Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delightful twist on the classic chicken dish. The crispy pretzel crust adds a unique texture and a hint of saltiness, perfectly complementing the tender chicken inside. The creamy mustard-cheddar sauce brings a rich, tangy flavor that elevates the entire meal. It’s a fun and delicious way to enjoy chicken, with a perfect balance of savory and sharp flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

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

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
In another shallow bowl, place the beaten eggs.
In a third shallow bowl, add the crushed pretzel crumbs.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the pretzel crumbs, pressing down to ensure a good crust.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the crust is golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
While the chicken is baking, make the mustard-cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat. Once warmed, add the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve the pretzel chicken with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Pretzel Chicken: Add some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the pretzel crumbs for a spicy kick.
Cheese Options: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as gouda or pepper jack, for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and a gluten-free flour substitute to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Herb-Infused Sauce: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the mustard-cheddar sauce for added depth of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, while the sauce can be stored for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream or milk to thin it out.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just ensure they are cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

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

Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stove before serving.

3. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the mustard-cheddar sauce or the pretzel crumbs for a spicy variation.

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

Yes, you can use whole grain mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor twist in the sauce.

5. Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it first?

Yes, you can bake the chicken directly on a baking sheet after coating it with pretzel crumbs. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

6. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The chicken and sauce store well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prep. Just reheat it before eating.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

While it’s best served fresh, you can freeze the chicken after baking (without the sauce) for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve.

8. Can I make the pretzel crust in advance?

You can prepare the pretzel crust ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. Coat the chicken just before cooking.

9. Can I serve this with a side dish?

Yes, this dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

10. What can I use instead of heavy cream for the sauce?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream.

Conclusion

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a fun and flavorful meal that combines crispy, golden chicken with a tangy, creamy sauce. The combination of textures and tastes makes this dish a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress with its unique twist on classic chicken.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

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Enjoy a crispy, savory Pretzel Chicken with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. This irresistible combination of crunchy pretzel coating and tangy sauce makes for a perfect family-friendly dinner. Try it today!

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-fried, Baked
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Coat the Chicken:
Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In one bowl, place the flour. In the second, whisk the eggs. In the third, add the crushed pretzel crumbs.
Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, then into the eggs, and finally coat with the pretzel crumbs. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken to ensure an even coating.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet with a bit of oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place on a baking sheet.
Bake the Chicken:
Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
Drizzle the mustard-cheddar sauce over the crispy pretzel chicken breasts and serve hot.

Notes

You can use gluten-free pretzels to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the mustard-cheddar sauce.
If you don’t have a skillet, you can bake the chicken directly in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for a fully baked version.