Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a fun, flavorful twist on a classic chicken dish. The crispy pretzel crust offers a satisfying crunch, while the creamy mustard cheddar sauce adds a tangy and savory element that perfectly complements the tender chicken. This delicious combination of flavors is a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it a great option for family dinners or weeknight meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Pretzel Chicken is the perfect balance of crispy, savory, and creamy. The crunchy pretzel crust gives each bite an irresistible crunch, while the creamy mustard cheddar sauce is rich, tangy, and full of flavor. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting yet exciting. Plus, the combination of ingredients is simple but packed with delicious flavors, making it a great choice for dinner when you’re craving something unique and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pretzel crumbs (from about 6 large pretzels)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the flour.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the pretzel crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken bakes, prepare the mustard cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and drizzle with the mustard cheddar sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Spicy Pretzel Chicken: Add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the pretzel crumb mixture for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken breasts with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian alternative.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique twist on the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover Pretzel Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of pretzel crumbs?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but pretzel crumbs give the dish an extra crunch and unique flavor.

2. Can I make the mustard cheddar sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the mustard cheddar sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat it when ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard, depending on your preference.

4. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?

Make sure the oil in the skillet is hot before adding the chicken, and press the pretzel crumbs gently onto the chicken to ensure they stick. You can also spray the chicken with a little cooking spray before baking to enhance the crispiness.

5. Can I bake the chicken without frying it first?

Yes, you can bake the chicken without frying it first, but frying adds a nice crispy texture. If you prefer to skip frying, bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute light cream or half-and-half for the heavy cream, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.

7. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, roasted vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or green beans would be a great addition to this dish.

8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

9. Can I make the chicken in advance?

You can prep the chicken and bread it in advance, then store it in the fridge until ready to cook. Bake and make the sauce when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I make the sauce without honey?

Yes, you can leave out the honey or substitute it with maple syrup or a little bit of brown sugar for sweetness.

Conclusion

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a fun and delicious twist on a classic chicken dish. The crispy pretzel crust and creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce create a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Easy to make and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you just want to try something new. Give it a try, and enjoy the perfect balance of crunch, savory, and creamy goodness in every bite!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Print Recipe

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a fun and flavorful twist on classic chicken, featuring a crispy pretzel crust paired with a creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce. This easy-to-make dish offers the perfect balance of crunch, savory flavors, and richness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the pretzel crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the flour.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off the excess, dip in the egg, and coat in the pretzel crumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
While the chicken bakes, prepare the mustard cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and honey. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and drizzle with the mustard cheddar sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Spicy Option: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the pretzel crumb mixture for some heat.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or gouda for a unique twist on the sauce.

Author: Sophia
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-fry & Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free