Crispy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Crispy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce offers a perfect blend of crunchy texture and rich, tangy flavor. Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and paired with a luscious mustard-cheddar sauce, making it an ideal dish for quick weeknight dinners, snacks, or party appetizers. This family-friendly recipe is simple to prepare and easily customizable to suit dietary preferences.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be made Gluten Free with substitutions
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels (or gluten-free crackers for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter or oil for frying
Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or gouda/pepper jack)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Variations
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper (for spicy twist)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (to mix into sauce)
- Prepare the Pretzel Coating: Crush pretzels into coarse crumbs, about the texture of coarse breadcrumbs, to create a crunchy and sturdy crust.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Place flour seasoned with salt and pepper, beaten eggs, and crushed pretzels in separate shallow bowls to ensure even coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly dust each chicken breast with the seasoned flour, dip into the beaten eggs allowing excess to drip off, then press firmly into crushed pretzels until fully coated. Repeat for all pieces.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add coated chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
- Make the Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine Dijon mustard, shredded sharp cheddar, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate the crispy pretzel chicken and generously drizzle with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh pretzels for the best crunch; crush them just before cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking to maintain a crispy crust.
- Allow chicken to rest a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Melt cheese gently on low heat to avoid gritty texture or sauce separation.
- Add Dijon mustard gradually to control tanginess in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: crispy chicken, pretzel crust, mustard cheddar sauce, easy dinner, crunchy chicken, gluten free chicken