Name: Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups); ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 eggs; Vegetable oil for frying; 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; ¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves, chopped (about a generous handful); ¼ small red onion, finely chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 25 reviews

If you are searching for a dinner that gracefully balances crispy texture with tangy, creamy richness, let me introduce you to the Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe. This dish pairs the crunchy goodness of pretzel coating with tender, juicy chicken breasts and finishes with a decadent cheddar-mustard sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight treat or impressing guests, this recipe brings comfort and sophistication to your table in just about 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three breaded pieces of meat placed on a dark baking tray, each piece covered with a rough, golden-brown crumb coating with visible coarse texture from the crumbs. To the left, a white bowl contains a yellow, foamy, liquid mixture with some bubbles. Below it, a white plate is partially filled with the same crumb mixture, and one piece of meat is being coated by it. The setup is on a white marbled surface with some scattered green parsley leaves around, giving a fresh touch, and a woman's hand is not visible but implied in the breading action. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in making this dish utterly delicious. From the salty crunch of pretzels to the sharpness of cheddar, each component contributes to the perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.

Chicken breasts (2 boneless, skinless): The star protein, whose mild flavor and tenderness soak up that amazing crust and sauce perfectly.
Salted pretzels (5-ounce bag, about 3 cups): Ground finely, they provide a crispy, salty crust that’s a wonderful alternative to breadcrumbs.
Paprika (½ teaspoon + extra ½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color both in the crust and sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce, bringing out all the flavors.
Eggs (2): Act as a glue to make sure the pretzel crumbs stick firmly to the chicken.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Perfect for achieving that golden, crisp exterior on the chicken.
Butter (2 tablespoons): Forms the base of the luscious cheddar-mustard sauce with a rich, creamy flavor.
Flour (2 tablespoons): Used to thicken the sauce, creating a silky texture that clings to every bite.
Milk (2 cups): Provides the creamy body for the sauce without overpowering the cheddar.
Sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Delivers bold flavor and creamy richness that make the sauce irresistible.
Whole grain mustard (2 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a tangy kick and depth that beautifully complements the cheddar.
Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle hint of warmth for balanced complexity.
Flat leaf parsley leaves (¼ cup chopped): Freshens up the dish with color and a mild herbaceous note.
Red onion (¼ small, finely chopped): Adds a touch of sharpness and crunch as a garnish, brightening each bite.

How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying the chicken breasts to create four thinner pieces, then use a mallet to gently pound them into an even thickness of about 1/4 inch. This step is crucial for ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and quickly while maintaining juicy tenderness.

Step 2: Create the Pretzel Crust

Next, blitz the salted pretzels in a food processor until they’re finely crushed, almost like coarse crumbs. Combine these pretzel crumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish for seasoning, while beating the eggs with a splash of water in another. This simple crumb mixture will give your chicken that signature crunch with a perfect touch of savory flavor.

Step 3: Coat and Cook the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet to medium-high, about a 1/4-inch depth. One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in the egg wash and then press them into the pretzel crumbs, ensuring an even coating. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. This method locks in moisture while delivering a crispy exterior that’s utterly addictive.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar-Mustard Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, letting the sauce thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Then stir in sharp cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard, paprika, cayenne pepper, and season with a bit of salt and pepper. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right hint of spice to elevate the dish perfectly.

Step 5: Final Touches

Plate the golden pretzel crusted chicken and generously drizzle the cheddar-mustard sauce over the top. Sprinkle chopped parsley and finely diced red onions as garnish for a fresh, colorful finish that adds brightness and texture.

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

The image shows three crispy fried pieces with a golden brown crunchy texture, placed on crumpled white paper over a white marbled surface. Each piece is drizzled lightly with a creamy light beige sauce, with small bits of chopped fresh green herbs and finely diced purple onions scattered on top. A sprig of fresh green parsley sits near the center piece, and a lemon wedge is positioned at the top right corner. Below the pieces, a small white spoon rests on the paper, holding and dripping the same creamy sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a pop of color and flavor contrast, finely chopped flat leaf parsley and red onion not only enhance the plate visually but also provide fresh herbal notes and mild crunch, making each bite more vibrant and satisfying.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the richness of the sauce without overwhelming the pretzel crust’s crisp texture.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken sliced over a bed of buttery noodles or drizzled alongside steamed broccoli for a colorful and balanced meal. You could also turn it into a hearty sandwich by layering the chicken and sauce inside a crusty roll with some fresh greens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pretzel crusted chicken can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the best texture, store the sauce separately to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then stored in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Freeze the cheddar-mustard sauce in a sealed container separately and thaw in the fridge when ready to use.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes to help restore crispness, rather than microwaving. Warm the sauce gently on the stove with a splash of milk to maintain its creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to butterfly and pound them to even thickness for consistent cooking.

Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?

Butterflying ensures even cooking and thinner pieces that crisp up nicely in the pretzel crust, making it an important step for tender and evenly cooked chicken.

Can this dish be baked instead of fried?

You can bake the pretzel crusted chicken for a slightly healthier option, but frying gives a superior crispiness and golden color that baking sometimes misses.

What kind of mustard works best for the sauce?

Whole grain mustard adds texture and a robust tang that plays beautifully against the creamy cheddar sauce. You can substitute with Dijon, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.

How spicy is the sauce?

The cayenne pepper adds just a gentle warmth—nothing overpowering. You can adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder sauce.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe that feels both indulgent and approachable. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish promises vibrant flavors, incredible textures, and a comforting finish every time you make it. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of crispy pretzel crust married with that luscious cheddar-mustard sauce—it just might become one of your favorites too!