If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, cheesy, and savory flavors, the Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a golden, crunchy delight thanks to a unique pretzel coating, while the smooth, tangy cheddar mustard sauce adds an irresistible creamy finish. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests, making it a versatile favorite you’ll want to make again and again.

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of texture and flavor, from the salty crunch of the pretzels to the rich, cheesy sauce that elevates every bite.

Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless, about 8-10 oz each): The star protein, butterflied and pounded thin for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Salted pretzels (4 oz): The crunchy coating that adds a unique salty flavor and great texture.
Flour (1/4 cup): Helps the pretzel crumbs stick to the chicken and aids in browning.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle depth and warmth to the coating.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances savory notes in the crust.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning essentials to bring out the best flavors.
Egg (1): Acts as the glue to help the pretzel crumbs adhere perfectly.
Neutral oil for frying: A high smoke point oil like canola or vegetable is ideal for crisp, golden crusts.
Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish as a fresh garnish.
Butter (1 tablespoon): For the luscious base of the cheddar mustard sauce.
Flour (1 tablespoon): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
Milk (1 cup): Creates the smooth, velvety texture of the sauce.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a tangy kick that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
Cheddar cheese (8 oz shredded): The rich, melty heart of the sauce, full of cheesy goodness.

How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying each chicken breast into two thinner pieces, so you end up with four evenly sized cutlets. Place them between sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a mallet until the thickness is uniform. This step ensures quick even cooking and helps the pretzel crust cling better for that perfect crunch.

Step 2: Prepare Pretzel Coating

Take salted pretzels and blitz them in a food processor until they become coarse crumbs—think about the texture of coarse breadcrumbs rather than powder. In one shallow dish, mix the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another dish, whisk the egg until well combined. In a third dish, spread out your pretzel crumbs ready to coat the chicken.

Step 3: Coat and Fry

Dip each chicken piece first into the seasoned flour, then into the egg wash, and finally press it firmly into the pretzel crumbs, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. Heat your neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The result should be a crispy, golden crust that’s irresistibly crunchy.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Mustard Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to make a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk and stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken. Add the Dijon mustard and gradually incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. This sauce is just the right balance of tangy and cheesy, making it an absolute game-changer for the Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe.

Step 5: Serve

Plate your crispy pretzel-crusted chicken and generously drizzle or ladle the luscious cheddar mustard sauce over each piece. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Ready to dig in!

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice since it adds a lovely contrast to the rich sauce and crispy chicken. For an extra splash of color and a subtle zing, you could also sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or even a pinch of smoked paprika.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with simple, fresh sides like a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob complement the cheesy sauce wonderfully, soaking up every last drop.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken sliced on a platter with small bowls of extra cheddar mustard sauce for dipping. You can also create a layered plate by placing the chicken atop a bed of lightly sautéed spinach or quinoa, adding an extra texture and health boost.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers from your Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish is also freezer-friendly. Place cooled chicken pieces and sauce in separate airtight containers or zip bags. Freeze for up to two months. This way, you can enjoy a fancy meal any night with minimal prep!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to keep the crust crisp, and warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other cheeses instead of cheddar in the sauce?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic here, you can experiment with Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a sharp fontina for a different flavor profile.

Is it possible to bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier alternative. Bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

What if I don’t have pretzels on hand?

If pretzels aren’t available, crushed Ritz crackers or panko mixed with a pinch of salt can work as a substitute, though pretzels add that unique salty crunch that makes this recipe special.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular pretzels for gluten-free pretzels, use gluten-free flour, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version that won’t compromise on texture or taste.

How long does the cheddar mustard sauce keep in the fridge?

You can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently and stir well before serving.

Final Thoughts

The Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into something truly memorable. It invites that satisfying crunch and gooey cheesiness into every bite, making dinner feel special no matter the occasion. Trust me—you’ll want to keep this favorite in your recipe collection for years to come!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce Recipe

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3.8 from 35 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Pretzel Crusted Chicken recipe offers a crunchy and flavorful twist on classic fried chicken, coated with crushed salted pretzels and served with a rich Dijon cheddar sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines a crispy exterior with tender, juicy chicken inside, complemented by a creamy, tangy cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8–10 oz each)
4 oz salted pretzels
1/4 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg
Neutral oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Mustard Cheddar Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, minced, for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally to create 2 thinner pieces per breast, yielding 4 pieces total. Place each piece between sheets of plastic wrap and gently flatten them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin to ensure even cooking.
Prepare Pretzel Coating: Pulse the salted pretzels in a food processor until they become coarse crumbs. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg. Place the pretzel crumbs in a third shallow dish for breading.
Coat the Chicken: Season the flattened chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the pretzel crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Fry the Chicken: Heat neutral oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the coated chicken pieces for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the Mustard Cheddar Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and Dijon mustard, cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Serve: Plate the pretzel crusted chicken pieces and generously spoon the warm mustard cheddar sauce over them. Garnish with minced fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor and appealing presentation.

Notes

Ensure the chicken pieces are pounded evenly to avoid undercooked thick spots.
You can prepare the pretzel crumbs ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying to avoid burning the coating.
If you prefer baking, this chicken can also be baked at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Frying
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American