Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The chicken is coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, giving it a satisfying texture, while the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce adds a rich and tangy finish. This dish is not heavy or greasy, making it a delicious and comforting meal. If you’re not a fan of mustard, you can easily omit it and still enjoy the crunchy, tender chicken. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups crushed pretzels

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. For the Chicken:

   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • Place the crushed pretzels in one shallow bowl, flour in another, and beat the eggs with milk in a third bowl.

   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it in the egg mixture, then press into the crushed pretzels to coat evenly.

   • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides (about 3-4 minutes per side). Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

2. For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.

   • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.

   • Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Serve:

   • Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the chicken breasts with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top.

Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

• Calories: 500-550 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 105mg

• Sodium: 800mg

• Fiber: 2g

The Pretzel-Crusted Chicken: A Crispy Delight

The pretzel crusted chicken is the star of this dish. The crispy coating is achieved by dipping the chicken breasts in a simple flour and egg mixture, followed by a generous coating of crushed pretzels. The pretzels add a satisfying crunch and a salty flavor that makes the chicken tender and flavorful on the inside while providing a crisp, golden exterior. This preparation ensures that the chicken is not greasy but instead lightly crispy, making it a healthier alternative to fried chicken without compromising on texture.

The key to the pretzel crust is ensuring that each chicken breast is fully coated with the crushed pretzels, so every bite has that signature crunch. Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper before dredging it in the flour and egg mixture enhances the flavor and ensures the chicken is well-seasoned. Once the chicken is seared in a skillet to achieve a golden brown color, it’s transferred to the oven to finish cooking, ensuring it stays tender and juicy inside while retaining its crispy coating.

Making the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: A Creamy, Tangy Finish

The Mustard-Cheddar Sauce adds a creamy, tangy finish that complements the pretzel-crusted chicken perfectly. Made with butter, flour, milk, and cheddar cheese, the sauce is smooth, rich, and packed with flavor. Dijon mustard is added to give the sauce a tangy kick, balancing the richness of the cheese. The mustard brings a layer of acidity that cuts through the creamy texture of the sauce, adding depth and brightness to the dish.

To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour to create a roux. Cooking the roux for 1-2 minutes helps remove the raw flour taste and allows the sauce to thicken properly. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. Once the sauce has thickened, add the cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and the sauce is ready to drizzle over the crispy chicken.

Cooking the Chicken to Perfection

To ensure that the chicken is perfectly cooked, the process involves both searing and baking. Start by searing the chicken in vegetable oil over medium-high heat, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This gives the chicken its crispy crust while locking in moisture. Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) to bake for 15-20 minutes. The oven will ensure that the chicken cooks through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is safe to eat and remains juicy inside.

Serving the Dish

Once the chicken is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite tender and juicy. To serve, plate the chicken and drizzle the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce generously over the top. For a complete meal, pair this dish with mashed potatoes, a green vegetable like roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The mustard-cheddar sauce pairs beautifully with any side dish, adding extra flavor and richness.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce contains approximately 500-550 calories, making it a satisfying yet moderately indulgent meal. The dish offers 35 grams of protein, primarily from the chicken, which makes it a great option for those seeking a high-protein meal. With 25 grams of fat, including 10 grams of saturated fat, it’s a richer dish, but the pretzel coating is not overly greasy, and the sauce adds a creamy, tangy finish without being excessively heavy.

The carbohydrates in the dish come from the breadcrumbs and pretzels, with about 30 grams per serving. The sauce itself adds minimal additional carbs, making this dish a good choice for those seeking a balanced meal. It also contains 2 grams of fiber, which helps balance the carbohydrates and aids digestion. With a moderate sodium content of 800mg per serving, this dish is best enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re serving it with salty sides.

Conclusion

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and a rich, tangy sauce. The pretzel crust adds a satisfying crunch, while the mustard-cheddar sauce provides a creamy finish that complements the savory flavors of the chicken. This dish is not heavy or greasy, making it a comforting and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed on any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is sure to impress. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of side dishes. If you love crispy chicken and creamy sauces, this recipe is a must-try!