Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Have you ever craved something so intensely, so unbelievably delicious, that you’d practically sell your soul for a bite? That’s how I felt about Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. The crispy, salty pretzel coating, the juicy chicken within, and that creamy, tangy sauce—oh my! It’s the kind of dish that sparks joy, a culinary symphony playing on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made it, a spontaneous Tuesday night experiment that ended in a glorious, messy, and entirely satisfying feast.

This wasn’t some fancy restaurant dish; it was born from a craving for comfort food with a twist. I wanted something exciting, something different, yet still incredibly easy to whip up. This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce was the answer—a revelation that I’m now thrilled to share with you.

This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce recipe is unbelievably easy to make.

The flavor combination is simply divine, a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory.

The finished dish looks absolutely stunning, perfect for impressing guests.

Its versatility allows you to serve it with various sides, from mashed potatoes to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Chicken Breasts Choose boneless, skinless breasts for even cooking and ease of preparation. Aim for about 1.5 pounds, enough for two generous servings.

Pretzel Crumbs These can be store-bought or homemade from crushed pretzels. For a stronger pretzel flavor, use finely crushed pretzels.

All-Purpose Flour This acts as a binder for the pretzel crumbs, ensuring they stick to the chicken beautifully.

Eggs Two large eggs are needed to create a binding layer between the flour and the pretzel crumbs.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese Grated sharp cheddar provides a bold, flavorful element to the sauce. The sharper, the better!

Stone-Ground Mustard This adds a delightful tang and depth to the sauce. Dijon mustard also works well.

Chicken Broth Use low-sodium chicken broth for a rich, flavorful base for the sauce.

Butter Unsalted butter adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.

Garlic Powder A little garlic powder adds a nice savory note to the pretzel crust and the sauce.

Paprika Adds a touch of subtle spice and a beautiful color to the finished chicken.

Salt and Black Pepper To season the chicken and the sauce to taste.

Olive Oil For lightly coating the chicken before breading.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the pretzel crumbs. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the pretzel crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Baking the Chicken

Place the breaded chicken breasts in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown and crispy. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Making the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken is baking, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the stone-ground mustard and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Serving the Dish

Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Transfer to plates and drizzle generously with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses in the sauce, such as Gruyere or Monterey Jack. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or the pretzel crumb mixture. You could also add some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, to the sauce for extra flavor and visual appeal. If you prefer a less intense pretzel flavor, you can combine the pretzel crumbs with some regular breadcrumbs. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days and reheated in the microwave or oven. Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and experimenting, so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in juices, then simmer the sauce while the chicken rests. Finally, toss the pretzel-crusted chicken in the amazing mustard-cheddar sauce. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to experiment! Swap the cheddar for Gruyere, add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor, or incorporate some chopped chives for a fresh, herbaceous note. Get creative and make it your own.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent dryness.

Brining the chicken beforehand ensures extra juicy and flavorful Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.

Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken; it lowers the temperature and results in steaming instead of browning.

Ensure your mustard-cheddar sauce is thick enough to nicely coat the chicken; a cornstarch slurry can help achieve the perfect consistency.

I once made this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce for a potluck, and it vanished faster than you could say “pretzel.” Everyone raved about the unique flavor combination.

The Recipe

: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

This recipe is a delicious adventure, a culinary rollercoaster of crunchy pretzels and creamy cheese. It’s the kind of dish that makes people stop mid-conversation, fork poised halfway to their mouths, just to stare in awe at its beauty. Prepare for compliments galore – this one’s a showstopper.

Ingredients

:

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup crushed pretzels

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

:

Preparing the Chicken

First, prepare your chicken. In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll each chicken piece in the crushed pretzels, pressing gently to adhere. This creates the delightful pretzel crust.

Searing and Simmering

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil (about 1 tablespoon). Sear the chicken pieces in batches, ensuring they are golden brown on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Set the seared chicken aside.

Crafting the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Now for the sauce – the star of the show. In the same skillet (no need to wash!), melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low, and stir in the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Combining and Serving

Return the seared chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the luscious mustard-cheddar sauce. Simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve hot, and prepare for a culinary eruption of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

:

Serve your Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce with a side of roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. This dish is so versatile; it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

More Tips for Pretzel Chicken Perfection

Using high-quality cheddar cheese will significantly enhance the flavor of the sauce. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!

If your sauce is too thin, simply whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water to thicken it to your liking.

Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be cooked through but still juicy and tender. Overcooked chicken is a culinary crime against humanity.

This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, delicious to eat, and impressive enough to serve at any gathering. So go ahead, embrace the pretzel-coated chicken goodness. You won’t regret it.

Conclusion for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce recipe is a winner! Its unique flavor combination and satisfying crunch are sure to impress. The recipe is relatively easy to follow and adaptable to your taste preferences. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked properly, and feel free to experiment with different coatings for variations on the theme. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, so get cooking and enjoy the delicious results!

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FAQs

Can I make this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its make-ahead-ability. You can prepare the chicken, dredge it, and even partially bake it a day or two in advance. Store it properly refrigerated, then finish baking just before serving. The sauce can also be made ahead; its flavors will actually deepen overnight. Just give it a good whisk before serving to ensure it’s perfectly smooth and delicious. Remember to reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken.

What can I substitute for the pretzels?

While pretzels give this dish its signature crunch and salty-sweet flavor, you can get creative! Crushed potato chips, crushed corn flakes, or even finely chopped nuts could work well. However, keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly. For a similar salty-sweet element, try adding a pinch of brown sugar to your chosen coating. The texture might be different, but the delicious Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce will still be the star!

Is this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since pretzels typically contain gluten. To make this recipe gluten-free, you’ll need to find gluten-free pretzels or substitute a completely different coating, such as gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination. Remember to use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re making your own breading.

How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?

Always use a meat thermometer! This is crucial for food safety. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken; it should register at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through and safe to eat. Don’t rely solely on visual cues, as chicken can sometimes appear cooked before it actually is. Undercooked chicken is a no-go, so err on the side of caution and ensure that internal temperature is met. This applies to any recipe involving chicken, not just this delectable Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce.