Crunchy, savory, and utterly satisfying—this dish combines crispy pretzel-coated chicken with a luscious mustard cheddar sauce. It’s a treat that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply cooking for your family, this recipe is easy to follow and bound to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
Equipments
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Oven
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Brush
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce – Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
To kick things off, gather all of your ingredients and set up your workspace. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush the pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk, this will act as the binding agent for the pretzel coating.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely coated, then roll it in the pretzel crumbs until it’s thoroughly covered, pressing down to adhere the crumbs to the meat.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the coated chicken breasts on the sheet, ensuring they are not touching. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help it crisp up. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 4: Prepare the Mustard Cheddar Sauce
While the chicken is baking, start the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the Dijon mustard and honey, whisking continuously. Slowly stir in the grated cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Serve the Dish
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Plate your chicken breasts and generously drizzle with the mustard cheddar sauce. You can serve this dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce
This dish pairs perfectly with a light green salad or can be served alongside some roasted vegetables. The creamy sauce goes well as a dressing or could even complement a serving of mashed potatoes.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
To achieve the best texture, it’s essential to grind the pretzels into fine crumbs. You can also experiment with different types of mustards if you prefer a spicier or milder kick. Remember that the cheese sauce will thicken as it cools, so serve it immediately for a smooth and creamy consistency. Add a touch more milk if needed to reach your desired sauce thickness.
Packed with Power: High Protein Version of Pretzel Chicken
If you’re looking to amplify the protein content in this dish, consider using skinless chicken thighs as they tend to offer more protein than chicken breasts. You can also incorporate some protein-rich seeds such as sesame or flax seeds into the pretzel crumb mixture to add an extra layer of crunch and nutrition.
Low Carb Lovers: Carb-Conscious Pretzel Chicken
For those on a low-carb diet, substitute the traditional pretzels with crushed gluten-free, low-carb pretzels and reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. Consider using a cheddar cheese that is naturally lower in lactose to make this dish even more keto-friendly while maintaining all the flavor and richness.
Storage Instructions
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain the crispiness of the pretzel crust. The sauce can be warmed on the stove or in the microwave, being careful to stir occasionally to prevent separation.
FAQs
- Can I use shredded cheese instead of grated cheese? Yes, shredded cheese works well in this recipe and will melt nicely into the sauce.
- Is it possible to use a different type of mustard? Absolutely! You can replace Dijon mustard with whole grain or spicy brown mustard based on your preference.
- How do I ensure the chicken stays moist? Baking the chicken at the right temperature and not over-cooking it are key. You can also baste it with a bit of olive oil to keep it tender.
- Can I prepare the sauce in advance? Yes, but remember to reheat it gently before serving to keep the consistency creamy.
- What sides go well with this dish? A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic mashed potatoes complement the flavors beautifully.
Bringing It All Together: Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a fantastic dish that fuses wonderful textures with bold flavors. Whether you’re trying this for the first time or making it part of your regular dinner rotation, it’s sure to become a favorite. Be sure to share your experience below and let us know how it went! Feel free to share this recipe with friends or on your social media for others to enjoy.
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- chicken breasts
- pretzel crumbs
- olive oil
- grated cheddar cheese
- Dijon mustard
- honey
- salt and pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- eggs
- milk
- butter
Instructions
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Crush the pretzels into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a plastic bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then roll it in the pretzel crumbs, pressing down to adhere.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Place the coated chicken breasts on the sheet. Drizzle a little olive oil over and bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the Dijon mustard and honey, whisking continuously. Slowly stir in the grated cheddar cheese until the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest. Plate the chicken and drizzle with the mustard cheddar sauce. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.