Why Make This Recipe
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a fun twist on traditional chicken dishes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The crispy pretzel coating adds a crunchy texture that pairs wonderfully with tender chicken breast. When you drizzle the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce over the chicken, it elevates the flavors to a new level, making your taste buds jump for joy. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also easy to prepare, requiring simple ingredients you can usually find in your pantry. Make this dish, and you’re sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and achieves that lovely golden brown color.
Set Up a Breading Station: Get ready for an easy breading process. Use three shallow dishes for this step. In one dish, add the all-purpose flour. In the second dish, pour the beaten eggs. In the third dish, place the pretzel crumbs. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper into the pretzel crumb dish and mix well. This adds flavor to the coating.
Prepare the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This basic seasoning will enhance the overall taste.
Dredge the Chicken: Take one chicken breast and dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a dry surface that helps the egg and pretzel crumbs stick.
Dip in Eggs: Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs. Make sure it is fully coated to ensure the pretzel crumbs adhere well.
Coat with Pretzel Crumbs: Now, take the egg-coated chicken and coat it in the seasoned pretzel crumbs. Press lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.
Prepare for Baking: Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This not only helps with cleanup, but it also prevents the chicken from sticking.
Bake the Chicken: Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and golden brown. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (75°C) when the chicken is done.
Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken is baking, you can whip up the delicious sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until you get a smooth consistency. This sauce adds tanginess and richness that perfectly complements the chicken.
Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few ideas on how to enjoy it:
Side Dishes: Pair the chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. The creaminess of the sauce complements fresh veggies well.
Sandwich: Turn leftovers into a delicious sandwich. Slice the chicken and place it in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and additional sauce for a satisfying meal.
Meal Prep: This dish can be easily packed into lunch boxes. Slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of greens with a small container of sauce for a tasty lunch option.
How to Store Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Proper storage is key to keeping your Pretzel Chicken tasting great. Here’s how to store it:
In the Refrigerator: Allow any leftovers to cool completely. Then, store the chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. It will last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat the chicken in the oven or microwave.
In the Freezer: If you want to keep the chicken for a longer time, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, it can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Reheat from frozen or thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Use Fresh Pretzels: If you have access to pretzels, make your own crumbs from baked pretzels. They tend to add a fresher flavor compared to store-bought.
Spice It Up: Feel free to add more spices to the pretzel crumb mixture, like cayenne pepper for a little kick or Italian herbs for a different twist.
Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Crispy Finish: For an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Variation
Here are some fun variations to try with this recipe to change things up:
Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Breading Alternatives: If you want a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free pretzels, or substitute with cornflakes or almond flour.
Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces for drizzling. Try ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for variations in flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes! Chicken thighs will work perfectly. Just ensure they are cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What can I serve with pretzel chicken?
- You can serve it with various sides such as classic potato salad, coleslaw, steamed broccoli, or corn on the cob.
How can I make this dish spicier?
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the pretzel crumb mixture or into the mustard-cheddar sauce to give it a kick.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prep the chicken and the breading in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Is the mustard-cheddar sauce good for dipping other foods?
- Absolutely! This sauce also makes a great dip for veggies, pretzels, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce! It’s a delightful dish that’s sure to bring smiles to the table.
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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A fun twist on traditional chicken dishes with a crispy pretzel coating and creamy mustard-cheddar sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with flour in one dish, beaten eggs in another, and pretzel crumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge chicken in flour, dip in eggs, and then coat with pretzel crumbs.
- Place coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (165°F or 75°C).
- Prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce by whisking together cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl.
- Serve the chicken hot with the sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Notes
Use fresh pretzels for a better flavor and check the chicken’s doneness with a meat thermometer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: chicken, pretzel, sauce, easy recipe, weeknight dinner, crispy chicken