If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful chicken dinner, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce delivers everything you want. Crispy pretzel coating, juicy chicken breast, and a tangy, cheesy mustard sauce make it a family favorite. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep that feels indulgent without taking hours.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 ½ cups crushed pretzels
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)
1–2 tbsp milk (to thin sauce if desired)

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare Pretzel Coating: In a shallow dish, mix crushed pretzels, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Flour and Egg: Place flour in one dish and beaten eggs in another.
Coat Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Dredge each breast in flour, dip in egg, then press into pretzel mixture to coat thoroughly.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake Chicken: Transfer chicken to baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine cheddar, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and milk (if needed). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Serve: Drizzle sauce over warm pretzel chicken. Serve with roasted vegetables, salad, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Perfect Pretzel Chicken

Even Coating: Press pretzel crumbs firmly onto chicken for maximum crunch.
Juicy Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare mustard-cheddar sauce ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Flavor Variations: Add smoked paprika or cayenne to pretzel crumbs for a spicy kick.

Variations

Air Fryer Option: Air fry chicken at 375°F for 15–18 minutes for a crispy, healthier version.
Stuffed Chicken: Add sliced ham or cooked bacon between pretzel-crusted layers before baking.
Cheese Variations: Use Gruyère or Fontina instead of cheddar for a gourmet twist.

Serving Suggestions

Weeknight Dinner: Pair with roasted veggies or garlic mashed potatoes.
Family Meal: Slice chicken and serve with rice or pasta for a hearty meal.
Party Appetizer: Cut into strips and serve with dipping sauce for finger food.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Pretzel crusted chicken combines two classic comfort foods: soft, salty pretzels and tender chicken. Originating from German-inspired baking, pretzel breading adds a unique texture and flavor to American-style baked chicken. The mustard-cheddar sauce adds tang and richness, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable for home cooks.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Sauce can be stored separately in fridge and reheated gently.

Recipe Notes

For extra crunch, use finely crushed pretzel crumbs.
Honey in the sauce balances mustard’s tanginess but is optional.
You can swap Dijon for yellow mustard for a milder flavor.

Nutrition (per serving, 1 chicken breast with sauce)

Calories: 450
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Calcium: 25%