Name: Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 cups finely crushed pretzels; 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 cup milk; 2 tablespoons butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for sauce)

Hey y'all! Ready to shake up your chicken dinner routine? This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe delivers golden, ultra-crispy chicken with a deeply satisfying crunch, all smothered in a creamy, sharp cheddar and tangy mustard sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a playful twist—perfect for family nights, game days, or anytime you're craving something fun and delicious. Let's get cooking!

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

Incredibly Crunchy Coating: Pretzels create a thick, salty crust that stays crispy even under luscious sauce.
Family-Friendly Flavors: The tangy cheddar-mustard sauce wins over adults and kids alike.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Ready in under an hour with straightforward steps.
Elevated Comfort Food: Classic ingredients combine for a special yet approachable dish.
Customizable: Simple swaps let you tweak heat and cheese to fit your crowd’s tastes.

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Ingredients

For the Pretzel Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups salted pretzels
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup olive oil (or as needed, for pan-frying)
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon whole-grain mustard
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Directions

Step 1: Prep the Pretzel Chicken

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a food processor, pulse pretzels until finely crushed (about 1 cup crumbs).
Set up 3 shallow bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs mixed with 2 tablespoon Dijon, and one with pretzel crumbs, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Pound chicken to ½-inch thickness for even cooking.
Dredge chicken: Coat each breast in flour, dip in egg mixture, then press into pretzel crumbs to coat well. Arrange on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden, then return to the baking sheet.
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).

Step 3: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While chicken bakes, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in 2 tablespoon flour to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring until thick, 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to low; add cheddar cheese, mustards, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne (if using), plus salt & pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth. Keep warm.

Step 4: Serve

Plate crispy pretzel chicken, generously spoon mustard-cheddar sauce overtop, and garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Notes

For gluten-free pretzel chicken, use certified gluten-free pretzels and flour (see recommendations at Celiac Disease Foundation).
Finely crush pretzels for best adhesion; coarse pieces may fall off during searing.
Keep the sauce warm on low heat; if it thickens too much, add a splash of milk to revive it (learn more about roux-based sauces from Serious Eats).

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Variations

Spicy Pretzel Chicken: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne to the pretzel mixture and swap cheddar for pepper jack in the sauce.
Honey-Mustard Drizzle: Stir 1 tablespoon honey into the cheese sauce for extra sweetness.
Mini Pretzel Chicken Bites: Cut chicken into nuggets before breading for party-friendly finger food.

Required Equipment for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Food processor or zip-top bag & rolling pin
3 shallow bowls or plates
Baking sheet & parchment paper
Nonstick skillet
Small saucepan
Meat thermometer
Whisk

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Storage Instructions

Refrigerate cooled chicken and sauce in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm chicken in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness; reheat sauce gently over low heat with a splash of milk.
Freezing is not recommended as the pretzel coating loses its crunch.

Serving Suggestions for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Serve with roasted vegetables, crisp salads, or garlic mashed potatoes.
Pair with a cold pilsner or sparkling lemonade for a fresh finish.
Try alongside homemade slaw for a tangy contrast (Bon Appetit slaw recipe).

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe Pro Tips

Pound chicken evenly to ensure uniform cooking and juiciness.
Rest breaded chicken on a wire rack after pan-searing to keep the crust crisp before baking.
Use freshly shredded cheddar for extra creamy, smooth sauce texture (learn more about cheese melting at The Kitchn).

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and work great with the pretzel coating, just adjust cook time as needed for thicker pieces.
What kind of pretzels are best?
Use crunchy salted mini pretzels or sticks—they break down evenly and provide plenty of flavor.
Can I make this ahead?
For best texture, bread and sear chicken up to 1 day ahead, refrigerate, then bake and sauce right before serving.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe