Name: Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups); ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 eggs; Vegetable oil (for frying, about ¼-inch depth in skillet); 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; ¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful, chopped); ¼ small red onion (finely chopped)

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If you’re on the hunt for a dish that totally wows without keeping you in the kitchen all night, this Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts wrapped in a perfectly crunchy pretzel crust, paired with a luscious, tangy cheddar-mustard sauce that’s got just the right kick. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple, guaranteed to bring smiles at the dinner table any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three pieces of breaded food with a rough, light brown texture and some small white crumbs, placed on a dark metal tray on a white marbled surface. To the left, there is a white plate holding two more of the same breaded pieces resting on a layer of dry breading crumbs. Above it, there is a white bowl filled with a yellow beaten egg mixture. Some green parsley leaves are scattered on the white marbled surface above the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a star role, coming together to create layers of flavor and texture. These simple pantry staples and fresh elements are essential to achieving that irresistible crispy crust and creamy, flavorful sauce that makes the dish unforgettable.

2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): The tender foundation of this dish, perfect for quick cooking and crisp coating.
1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups): Ground to a fine crumb, they create the signature crunchy crust with a hint of saltiness.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and beautiful color to the pretzel coating and sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): To perfectly season both the chicken and sauce.
2 eggs: Beaten to help the pretzel crumbs adhere to the chicken for that perfect crust.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Essential for getting the crust golden and crisp without overpowering the flavors.
2 Tablespoons butter: The base for the creamy cheddar-mustard sauce, adding richness.
2 Tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
2 cups milk: Makes the sauce creamy and smooth without heaviness.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): The melty, bold component of the sauce that balances the mustard perfectly.
2 Tablespoons whole grain mustard: Provides a tangy, slightly spicy punch that lifts the sauce.
½ teaspoon paprika: Enhances sauce flavor with a gentle smokiness.
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a subtle heat, making the sauce exciting and flavorful.
1/4 cup flat leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful, chopped): Fresh and vibrant, used for garnish to brighten every bite.
1/4 small red onion (finely chopped): Adds a bit of sharpness and crunch as a final touch on top.

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

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by butterflying each chicken breast to create two thinner pieces, then gently pound them to an even ¼-inch thickness. This ensures they cook evenly and stay tender inside while allowing the pretzel coating to crisp up perfectly on the outside.

Step 2: Make the Pretzel Coating

Pulse the salted pretzels in a food processor until finely ground, then mix the crumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. This combination adds flavor and helps the crust develop a gorgeous color and crunch, providing that signature texture that makes this Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe so irresistible.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs with a splash of water. The egg wash acts as the glue binding the pretzel crumbs to the chicken, creating that crunchy crust once fried.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet to about a ¼-inch depth over medium-high heat. Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the pretzel crumbs. Fry the chicken in batches, cooking each side for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. This step brings all the texture magic to life, delivering crunchy, golden chicken each time.

Step 5: Make the Cheddar-Mustard Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour, cooking for about a minute to form a light roux. Gradually whisk in milk and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, whole grain mustard, paprika, and cayenne pepper, seasoning with salt and pepper. This rich, tangy sauce is the perfect partner for our crispy chicken, packing big flavor with every drizzle.

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

Four pieces of crispy golden brown fried chicken are placed on crumpled white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The chicken pieces are drizzled with a pale creamy sauce and topped with small bits of chopped red onion and green herbs. A piece of chicken is cut into thick slices showing tender white meat inside, with a silver fork resting next to it. Around the chicken are lemon wedges and scattered fresh green parsley leaves. Small white bowls filled with chopped red onions and green herbs, along with a bowl of creamy sauce with a spoon, are arranged nearby. A knife with a dark wooden handle lies behind the chicken. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and finely chopped red onion sprinkled over the finished dish are not just beautiful but add a lively contrast—the herbaceous brightness and a little crunch and sharpness that balance the richness.

Side Dishes

This chicken shines alongside simple sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes, all great for soaking up extra cheddar-mustard sauce. Whipped cauliflower or steamed green beans work wonderfully too if you want a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at gatherings, consider slicing the chicken into strips and serving with small bowls of the cheddar-mustard sauce for dipping. You can also top a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa with the chicken and sauce for a playful one-plate meal that’s as pretty as it is tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate. The crust holds up surprisingly well when stored separately or gently covered to keep crispness, while the sauce stays creamy and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken pieces wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap, placed inside a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze the sauce in a separate container. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat to help regain the crispiness of the pretzel crust. Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring to keep it smooth and creamy. Avoid microwaving if possible, to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?

Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option. Place the coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. While the crust won’t be quite as crispy as frying, it still delivers fantastic flavor.

What kind of pretzels work best for the crust?

Salted pretzels are ideal because their natural saltiness enhances the flavor of the crust. Avoid flavored or sweet pretzels, as they can clash with the savory notes of the dish.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

You can, but thinning chicken thighs evenly is more challenging. For best results with this recipe, chicken breasts work better, especially since they cook quickly and maintain tenderness with the thin cut.

Is whole grain mustard necessary for the sauce?

Whole grain mustard adds wonderful texture and a mild tang that complements sharp cheddar perfectly. However, if you don’t have it, Dijon mustard makes a fine substitute with a bit smoother flavor.

How spicy is the cheddar-mustard sauce?

The sauce has a gentle warmth from the cayenne pepper but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust or omit the cayenne to suit your taste, keeping it kid-friendly or turning up the heat if you like a little kick.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner anytime you want a dish that feels special but is refreshingly simple to make. With its crunchy crust, tender chicken, and irresistibly creamy sauce, this recipe will quickly become a favorite to share with family and friends. Give it a try soon—you won’t regret bringing this delicious, comforting meal to your table.