This crispy pretzel chicken is tender, flavorful, and coated in a crunchy, golden crust made from seasoned crushed pretzels. Paired with a smooth mustard-cheddar sauce, it offers a beautiful balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish brings together crispy texture and rich flavor without requiring complicated steps or specialty ingredients. The pretzel coating adds a delightful crunch, while the mustard-cheddar sauce gives the chicken a creamy, comforting finish. It’s simple, satisfying, kid-friendly, and elegant enough for entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups crushed pretzels
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix the crushed pretzels, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Prepare a breading station: flour in one shallow dish, beaten eggs in another, and the pretzel mixture in a third.
4. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then press each piece into the pretzel mixture until fully coated.
5. Arrange the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzel coating is golden and crisp.
7. While the chicken bakes, prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and honey, stirring until warmed.
8. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
9. Serve the crispy pretzel chicken hot with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled on top or served on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: approximately 10 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: 30–35 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken tenders instead of whole breasts for faster cooking.
• Add a pinch of cayenne to the pretzel mixture for gentle heat.
• Swap Dijon mustard for whole-grain mustard for a slightly different flavor.
• Use gluten-free pretzels and flour if needed.
• Add 1 tablespoon of melted butter to the pretzel mixture for extra richness.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispness.
• The sauce can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to thin if needed.
• Avoid microwaving the chicken if possible, as it may soften the coating.

FAQs

How fine should the pretzels be crushed?

Aim for a mix of small crumbs and slightly larger pieces for extra crunch.

Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken a few hours ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well; adjust baking time as needed.

Is there a substitute for Dijon mustard?

You may use whole-grain or mild yellow mustard, but the flavor will vary slightly.

Can I air-fry this recipe?

Yes. Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the pretzel coating from falling off?

Press firmly when coating and ensure the chicken is dry before dredging in flour.

Can I use pre-shredded cheddar cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly in the sauce.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer it a bit longer or add an extra handful of cheddar cheese.

What can I serve with crispy pretzel chicken?

Try roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Can I make this recipe without eggs?

Use milk or buttermilk as a substitute for dipping before coating.

Conclusion

This crispy pretzel chicken with mustard-cheddar sauce is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. With its crunchy exterior and creamy, tangy sauce, it’s sure to become a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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