Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe – Crispy & Easy

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If you’re searching for a crunchy savory chicken recipe that transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary, this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is your answer. The salty-sweet crunch of crushed pretzel crusted chicken pairs beautifully with a tangy, creamy cheddar mustard dipping sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds: the satisfying crispiness we all crave and the comforting flavors of a classic Southern-style pretzel chicken dish.

What makes this easy weeknight dinner with pretzel coating so special is its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re making baked pretzel chicken tenders for the kids or elegant chicken breasts for a dinner party, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your home kitchen. The pretzel coating stays incredibly crispy even after baking, and that mustard-cheddar sauce? It’s the kind of accompaniment that elevates the entire dish from good to absolutely unforgettable.

Recipe Information

• Difficulty: Easy
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Resting Time: None
• Servings: 4 people
• Estimated Cost: Affordable

Ingredients for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

For the Pretzel Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 oz each) or 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 4 cups pretzel twists (about 8 oz)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups whole milk
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

Equipment and Utensils Required

• Food processor or rolling pin with plastic bag
• Three shallow bowls or pie plates for breading station
• Large baking sheet
• Wire cooling rack
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipe Preparation: Detailed Steps

Preparing the Chicken:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top. Lightly spray the rack with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: If using chicken breasts, pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ inch using a meat mallet. This ensures even cooking and prevents dry edges. For chicken tenders, leave them as is.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Add the chicken pieces and let them marinate while you prepare the coating (at least 10 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor).

Creating the Pretzel Coating:

Step 4: Place the pretzel twists in a food processor and pulse until they form fine crumbs with some slightly larger pieces for extra texture. You want a mixture similar to panko breadcrumbs. Alternatively, place pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

Step 5: Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs with the remaining tablespoon of Dijon mustard. In the third bowl, combine the crushed pretzels with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the seasonings thoroughly into the pretzel crumbs.

Coating and Baking:

Step 6: Remove chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece first in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, coating completely. Finally, press firmly into the pretzel mixture, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated on all sides. The key here is to press the pretzel crumbs into the chicken to help them adhere.

Step 7: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared wire rack, spacing them at least 1 inch apart. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes (20-25 minutes for tenders), or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer. The coating should be golden brown and crispy. Avoid opening the oven frequently, as this releases heat and can affect crispiness.

Making the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

Step 9: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter completely. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and slightly golden.

Step 10: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 11: Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese in three batches, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more. Never rush this step – adding cheese too quickly or over high heat can cause the sauce to become grainy.

Step 12: Stir in both mustards, honey, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of milk. Keep warm on the lowest heat setting, stirring occasionally.

Step 13: Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden, remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.

Step 14: Serve the crispy pretzel chicken immediately with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce on the side or drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Chef’s Tips, Tricks, and Variations

For Extra Crispy Results:

• Don’t skip the wire rack – this allows hot air to circulate completely around the chicken, ensuring even crispiness on all sides
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before baking to help the coating adhere better
• For even more crunch, mix ½ cup panko breadcrumbs with the pretzel crumbs

Flavor Variations:

• Spicy Version: Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade and increase cayenne in the coating
• Herb-Crusted: Mix 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped herbs (parsley, thyme, rosemary) into the pretzel coating
• Sweet and Savory: Use honey mustard pretzels and add 1 tablespoon of brown sugar to the coating
• Beer Cheese Sauce: Replace ½ cup of the milk with your favorite lager for a deeper, maltier flavor

Make-Ahead Options:

• Bread the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate uncovered on the rack (this actually helps dry the coating for extra crispiness)
• The sauce can be made 2 days ahead and gently reheated over low heat with a splash of milk
• Freeze breaded (uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months; bake directly from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to cooking time

Dietary Modifications:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pretzels and substitute flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour or cornstarch
• Dairy-Free: Use almond milk for marinating; skip the cheese sauce or try a nutritional yeast-based alternative
• Lower Fat: Use chicken tenderloins and spray generously with cooking spray instead of oil; make sauce with 2% milk and reduced-fat cheese

Side Dish Suggestions:

This crushed pretzel crusted chicken pairs wonderfully with numerous sides. Consider serving alongside our Maple Glazed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Salad for a balanced, colorful plate. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted potatoes, coleslaw, or a simple green salad. If you’re hosting a party, these work beautifully as part of an appetizer spread—just cut into strips and serve with the sauce for dipping.

The cheddar mustard dipping sauce is versatile too—try it with soft pretzel bites, french fries, or vegetable crudités. It’s so delicious you might find yourself making extra just to have on hand!

Storage Tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The coating will soften, but you can re-crisp it in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as directed above.
• Sauce Storage: Store the mustard-cheddar sauce separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding milk to restore consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Not drying the chicken before breading – excess moisture prevents proper adhesion
• Overcrowding the baking sheet – this creates steam and prevents crispiness
• Overbaking – use a meat thermometer to avoid dry chicken
• Adding cheese to the sauce over high heat – this causes the sauce to separate and become grainy

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 645
• Protein: 52g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 26g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1,285mg
• Cholesterol: 215mg

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce recipe proves that easy weeknight dinner with pretzel coating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its incredibly crispy exterior, tender juicy interior, and that irresistible creamy sauce, this dish delivers on every level. It’s the perfect example of Southern-style pretzel chicken comfort food that works for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

Whether you’re making baked pretzel chicken tenders for picky eaters or impressive chicken breasts for guests, this recipe is guaranteed to become a household favorite. The combination of salty pretzels with tangy mustard and sharp cheddar creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting.

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below with your experience, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on social media—tag us so we can see your delicious creations! For more inspiration, follow our Pinterest board where we share countless recipe ideas and cooking tips.

Looking for more crowd-pleasing recipes? Check out our Cranberry Turkey Stuffing Balls for another creative twist on classic flavors, or indulge your sweet tooth with our Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars. And if you’re planning a Southern-inspired feast, our Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie makes the perfect dessert to complete your meal!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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