Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

The Ultimate Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Chicken takes on a delightful crunch with this pretzel-crusted masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Salty pretzels create an irresistible coating that transforms ordinary poultry into something extraordinary.

Crisp, golden layers promise a satisfying bite that breaks through with a perfect crackle.

Cheese and mustard mingle in a bold sauce that complements the savory chicken brilliantly.

Each forkful delivers a playful texture you’ll absolutely adore.

Surprisingly simple ingredients come together to craft a meal that feels like a gourmet adventure.

Prepare to wow everyone at the dinner table with this crowd-pleasing sensation.

What’s Special About Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

  • Crunch into Creativity: Transform ordinary chicken into a delightful culinary adventure with a unique pretzel coating that adds unexpected texture and flavor.
  • Simplify Gourmet Cooking: Achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen skills, making this recipe perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Sauce Up Your Meal: The rich cheddar-mustard sauce elevates the dish, bringing a tangy and creamy complement to the crispy chicken that makes every bite exciting.
  • Kid and Adult Approved: This recipe bridges the gap between playful kid-friendly food and sophisticated adult tastes, creating a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love.

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe Ingredients

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base for the crispy pretzel coating.
  • Pretzels: Provides a crunchy, salty exterior for the chicken.
  • Eggs: Helps the pretzel coating adhere to the chicken.
  • Milk: Adds moisture to the egg mixture for better coating.
  • Flour: Creates a base layer for the pretzel crust to stick.
Cheese and Sauce Components:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor to the creamy sauce.
  • Dijon Mustard: Brings tangy and zesty notes to the sauce.
  • Butter: Helps create a smooth and creamy sauce base.
  • Honey: Provides a subtle sweetness to balance the sauce.
Seasoning and Finishing Touches:
  • Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.

Steps To Make Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) to get ready for some seriously delicious chicken.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt and pepper, making sure to coat every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Coating Station

Set up your breading adventure with three separate bowls:
  • Flour for the first dredge
  • Whisked eggs and milk for the second dip
  • Crushed pretzels for the final crispy coating

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dive into the breading process by following these steps:
  • First, roll the chicken in flour
  • Next, give it a luxurious bath in the egg mixture
  • Finally, press and coat generously with crushed pretzels, ensuring every nook is covered

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the pretzel-coated chicken on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the pretzel crust turns gloriously golden and crisp.

Step 6: Whip Up Cheddar-Mustard Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter and then add:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Dijon mustard
  • Honey

Stir and cook until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your crispy pretzel-crusted chicken and drizzle the luscious cheddar-mustard sauce over the top. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance!

Handy Hints For Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

  • Crush pretzels finely for an even, crispy coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
  • Use thick-cut pretzels for extra crunch and more robust texture in the breading.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help the flour and pretzel coating stick better.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor in the sauce.
  • Adjust honey quantity in the sauce to balance tanginess and sweetness according to personal preference.

Try These Styles For Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

  • Spicy Jalapeño Pretzel Chicken: Replace plain pretzels with spicy jalapeño-flavored pretzels and add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.
  • Herb-Infused Pretzel Coating: Mix dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley into the crushed pretzel crumbs to create a more aromatic and flavorful crust.
  • Ranch Pretzel Chicken: Swap the cheddar-mustard sauce with a homemade ranch dressing and sprinkle extra crushed pretzels on top for added crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pretzels and replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Pairing Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

  • Pair with Tangy German Riesling: Select a crisp, slightly sweet white wine that complements the pretzel's saltiness and cuts through the rich cheddar-mustard sauce, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Create Crunchy Coleslaw Side: Prepare a zesty coleslaw with apple cider vinegar and fresh herbs to provide a refreshing, acidic contrast to the crispy chicken's savory coating.
  • Match with Roasted Garlic Asparagus: Roast asparagus with olive oil and garlic to add a light, green vegetable that enhances the dish's texture and provides a nutritious accompaniment.
  • Serve with Craft Beer Pairing: Choose a hoppy pale ale or wheat beer that echoes the pretzel's maltiness and helps cut through the creamy, rich cheese sauce.

How To Store Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the cheddar-mustard sauce in a separate sealed container.
  • Wrap individual chicken pieces in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate the sauce into a freezer-safe container.
  • Preheat to 350F, place chicken on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Reheat in short 30-second intervals to maintain crispiness, but expect some loss of pretzel crust texture. Add fresh crushed pretzels on top for extra crunch.

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken With Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe FAQ

  • Can I use a different type of mustard for the sauce?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free flour to create a similar crispy coating for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safely cooked through.

  • Can I prepare the pretzel coating ahead of time?

Crush the pretzels in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature until you’re ready to coat the chicken.

Print
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Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy pretzel crusted chicken dazzles taste buds with a perfect crunch and zesty cheddar-mustard sauce. Salty pretzels elevate classic chicken, creating a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) flour

Coating Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C) for optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Apply salt and pepper evenly across the surface of chicken breasts to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Create a three-stage coating station: first with flour for initial dredging, then submerge chicken in whisked egg and milk mixture, finally roll thoroughly in crushed pretzel crumbs to ensure complete coverage.
  4. Arrange coated chicken pieces on a clean baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece for consistent heat circulation.
  5. Roast in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165F and pretzel coating transforms into a golden, crisp exterior.
  6. While chicken bakes, prepare sauce by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
  7. Incorporate cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and honey into melted butter, stirring continuously until mixture becomes smooth and fully integrated.
  8. Remove chicken from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Plate the crispy pretzel-crusted chicken and generously drizzle warm cheddar-mustard sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly and maintain the same crispy texture.
  • Use whole wheat pretzels for a healthier alternative that adds extra nutty flavor and more fiber to the dish.
  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the flour and pretzel coating adheres perfectly and creates an extra crisp exterior.
  • Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to help retain moisture and prevent the meat from becoming tough when slicing.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 620 kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 50 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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