Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crunchy, savory twist on classic breaded chicken. Crushed pretzels create a crispy, salty coating that contrasts perfectly with the juicy chicken inside. Topped with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce, this dish is bold, comforting, and packed with flavor—ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the chicken
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups crushed pretzels
½ cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter for cooking
For the mustard-cheddar sauce
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
2️⃣ Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed pretzels.
3️⃣ Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat with crushed pretzels, pressing gently to adhere.
4️⃣ Heat the oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides for 2 to 3 minutes until golden, then transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
5️⃣ Bake the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until fully cooked and crisp on the outside.
6️⃣ While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
7️⃣ Slowly whisk in the milk and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens. Add the Dijon mustard and shredded cheddar, stirring until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
8️⃣ Serve the pretzel-crusted chicken drizzled with warm mustard-cheddar sauce.
Notes
For added flavor, use honey mustard or spicy brown mustard in the sauce. You can also bake the chicken entirely without pan-searing if you prefer less oil. This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven to maintain the crispy coating.