Name: Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups pretzel crumbs; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1/2 cup milk

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If you’re looking for a delightful dish that perfectly balances crunch, tang, and cheesy goodness, this Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today is exactly what your dinner table needs. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated with a crispy pretzel crust, baked to golden perfection, and then smothered in a creamy mustard cheddar sauce that hits all the right savory notes. It’s comfort food elevated to a new level, guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Whether for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this recipe combines simple ingredients in a way that feels truly special.

Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen not only to add flavor but also to build texture and color that make the dish visually inviting and satisfyingly delicious.

Chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy meat that pairs wonderfully with the crunchy coating and creamy sauce.
Pretzel crumbs: These create a unique crunchy exterior that’s both salty and slightly sweet, perfect for an exciting twist on classic breading.
All-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, making every bite crispy and intact.
Eggs: The binder that holds that pretzel crust tightly onto the chicken, ensuring it stays on through baking.
Milk: Added to the egg mixture for moisture and also used in the sauce to create a smooth, creamy texture.
Cheddar cheese, shredded: Melts into a luscious, tangy sauce that’s rich without overwhelming the chicken.
Dijon mustard: Infuses the sauce with a subtle sharpness and depth, balancing the richness of the cheddar.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory warmth without overpowering other flavors.
Salt: Essential for bringing all these flavors to life and seasoning the chicken perfectly.
Black pepper: Offers a gentle kick that enhances the overall taste profile.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Oven

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for cooking the chicken evenly with that perfect golden crust. A well-preheated oven is key for crispy, juicy results.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lightly sprinkle your chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This simple seasoning step layers the flavors even before you add the coating, helping the taste penetrate the meat.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

First, dust each chicken breast with all-purpose flour to give the egg wash something to cling to. Next, dip the chicken into a mixture of beaten eggs and milk, which acts as the glue. Finally, coat each piece in crushed pretzel crumbs, pressing gently so the covering sticks nicely.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Arrange your coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the pretzel crust turns a rich golden brown with a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Prepare the Mustard Cheddar Sauce

While the chicken bakes, in a small saucepan over low heat, combine shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and milk. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce that’s bursting with tangy, savory flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken is baked to perfection, serve it hot topped generously with your homemade mustard cheddar sauce. The combination of crunchy chicken and creamy sauce is utterly irresistible.

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the richness of the dish beautifully. For a bit of extra zing, a few thin slices of pickled jalapeño can also brighten things up.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with simple steamed vegetables like green beans or roasted asparagus to balance out the indulgent flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes or even a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette also make great side choices that round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery noodles, letting the mustard cheddar sauce seep through. Alternatively, assemble the chicken on a sturdy bun with lettuce and tomato for a hearty, delicious sandwich that’s perfect for casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The coated chicken will maintain much of its crispiness if reheated carefully, and the sauce can be kept separately to avoid thickening too much.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Wrap each coated, cooked chicken breast individually in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. Store the mustard cheddar sauce separately in a sealed container. Freeze for up to two months for best quality.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to preserve the crispy crust. Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally, until smooth and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of mustard in this recipe?

Absolutely! While Dijon mustard gives a nice sharpness here, you can experiment with spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard for varied flavor textures. Just keep the balance with the cheddar in mind.

Is it necessary to use pretzel crumbs, or can I substitute bread crumbs?

Pretzel crumbs provide a unique salty crunch that’s hard to replicate, but regular bread crumbs or panko can work in a pinch. Just remember you’ll lose that distinctive pretzel flavor that makes this recipe so special.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free pretzel crumbs to keep the delicious pretzel crunch without gluten. Be sure to check all ingredients like mustard and cheese as well for hidden gluten.

What is the best way to shred cheddar cheese quickly?

Using a box grater is classic and efficient, but for larger quantities, a food processor fitted with a shredding disc is a total time-saver and cuts down on finger risk.

Can I make the mustard cheddar sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat gently on low heat before serving, stirring occasionally to bring it back to its creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today has quickly become a favorite of mine and those lucky enough to share it at the table. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. The crunchy, cheesy, tangy combination will keep you coming back for more bites. Do yourself a favor and try this recipe—you’re in for a truly memorable meal.

Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce Recipe to Savor Today Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 31 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

Crispy pretzel-crusted chicken breasts baked to perfection and topped with a creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce. This dish combines crunchy texture with rich, flavorful sauce, making it an irresistible main course perfect for dinner.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to enhance their flavor.
Prepare the Coating: Set up a dredging station: place the flour in one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and 1/2 cup milk together in another, and place the pretzel crumbs in a third bowl.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly with pretzel crumbs, ensuring an even crust.
Bake the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Make the Mustard Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 cup milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Serve: Plate the baked pretzel chicken breasts and generously spoon the warm mustard cheddar sauce over each serving. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

Use crunchy pretzels for the crumbs to achieve a crispier coating.
If pretzel crumbs are unavailable, crushed pretzel sticks or nuggets can be used as a substitute.
For a spicier sauce, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
This recipe can be doubled easily for a larger crowd.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American