Always choose fresh chicken breasts that are plump and pink. Check the expiration date at your local store.
Opt for high-quality Dijon mustard and real cheddar cheese for the best flavor.

Directions

Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, add the following: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs.
Coat Chicken: Take each chicken breast, first dip it into the flour, shake off excess, then into the eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with pretzel crumbs.
Arrange Chicken: Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Drizzle Oil: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken to help with browning.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, mix the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl until well combined.
Serve: Once the chicken has finished baking, serve it hot with the mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.

Pro Tips

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to the baking step and store it in the fridge for a few hours.
Transport: If bringing this dish to a gathering, pack the chicken and sauce separately to preserve the crunch.
Re-Crisping: To reheat leftovers, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until crispy again.

Variations

Spicy Pretzel Chicken: Add cayenne pepper to the pretzel crumbs for a kick of heat.
Herbed Version: Mix dried herbs such as thyme or rosemary into the flour for added flavor.
Sweet Mustard Dip: Combine Dijon with honey for a sweet variation of the mustard-cheddar sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Pretzel Chicken pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it alongside crispy fries or a grain like quinoa for a more filling meal.

Storage and Reheat Guidance

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven to maintain that crispy texture avoid the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and baking for even cooking.
Can I bake the chicken in an air fryer?
- Absolutely! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness.
What should I do with leftover mustard-cheddar sauce?
- Store it in the fridge and use it as a dip for veggies or spread on sandwiches. It should keep for about a week.

With its delightful texture and dynamic flavors, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is sure to become a dish you’ll make over and over again just like I do!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Print Recipe

This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pretzel crust served with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce, making it a family favorite.

Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 lbs or 680 g)
2 cups pretzel crumbs (about 150 g)
1 cup all-purpose flour (about 120 g)
2 large eggs
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 100 g)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard (about 60 g)
1/4 cup mayonnaise (about 60 g)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In three separate bowls, prepare flour seasoned with salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and pretzel crumbs.
Coat each chicken breast in flour, shake off the excess, dip into the eggs, then coat with pretzel crumbs.
Place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
While the chicken is baking, mix the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl until combined.
Once the chicken is finished, serve hot with the mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of pretzel crumbs. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Author: soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Non-Vegetarian