If you are craving a dinner that is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with a rich, tangy twist that keeps you coming back for more, the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the salty crunch of pretzel coating with a luscious, creamy sauce that perfectly balances the flavors, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser that shines at any dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward but powerful. Each one plays a unique role, from creating that irresistible crispy crust to delivering the bold, creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juiciness and protein for a satisfying meal.
- 1 cup Flour: Helps the pretzel crumbs adhere beautifully, ensuring an even crunch.
- 2 large Eggs: Acts as a binder for the coating, making everything stick just right.
- 1 teaspoon Salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavor profile.
- 2 cups Pretzel crumbs: Delivers the crunch and unmistakable pretzel flavor that makes this dish stand out.
- 1 cup Dijon mustard: Brings tangy zest which brightens up the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a rich creaminess that melts into the sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Creates a smooth sauce texture that coats the chicken lovingly.
- 1/2 cup Cooking oil: Necessary for frying to get that golden-brown, crispy finish.
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Breading Station
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures everything finishes cooking perfectly once the chicken is fried. Meanwhile, set up your breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with those delicious pretzel crumbs. This setup is essential for getting that iconic crispy coating.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper, which provides that essential seasoning foundation. Then dredge each piece first in the flour, which helps dry the surface, next dip into the eggs, which act as glue, and finally coat thoroughly with pretzel crumbs for that fantastic crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This quick frying locks in the juices while creating an irresistible golden crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan; crispiness is the goal here!
Step 4: Bake to Finish Cooking
Once nicely browned, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Pop it in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. This step ensures the chicken cooks through completely while maintaining that crisp outer layer.
Step 5: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine the Dijon mustard, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic touch, complementing the pretzel coating with a tangy, cheesy splash.
Step 6: Serve the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Plate the chicken breasts and generously spoon the mustard-cheddar sauce over the top. The combination of textures and flavors will have everyone at the table delighted with each bite.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives over the sauce. A light dusting of paprika or cracked black pepper can add a bit of visual interest and subtle warmth that complements the smoky cheese.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like roasted green beans, a crisp garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. These sides help balance the richness of the mustard-cheddar sauce and the crunchy chicken coating perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken breasts after baking and serve them layered on toasted sandwich buns for an irresistible pretzel chicken sandwich. Drizzle extra mustard-cheddar sauce inside for a flavor explosion. Alternatively, serve the pieces family-style with dipping bowls of sauce for a hands-on meal everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (which might be tough), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and sauce separate for best texture and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked, breaded chicken breasts without the sauce for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Warm the mustard-cheddar sauce gently on the stove or microwave before serving to keep that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy. Just adjust the cooking times slightly since they may take longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for pretzel crumbs?
If you don’t have pretzel crumbs, crushed pretzels from the snack aisle work wonderfully. You could also try panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt for a similar crunch.
Can I make the mustard-cheddar sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance. Reheat gently before serving, stirring to restore its creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Traditional pretzel crumbs contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free pretzels or use gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt the recipe accordingly.
What kind of mustard works best in the sauce?
Dijon mustard is ideal for balancing tang and flavor without overpowering the cheddar.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe has quickly become a favorite of mine for good reason. The perfect pairing of crunchy pretzel-crusted chicken and luscious, tangy sauce is simply unbeatable as a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests. Give it a try and watch it become a new staple you’ll reach for again and again!
Print
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delicious and crispy chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in crunchy pretzel crumbs, fried to golden perfection, and finished in the oven. It’s complemented by a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce that adds a rich, savory flavor, making this meal a standout dinner option perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 1 cup Flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 cups Pretzel crumbs
Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- 1 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Milk
For Frying
- 1/2 cup Cooking oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after frying.
- Prepare breading station: Set up three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs to coat the chicken properly.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over all sides of the chicken breasts to enhance their flavor.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat completely with pretzel crumbs ensuring a crunchy exterior.
- Fry the chicken: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the fried chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes to ensure they are cooked through and juicy.
- Prepare the sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine Dijon mustard, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Plate the baked pretzel chicken and generously spoon the warm mustard-cheddar sauce over the top. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- For extra crunch, you can double-dip the chicken in eggs and pretzel crumbs.
- Use a thermometer when frying to maintain medium heat and prevent burning the pretzel crust.
- The mustard-cheddar sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
- Serve with a simple side like steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness.
