Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a fun and delicious dish that combines crispy pretzel-coated chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend meal. The crunchy pretzel crust gives the chicken a unique texture, while the mustard-cheddar sauce adds a rich, tangy kick. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll love making this dish for your family or friends.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional chicken dishes. The pretzel coating is not only crunchy but also adds a savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tender chicken. The mustard-cheddar sauce is creamy and zesty, elevating the chicken’s taste to a new level. The combination is sure to impress both adults and kids alike. Plus, it’s a fun way to incorporate pretzels into a meal, making your dinner experience more fun and enjoyable. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a delicious dinner option, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is sure to win everyone over.
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 to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one for all-purpose flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the pretzel crumbs. In the dish for the pretzel crumbs, mix in garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess flour.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it fully.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the seasoned pretzel crumbs, pressing down lightly to make sure the crumbs stick.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through, and the crust should turn golden brown.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Adjust the ingredients to taste if needed.
- When the chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your pretzel chicken with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top or served on the side for dipping.
How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Pretzel Chicken is best served hot and fresh from the oven. Here are some great ideas for how to serve it:
- Place the pretzel chicken on a platter, drizzling the mustard-cheddar sauce over the top for a beautiful presentation.
- Pair the chicken with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- For a fun twist, try serving the chicken with some extra pretzel bites on the side.
- Offer additional dipping sauces, like ranch or barbecue, for variety.
How to Store Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
If you have any leftovers, you can store them for later. Here are some important tips:
- Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
- Place the cooled pretzel chicken in an airtight container. It can last in the refrigerator for about 3 days.
- To reheat, place the chicken back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps to keep the crust crispy.
- If you want to store the mustard-cheddar sauce, keep it in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Make Your Own Pretzel Crumbs: If you can’t find pretzel crumbs at the store, simply crush regular pretzels in a zip-top bag using a rolling pin or blend them in a food processor.
- Season the Flour: Add a bit of extra seasoning to the flour for additional flavor. A pinch of Italian herbs or more garlic powder can enhance the taste.
- Use Chicken Thighs for Variety: If you prefer a juicier option, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Adjust the Sauce: Customize the mustard-cheddar sauce by using different types of mustard. Spicy brown mustard can add a kick, while honey mustard makes it sweeter.
- Make It Crispy: For an extra crispy finish, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Variations
While Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is delicious as-is, here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Pretzel Chicken: Add some cayenne pepper to the pretzel crumbs for a spicy kick that complements the chicken.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with firm tofu. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, then coat and bake it in the same way.
- Different Flavors: Swap the cheddar cheese for pepper jack or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Herbed Pretzel Crust: Incorporate herbs like dried thyme or rosemary into the pretzel crumbs for an aromatic taste.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You may need to increase the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.
2. What should I serve with Pretzel Chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, roasted vegetables, fries, or a fresh salad. Choose sides that complement the flavors of the chicken and sauce.
3. Can I make the mustard-cheddar sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving to recombine.
4. Is it okay to bake the chicken on a rack?
Yes, using a baking rack will allow air circulation around the chicken, making it even crispier. Just be sure to place it over a lined baking sheet to catch any crumbs.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftover pretzel chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake to re-crisp the coating.
Creating a delightful meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a simple, yet incredibly flavorful dish that will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the crunch, the flavor, and the fun of this delightful recipe!
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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
Crispy pretzel-coated chicken served with a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.
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 three shallow dishes: one for all-purpose flour, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the pretzel crumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, coating it fully.
- Coat the chicken in the seasoned pretzel crumbs, pressing down lightly.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce by whisking together the cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top or on the side.
Notes
For a crispier finish, broil the chicken for the last few minutes of baking. You can also customize the mustard-cheddar sauce to your taste by experimenting with different mustards.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 200mg