When you think of a weeknight dinner that can elevate your mood and impress your loved ones, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the answer. Imagine succulent chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, paired with a rich, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce that dances on your tongue. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone eagerly awaiting the meal, and trust me, it’s just as fun to make as it is to devour. For more inspiration, check out this explore more recipes recipe.
I vividly recall the first time I whipped up this dish for my family. The kitchen was filled with laughter and delightful chatter as we all eagerly awaited the moment when dinner would be served. The reactions were priceless—everyone was raving about the flavors, and I felt like a five-star chef for an evening. Whether it’s a casual family night or an impromptu gathering with friends, this dish is sure to steal the spotlight. For more inspiration, check out this learn about our culinary journey recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavors blend beautifully, creating a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again
- Its golden crust makes it visually stunning on any plate
- Perfectly versatile, it pairs well with salads or roasted veggies for a complete meal
The night I served this at a family gathering, jaws dropped at first bite—those crunchy pretzels really bring joy.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
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Pretzels: Go for traditional soft pretzels if you can find them; they add an irresistible crunch.
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Eggs: These help the pretzel coating stick beautifully to the chicken; no egg? No problem!
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Mustard: A good-quality yellow mustard adds depth; feel free to get creative with spicy varieties!
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for that extra zing that complements the mustard perfectly. perfect breakfast pairing.
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Olive Oil: A drizzle helps in achieving that perfect golden brown crust without being overly greasy.
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Garlic Powder: This is optional but adds a lovely aromatic flavor that elevates the whole dish.
For the Sauce:
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Milk or Cream: Use whole milk for creaminess; skip low-fat versions if you want pure indulgence.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors; don’t skimp on these!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. savory meatballs recipe.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly while you prepare everything else.
Prepare the Pretzel Coating: In a food processor, crush your pretzels until they’re finely chopped—think breadcrumbs but crunchier. Transfer them into a bowl for later use.
Set Up Your Dipping Stations: In one bowl, beat your eggs until frothy. In another bowl, mix crushed pretzels with garlic powder, salt, and pepper—this will make your coating flavorful!
Dip and Coat Your Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it first in the egg mixture then coat it generously with your pretzel mix. Press down slightly to ensure maximum coverage.
Bake to Perfection!: Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle lightly with olive oil before baking for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make That Delicious Sauce!: While your chicken bakes, whisk together mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary!
Now that was fun! You’ve created something deliciously unique—and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!
Enjoy serving up this delectable Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce—it’s bound to become an instant favorite!
You Must Know
- This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The crunchy pretzel coating combined with rich mustard-cheddar sauce creates a flavor explosion
- Your kitchen will smell divine, making it hard to wait for dinner time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then coat it in crushed pretzels. Bake until perfectly golden and serve smothered in that luscious mustard-cheddar sauce for ultimate deliciousness. smothered chicken recipe.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu. Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the pretzel crumbs for an extra kick that’ll wow your taste buds.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for crispy results or use a microwave, though the texture may suffer a bit. crispy air fryer cod.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Pretzel Chicken, use fresh breadcrumbs for better crunch
- Ensure your chicken is dry before breading to help the coating stick well
- Lastly, let it rest after baking to keep it juicy and flavorful!
Cooking this dish always reminds me of when I made it for my friends’ game night—everyone went back for seconds, and I felt like a rockstar chef!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Pretzel Chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and breading.
What can I serve with Pretzel Chicken?
Pair it with roasted veggies or a light salad to balance flavors.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
Use a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F internally for safety.
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is your go-to weeknight dinner that promises to delight both the palate and the senses. This dish features juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, complemented by a rich, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, its enticing aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes, making it impossible to resist. Enjoy a meal that looks as good as it tastes, and watch everyone come back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup whole milk
- Additional salt and pepper for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Crush the pretzels in a food processor until finely chopped and set aside.
- In one bowl, beat the eggs until frothy; in another bowl, mix crushed pretzels with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat generously with the pretzel mix.
- Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- While baking, whisk together mustard, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until melted and well combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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