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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups crushed pretzels - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - ½ cup milk - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon honey You can add a pinch of cayenne for spice. You might swap sharp cheddar for mild. Use gluten-free pretzels if needed. Fresh herbs like chives can boost flavor too. Want a creamier sauce? Add more milk or cream. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the chicken from sticking. Next, gather your ingredients for the chicken. In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds flavor and helps the coating stick. In another dish, whisk 2 large eggs until they are well combined. In a third dish, pour in 2 cups of crushed pretzels. These will give your chicken a crunchy texture. Take each chicken breast and dip it into the flour mixture first. Shake off any extra flour. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the crushed pretzels. Press gently to make sure they stick well. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the pretzel-coated chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. After that, transfer the chicken to your prepared baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. While the chicken is baking, you can start the mustard cheddar sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, mix ½ cup of milk and 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. Stir this mixture until it heats up. Then, add 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Remove the saucepan from heat. Once your chicken is done, drizzle the mustard cheddar sauce over it or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy! To get great breading on your chicken, use fresh pretzels. Crush them finely for the best crunch. Make sure to press the pretzels onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick better during cooking. Dip the chicken in flour first to create a base layer. This helps the egg and pretzel coating adhere well. Don’t rush the frying step; golden color means better taste. To keep the sauce smooth, heat the milk slowly. Stir it often to avoid burning. Add the Dijon mustard and honey before the cheese. This gives the flavors time to mix. When adding cheese, do it gradually. Stir until it melts completely. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up. For a rustic look, serve the chicken on a wooden board. Sprinkle fresh parsley around for a pop of color. Put extra mustard cheddar sauce in a small bowl for dipping. This adds a fun element for your guests. You can also add some sliced veggies or pickles on the side. This makes the plate look bright and inviting. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture in your dish. Perfect Pretzel Coating: Make sure to press the crushed pretzels firmly onto the chicken to ensure a thick and crunchy crust that holds up during cooking. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the mustard cheddar sauce by adding more honey or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. {{image_2}} You can spice up your pretzel chicken easily. Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix. This gives the chicken heat and flavor. You might also try using spicy mustard in the cheese sauce. Another option is to top the chicken with sliced jalapeños before baking. These changes make a delicious, spicy twist on the original recipe. You can switch up the cheese in the sauce. Try pepper jack cheese for a kick. If you like a milder flavor, use mozzarella instead. You can also mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess. For a unique taste, add some crumbled blue cheese. Each cheese brings a different flavor profile to the dish. Not a fan of chicken? You can use turkey breasts or even pork chops. Both work well with the pretzel crust. For a plant-based option, try using eggplant or cauliflower. Cut them into thick slices, then bread and bake like the chicken. These alternatives still give you the crunch and flavor you crave. To keep your pretzel chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the chicken cool down to room temperature first. Place a paper towel at the bottom of the container. This will soak up extra moisture. Seal the container tightly and refrigerate. The chicken will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes until warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat in short bursts, checking every 30 seconds. This way, it warms evenly without drying out. If you want to save some for later, freezing works great! Wrap each chicken piece in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as possible. Frozen chicken can last for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave on the defrost setting. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above. You can serve Pretzel Chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some great options: - Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrients. - Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, they pair well with the chicken. - Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances the flavors and textures. - Corn on the cob: Sweet corn is a fun side that kids love. - Salad: A fresh garden salad adds a crisp bite and lightness. Leftover Pretzel Chicken can last for up to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen chicken can last up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can bake the chicken without frying it first. To do this, make the pretzel coating and place it on the chicken. Then, bake it directly in the oven. Adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes to ensure it cooks through. The texture may differ slightly, but it will still be delicious. We've explored how to make delicious pretzel chicken and a creamy mustard cheddar sauce. You learned the key ingredients and step-by-step cooking tips. Remember, you can try different spices or proteins to mix it up. Store leftovers properly to keep them tasty. Overall, this dish is fun and easy to make. Enjoy creating your own version of this recipe!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

Crispy pretzel-coated chicken breasts served with a creamy mustard cheddar sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups crushed pretzels
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a third dish, pour the crushed pretzels.
  • Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the crushed pretzels, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pretzel-coated chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is baking, prepare the mustard cheddar sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and honey. Stir in the cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove from the oven and drizzle the mustard cheddar sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a wooden board for rustic charm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Keyword cheddar, chicken, dinner, mustard, pretzel