Name: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups pretzels, crushed; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)

Hey y’all! Craving something that’s incredibly crispy, irresistibly cheesy, and packed with flavor? This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce delivers just that—the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, game day spreads, or any occasion when you want to wow the crowd. Each juicy, tender chicken piece is coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and topped with a savory, gooey cheddar-mustard sauce. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Crispy pretzel crust gives each bite an addictive crunch.
The creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce puts this dish over the top.
Ready in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
Kid-friendly, family-approved, and totally customizable.
No deep-frying required—just bake for easy, healthier cleanup!

Ingredients for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
2 cups salted pretzels (crushed into coarse crumbs)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¾ cup whole milk
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Pretzel Coating

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush or spray with olive oil.
Place pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. For even thickness, gently pound the chicken to about ½" thickness.
Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; one with eggs and 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard whisked together; one with pretzel crumbs.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally press into the pretzel crumbs to coat well. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake the Pretzel Chicken

Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil (this helps crisp the coating). Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the chicken is golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Step 4: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in milk, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
Stir in cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard, and cayenne (optional) until melted and smooth.
Remove from heat and set aside, keeping sauce warm.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Plate each baked pretzel chicken breast and generously spoon over the warm mustard-cheddar sauce. Sprinkle with extra cheddar or herbs if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 4

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Notes

Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
For ultra-crisp coating, let your breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before baking so the coating adheres better (breaded chicken tips).
Crush the pretzels coarsely for a crunchier texture—avoid overprocessing to dust!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Variations

Spicy kick: Add hot sauce to the egg wash or extra cayenne to the sauce.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels and all-purpose flour alternatives.
Bite-size: Cut chicken into strips or nuggets for appetizers or kids’ meals.

Required Equipment for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Food processor or rolling pin
Three shallow bowls or plates
Small saucepan
Whisk
Oven-safe thermometer (optional but recommended!)

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Storage & Shelf Life

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven until crisp and warmed through (about 8 minutes).
Mustard-cheddar sauce can be refrigerated separately and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: Pairings & Serving Recs

Serve with roasted vegetables, crispy fries, or a breezy green salad.
Try it alongside classic coleslaw or mashed potatoes for ultimate comfort.
Pair with a cold lager or sparkling apple cider for a fun, pub-style vibe.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Pro Tips

Always use a meat thermometer to ensure perfectly moist chicken (food safety reference).
Let the sauce rest off heat for a couple minutes—this thickens it for the perfect pour.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce as it melts.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust cooking time as they may need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have Dijon or whole grain mustard?: You can substitute yellow mustard, but the flavor will be milder. A little spicy brown mustard also works.
Can I freeze Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce?: You can freeze the cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, then add fresh sauce before serving for best results (freezing safety tips).

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce