Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s crispy, tangy, and downright irresistible, you’re in for a treat with this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe. This recipe brilliantly combines crunchy pretzel-crusted chicken with a luscious, creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that will have you licking your fingers and asking for seconds. Trust me, this is a game changer in the world of comfort food!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each one brings its own unique touch—the pretzels for crunch, mustard for zing, and cheddar for creamy richness, making a harmonious, delicious meal.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose even-sized pieces for consistent cooking and juicy results.
• Coarsely crushed pretzels: Gives the chicken that satisfying crunch and a slightly nutty flavor.
• All-purpose flour: Helps the breading layers stick perfectly to the chicken.
• Large eggs: Whisked with Dijon mustard, they create a flavorful glue for the pretzel coating.
• Dijon mustard: Infuses both the breading and sauce with a zesty pop.
• Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices boost the savory profile beautifully without overpowering the dish.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted into the sauce, it adds creaminess and depth of flavor.
• Milk: Smoothes out the mustard-cheddar sauce for that velvety, drinkable consistency.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout and highlighting the flavors.

Variations

Feel free to make this Pretzel Chicken your own! This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tweak the flavors or swap ingredients based on what you have or prefer. It’s a wonderful base to experiment with.

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the pretzel coating for a subtle heat that wakes up your taste buds.
• Herbed Delight: Mix dried herbs like thyme or rosemary into the flour or pretzels to give a fresh, aromatic touch.
• Dairy-Free Sauce: Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheddar for a deliciously creamy sauce without dairy.
• Crunch Upgrade: Swap pretzels for panko breadcrumbs for a lighter texture with a different kind of crunch.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and perfect browning. While the oven warms, gather and prep your ingredients for a smooth workflow.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This simple seasoning layer enhances the depth of flavor before the crunchy coating goes on.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Organize three bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and the third loaded with your coarsely crushed pretzels. This setup makes breading the chicken a breeze and keeps everything neat.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Dredge each chicken breast in the flour first, making sure it’s completely coated. Then dip it into the mustard-egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finish by pressing the chicken firmly into the crushed pretzels so they stick beautifully, creating that crave-worthy crust.

Step 5: Bake and Bake Some More

Place your pretzel-crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye out for that golden-brown crust—that’s the hallmark of success here.

Step 6: Whip Up the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While your chicken is baking, simmer milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce on medium heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese bit by bit until silky smooth and perfectly melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the sauce from heat to keep it luscious and creamy.

Step 7: Rest and Serve Your Masterpiece

When the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in those juicy flavors. Serve it hot and smothered generously with the homemade mustard-cheddar sauce—get ready for a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget!

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of color and an herbaceous note that brightens each bite. A squeeze of lemon juice can also add a refreshing zing that complements the richness flawlessly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs incredibly well with roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts, a crisp green salad to lighten the plate, or buttery mashed potatoes that soak up every drop of that luscious mustard-cheddar sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pretzel chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy quinoa or rice pilaf, drizzling the sauce artistically around the plate. You can also create mini sliders with the chicken breasts, perfect for parties or casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pretzel chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate when possible to maintain the crunch of the crust if reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken breasts wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before reheating. The sauce freezes well too, but textures might shift slightly.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat the chicken in a 350°F oven on a baking sheet until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Warm your mustard-cheddar sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave separately to keep it silky and smooth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Ready to wow your family or friends? This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe is a delicious, satisfying way to bring warm comfort and bold flavor to your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed how something so simple can taste so incredible!

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