There’s something magical about comfort food that feels both fun and sophisticated — and this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce delivers both. Imagine juicy chicken breasts wrapped in a golden, crunchy pretzel crust, then smothered with a velvety cheddar and Dijon mustard sauce. Every bite balances crisp, creamy, and cheesy perfection. It’s the kind of recipe that makes a weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion.
Whether you’re hosting friends or treating your family to something new, this pretzel-crusted chicken is a showstopper. It’s delightfully simple to make, oven-baked (not fried!), and pairs perfectly with everything from roasted veggies to mashed potatoes. And that sauce — oh, that sauce — it’s the star of the show: creamy, tangy, and irresistibly cheesy.
Why You’ll Love It
- Crunchy & Golden: Crushed pretzels create a perfectly crisp coating without deep frying.
- Cheesy Mustard Magic: A silky, flavorful sauce made with cheddar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of Worcestershire for depth.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is likely already in your pantry.
- Kid-Approved: The fun pretzel coating makes dinner exciting for little ones.
- Customizable: Adjust seasonings, add spice, or use different cheeses to make it your own.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Impressive presentation with minimal effort — ideal for gatherings.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4 portions
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the Chicken Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Set Up the Breading Station Place flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and Dijon mustard. In a third bowl, add the crushed pretzels.
- Bread the Chicken Coat each chicken breast in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and press into the crushed pretzels until fully coated.
- Bake to Perfection Place chicken on the prepared sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, until the crust is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Once warm, stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Enjoy Drizzle the warm mustard-cheddar sauce generously over the crispy chicken and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately for the ultimate comfort dinner.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Twist: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg wash for a kick.
- Herb Crust: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the pretzels for a fragrant upgrade.
- Double Cheese Delight: Use sharp cheddar and a bit of gouda for a richer flavor.
- Dipping Option: Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping pretzel chicken bites — perfect for parties!
Tips from Chef Emma
- Crush pretzels just enough to keep some texture — too fine, and you’ll lose the crunch.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to bring back that crispy texture.
- This recipe also works beautifully with chicken tenders for a kid-friendly version.
Nutrition Info per Serving
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugars: 3g
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 710mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless and skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy. - Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels and flour — the texture stays just as crisp. - Q: How can I make the sauce dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cheese and unsweetened almond milk for a plant-based version. - Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is one of those meals that brings pure joy to the table. It’s crisp, golden, creamy, and cheesy — everything comfort food should be. The contrast of the salty crust and smooth sauce creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Save this to your dinner board — you’ll be coming back to it again and again!
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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce – Crunchy, Cheesy & Comforting
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy pretzel-coated chicken with creamy mustard-cheddar sauce — a fun, cheesy twist on classic baked chicken that’s perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet.
- Season chicken and set up breading station (flour, egg mix, crushed pretzels).
- Coat chicken, pressing pretzels to adhere.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, make sauce: heat milk, Dijon, and Worcestershire, then whisk in cheddar until smooth.
- Serve chicken topped with sauce and parsley.
Notes
Use freshly crushed pretzels for best crunch. Reheat leftovers in the oven to keep them crisp. Great with roasted veggies or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: pretzel chicken, mustard cheddar sauce, baked chicken recipe, crunchy dinner idea