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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: The Ultimate Family Favorite

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce topped with creamy cheddar-mustard sauce

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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce features juicy, tender chicken coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and topped with a sharp, creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe transforms classic comfort food with bold flavors, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups salted pretzels, crushed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Set a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with nonstick spray.
  • Pulse pretzels in a food processor to panko-sized crumbs.
  • Set up three bowls: flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper; eggs whisked with milk; and crushed pretzels.
  • Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into pretzels until coated.
  • Place breaded chicken on the rack and let rest 10 minutes for best crunch.
  • Drizzle with oil or spray with cooking spray. Bake 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  • For the sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
  • Add cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  • Serve hot chicken with a generous drizzle of mustard-cheddar sauce and garnish with fresh chives or parsley.

Notes

  • For extra-crispy chicken, use a rack and don’t overcrowd.
  • If frying, use a large skillet with a shallow layer of oil and cook over medium-high heat.
  • Store leftovers with sauce and chicken separated for best texture.
  • Try whole-grain mustard or pepper jack cheese for different flavor twists!