Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce offers the perfect combination of crispy and tender, all while being drizzled in a creamy, tangy sauce that brings everything together. This dish elevates a simple chicken dinner to an exciting new level, thanks to the salty pretzel crust and rich cheddar mustard sauce.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just want something comforting on a weeknight, this recipe hits all the right notes. The pretzel crust gives each bite a satisfying crunch, while the sauce adds a creamy depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the chicken. You won’t be able to resist!
Full Recipe:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 cups crushed pretzels
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons honey
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Set up a breading station: Place the crushed pretzels in a shallow dish, the flour in another shallow dish, and the beaten eggs in a third shallow dish.
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Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the crushed pretzels. Press the pretzels into the chicken to ensure they adhere.
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Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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While the chicken is baking, make the cheddar mustard sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with the cheddar mustard sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 470 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce: A Delicious Twist on Classic Chicken
The Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce offers a delicious twist on the classic breaded chicken cutlet. With its crispy, salty pretzel crust and creamy, tangy cheddar mustard sauce, it transforms a simple chicken dinner into something truly special. Whether you’re in the mood for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe is the perfect balance of comfort food and gourmet flair.
The Magic of the Pretzel Crust
What sets this dish apart from your typical breaded chicken is the use of pretzels in the crust. The crushed pretzels create a satisfying crunch that perfectly contrasts the tender, juicy chicken inside. The saltiness of the pretzel crust enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the chicken a savory punch that’s hard to beat. As the chicken bakes in the oven, the pretzel crust becomes beautifully golden and crispy, adding texture and visual appeal to the dish.
Pretzel-crusted chicken is an excellent way to incorporate a bit of unexpected flavor into a familiar meal. The pretzel crust not only adds crunch but also brings a unique, salty depth that pairs wonderfully with the mildness of the chicken. The combination of these two elements makes this dish irresistible to both children and adults alike.
The Creamy Cheddar Mustard Sauce
A crispy, flavorful crust on its own can be delicious, but when paired with a rich and creamy sauce, the flavors come together harmoniously. The cheddar mustard sauce in this recipe offers just the right balance of sharpness and creaminess, making it the perfect complement to the crispy chicken. The Dijon mustard adds a hint of tanginess, while the cheddar cheese brings a smooth, rich flavor that coats the chicken beautifully.
This sauce is incredibly versatile; it can be used not just on chicken, but also as a dip for vegetables, fries, or even poured over other meats or roasted vegetables. It is easy to prepare and can be whipped up in just a few minutes while the chicken is baking, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
A Quick and Easy Dinner
One of the best things about this pretzel-crusted chicken is how easy it is to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes. The breading process is simple, consisting of flour, egg, and crushed pretzels. You don’t need to worry about complicated techniques or fancy equipment—just a few bowls for the dredging process and a skillet for frying.
Once the chicken is crispy and golden, it’s placed in the oven to finish cooking, ensuring that it stays juicy and tender inside. This method results in a perfect crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken, making it a foolproof recipe for even the most beginner cooks.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Pretzel-Crusted Chicken is versatile enough for casual family dinners, yet impressive enough to serve at dinner parties. Its crispy crust and creamy sauce make it a crowd-pleaser, while the relatively simple ingredients and quick preparation time make it a great choice for a weeknight meal. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner that’s both comforting and sophisticated.
For special occasions, this dish can be served as the main course, and it pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with a tangy coleslaw or a vibrant, citrusy side salad to balance out the richness of the chicken and sauce. If you’re hosting a dinner party, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and simply bake it when guests arrive for a stress-free yet impressive meal.
A Healthy Twist on Comfort Food
While this recipe might seem indulgent due to the rich sauce and crispy crust, it can be easily modified to suit a range of dietary needs. For a lighter version, you can opt for baked chicken instead of frying it, or you can use whole-wheat pretzels for a healthier option. If you’re looking to make the dish gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and pretzels with gluten-free alternatives, and you’ll have a dish that accommodates various dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
The cheddar mustard sauce, while rich, is a great alternative to traditional heavy sauces, as it uses simple ingredients like Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese, making it a more health-conscious choice compared to other creamy sauces. This dish allows you to enjoy the comforts of crispy chicken and a flavorful sauce without feeling overly indulgent.
A Family Favorite for Years to Come
Once you try this Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your meal rotation. It’s a crowd-pleaser that will have your family and friends asking for seconds, and the best part is that it’s so simple to make! The crispy, salty pretzel coating and the creamy, tangy cheddar mustard sauce work together perfectly to create a meal that feels special, but is easy enough to make on a busy weeknight.
With its balance of textures, flavors, and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home, adding a new twist to traditional chicken recipes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special celebration, or just because you want something delicious, this recipe will always hit the mark.
Conclusion
Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. The crispy, savory pretzel crust and the rich, creamy sauce elevate a basic chicken dinner to a new level of flavor and sophistication. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress with its delicious combination of textures and flavors. Try it out tonight and discover a new favorite meal that’s easy, quick, and incredibly satisfying.