I love when simple ingredients come together to create something truly delicious. Today, I’m excited to share my Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce recipe! This dish is perfect for a cozy night in, and I guarantee it will impress your family and friends.

I remember my dad, James, always looking for fun and creative ways to spice up our meals. He thought food should not only be tasty but also fun. This recipe would definitely have been a hit on his dinner table!

What You’ll Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra crushed pretzels for texture

My Trusted Kitchen Tools

Meat mallet or rolling pin
Three shallow bowls for dredging
Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Skillet
Saucepan for the cheese sauce
Whisk for mixing

Bringing It All Together

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Set up dredging bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs and Dijon in another, and crushed pretzels with garlic powder and paprika in the third.
Dredge chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in crushed pretzels.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place chicken on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil or butter, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Cook until thickened.
Stir in mustards, reduce heat, and add cheese. Stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chicken hot, topped with cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with parsley and crushed pretzels if desired.

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe

Making It Your Own (Swaps & Ideas)

You can switch up the pretzels for panko breadcrumbs if you prefer. If you want a little heat, add some cayenne pepper to the crushed pretzels. For a lighter version, bake the chicken without frying it first; just make sure to adjust the cooking time. You can also mix different cheeses into the sauce, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a fun twist!

How We Love to Serve It

This dish is great with a side of roasted veggies or a simple salad. We love to serve it with mashed potatoes or a creamy coleslaw to balance the crunch of the chicken. Just think about your favorite sides, and pair them up!

A Few Tips For Success

Make sure to pound the chicken to an even thickness; this helps it cook evenly. When coating the chicken, press the pretzel crust firmly to ensure it sticks well during cooking. Always check the internal temperature; chicken should reach 165°F to be safe.

Saving Some For Later

If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave, but the crust may lose some crispiness. I like to keep the sauce separate for the best taste when reheating.

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you give this Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken a try! It’s a fun recipe that brings joy to the dinner table. Each bite is packed with flavor and crunch. Enjoy cooking, and remember, the best meals are those shared with people we love!

Your Questions, Answered

How can I make the Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken gluten-free?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pretzels and flour. Just ensure that all packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it in pretzels up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s chilled.

What drinks pair well with Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken?

A light white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, pairs nicely with this dish. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, try lemonade or iced tea. Both complement the flavors perfectly!

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Author: sarah
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious crispy chicken dish coated in pretzels and served with a creamy cheddar mustard sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped
Extra crushed pretzels for texture

Instructions

Pound chicken breasts to even thickness and season with salt and pepper.
Set up dredging bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs and Dijon in another, and crushed pretzels with garlic powder and paprika in the third.
Dredge chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in crushed pretzels.
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), place chicken on a lined baking sheet, brush with olive oil or butter, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.
Heat oil in skillet over medium heat and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, then gradually add milk. Cook until thickened.
Stir in mustards, reduce heat, and add cheese. Stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve chicken hot, topped with cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with parsley and crushed pretzels if desired.

Notes

You can swap pretzels for panko breadcrumbs for a different texture. For a lighter option, bake the chicken without frying it first.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: chicken, crispy chicken, pretzel crusted, cheddar sauce, dinner recipe