This Pretzel Chicken is a fun twist on dinner! Tender chicken is coated with crunchy pretzel bits, giving it a delicious crunch. Top it off with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a flavor kick!
Every bite feels like a little party, and the kids love it too! I often serve it with some veggies on the side to make it a complete meal. Who doesn’t love a crispy, cheesy chicken dish? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it easy and quick. If you prefer, chicken thighs can work too, as they’re juicier and can add more flavor.
Pretzels: Regular pretzels are perfect for this dish! If you need a gluten-free option, try crushed gluten-free pretzels or even panko breadcrumbs for similar crunch.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor! If you want a milder taste, feel free to use medium cheddar. For a twist, try adding some pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Mustards: Dijon adds a nice zing, but you can swap in your favorite mustard. Spicy brown mustard or whole grain mustard would also taste fantastic!
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Pretzel Chicken?
A delicious crunch is key! Start by thoroughly coating your chicken. After flouring, it’s important to press the pretzel mixture firmly onto the chicken. This helps it stick during cooking.
- For frying, use medium heat to get that golden crust without burning the pretzels.
- If baking, spray the chicken with a little oil before cooking to help it crisp up!
Don’t forget to check that chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C) for safety. Enjoy your crispy pretzel chicken!
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup crushed pretzels (about 2 cups pretzels crushed finely)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons honey
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Mixed salad greens and grape tomatoes (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and approximately 20-25 minutes to cook, whether frying or baking. In total, plan for about 45 minutes to enjoy a delicious, crispy dish straight from your kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat & Prepare:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you want to bake your chicken. If frying, get a skillet ready on the stove. It’s always nice to have everything set before you dive in!
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
In a shallow bowl, place the flour and season it with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, crack and beat the eggs. Then, in another bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will keep things organized and make breading easier!
3. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season them with salt and pepper on both sides. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken itself before we add the crunchy coating!
4. Dredge the Chicken:
Begin by dredging each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the pretzel mixture, ensuring a nice and even coating. This crunchy crust is what makes it so special!
5. Cook the Chicken:
If frying, heat the oil in your skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until it’s golden and crispy. For baked chicken, place the coated breasts on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:
While your chicken is cooking, it’s sauce time! In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Stir frequently until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is nice and smooth. Yum!
7. Plate & Serve:
Once the chicken is ready, plate it up and slice it if you’d like. Drizzle that delicious mustard-cheddar sauce generously over the top. It adds so much flavor!
8. Garnish & Enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve with mixed salad greens and grape tomatoes for a refreshing side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Pretzel Chicken with that tangy, creamy sauce!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe for convenience, you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time, as darker meat may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and even coat it a few hours ahead of time. Just store the coated chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. The mustard-cheddar sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, and gently reheat the sauce on the stove.
Can I Freeze the Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked coated chicken! Just freeze it in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before frying or baking. It’s a great make-ahead option!
