Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe
This Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce recipe offers a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic chicken breasts. The coating combines crushed pretzels with savory spices, baked or pan-fried to golden perfection, and paired with a rich, tangy cheddar mustard sauce for an irresistible meal.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
For the Cheddar Mustard Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra crushed pretzels for texture
- Prepare the Chicken: Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavor.
- Set Up Dredging Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with crushed pretzels combined with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour to help the egg adhere, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned crushed pretzels, pressing the coating to stick well.
- Choose Cooking Method: For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated chicken on a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter to promote browning.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crispiness and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Or Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for 5–6 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Cheddar Mustard Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in Dijon mustard and yellow mustard, reduce the heat to low, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the crispy pretzel-crusted chicken and generously spoon the warm cheddar mustard sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra crushed pretzels for added texture and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, pound the chicken to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking and crispiness.
- You can substitute olive oil with melted butter depending on your flavor preference.
- The chicken can be cooked using either baking or pan-frying methods, adjust cooking times accordingly.
- If you prefer spicier flavors, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the pretzel coating.
- Use whole or 2% milk for the sauce; skim milk may result in a thinner consistency.
- Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Extra crushed pretzels add a nice crunch when sprinkled over the finished dish.
Keywords: Crispy chicken, pretzel crust, cheddar mustard sauce, baked chicken breast, crunchy chicken recipe