Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a delightful dish that combines crispy pretzel coating with juicy chicken. It’s simple to make and perfect for a family dinner. Serve it up for a cozy weeknight meal or a gathering with friends. The creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce elevates this dish to a whole new level of comfort.
Why You Will Love This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
This recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are things you can find in your pantry. The chicken turns out tender with a crispy, golden crust every time. Plus, it only takes about 30 minutes to bake, making it a great choice for busy evenings.
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Making this dish is straightforward. You simply coat chicken breasts in flour, egg, and pretzel crumbs before baking. It’s a fun process and perfect for beginners. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to enjoy.
What You Need
Ingredients for Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs
- 1 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Step-by-Step
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and then coat with pretzel crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden.
- In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar for the sauce.
- Serve chicken with the mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could also add some sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for a crunch. It’s a delightful meal for family gatherings or when friends come over.
How to Store Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil; they’ll last up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, use the oven for the crispiest results, or microwave for a quicker option, keeping the sauce separate.
Recipe Tips
- Use thick pretzel crumbs for a better crunchy texture.
- Make sure to season the flour and pretzel crumbs well with salt and pepper for flavor.
- If the chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them slightly for more even cooking.
- You can swap out the Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard for added texture.
- Don’t skip spraying the chicken with cooking spray; this helps achieve that nice golden crust as it bakes.
Variations & Swaps
- Add spices: Try adding garlic powder or paprika to the pretzel crumbs for an extra kick.
- Cheese options: Swap cheddar cheese for pepper jack for a zesty twist.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Pork option: This recipe works well with pork chops or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts.
- Kid-friendly: Serve the sauce on the side as a dip for a fun, interactive meal for kids.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and coat it in the pretzel crumbs a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This can save some time on busy nights.
Can I freeze the coated chicken?
Absolutely! After coating the chicken, you can freeze it. Just make sure to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It’s best to use it within three months.
How do I reheat leftovers?
For the best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the chicken crispy. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some crunch.
What if I don’t have pretzel crumbs?
You can crush regular crackers or even make homemade breadcrumbs. Just add a little salt to mimic the flavor.
What should I serve with it?
This chicken pairs wonderfully with roasted veggies, a simple side salad, or even fries for a fun meal. You could also serve it with rice for something heartier.
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs Use thick pretzel crumbs for a crunchy texture.
- 1 cup flour Season with salt and pepper.
- 2 pieces eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or oil for baking Helps achieve a golden crust.
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard Can be substituted with whole-grain mustard.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Consider pepper jack for a zesty option.
Seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper For seasoning the chicken.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with pretzel crumbs mixed with salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast in flour, then egg, and then coat with pretzel crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden.
Serve
- In a small bowl, mix together Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar for the sauce.
- Serve chicken with the mustard-cheddar sauce on the side.
