Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
Imagine a crisp, golden-brown chicken that boasts a crunchy pretzel crust, each bite bursting with delightful flavor. The Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is comfort food at its finest, evoking nostalgic memories of family dinners and fun evenings spent indulging in deliciousness. This dish is not only fast and easy to prepare but also kid-friendly, ensuring everyone at the table will ask for seconds. With its irresistible combination of savory chicken and creamy cheese sauce, it’s a recipe worth making again and again.
Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with an indulgent twist?
Do you often find yourself craving something crunchy yet juicy, paired with a mouthwatering sauce that ties it all together? Imagine sitting down to a plate of this Pretzel Chicken, the aroma wafting through your home, and the tantalizing thought of a gooey cheese sauce drizzled over the top. It’s the kind of meal that will make you feel cozy and satisfied, forcing you to take just one more bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Easy Prep: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
-
Crowd-Pleaser: From kids to adults, everyone will enjoy this delightful and comforting dish.
-
Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients at home, making it a convenient last-minute meal.
-
Flavor Explosion: The combination of crunchy pretzel, tender chicken, and rich mustard-cheddar sauce creates a texture and taste experience that’s truly memorable.
Ingredients
To make this indulgent Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
The combination of flavors creates a captivating culinary experience, and the texture of the chicken alongside the crunchy pretzel coating is sheer bliss.
Timing
This recipe is incredibly fast and indulgent, perfect for weekday meals when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The chicken cooks quickly and can be ready in about 30–40 minutes, making it an accessible option for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C), allowing it to reach the ideal temperature for the chicken to bake beautifully.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place each boneless chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap, and pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This ensures that they cook evenly, avoiding any unexpected surprises while you’re cooking.
3. Set up a dredging station: On one plate, pour the flour. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs, and spread the crushed pretzels on another plate. This setup makes the coating process seamless and fun.
4. Coat the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper first. Dredge each breast in the flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and then press it firmly into the crushed pretzels. Ensure each piece is well-coated, as this gives the chicken that delightful crunch.
5. Heat the oil: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken to the pan, cooking it until the pretzel crust turns an enticing golden brown—about 3 minutes per side.
6. Bake in the oven: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfectly cooked chicken.
7. Prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about a minute to create a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking until smooth, allowing it to thicken for a few minutes.
8. Add the cheese: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, whisking until it melts and becomes creamy. Stir in the Dijon mustard, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve: Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, serve it hot drizzled with the rich mustard-cheddar sauce. Feel free to garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of flavor.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce packs a flavorful punch, allowing you to indulge in an elevated comfort dish with approximately 450 calories. While it’s delightful to indulge occasionally, balance your meals with lighter options throughout the day!
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking for healthier swaps, consider using whole wheat pretzels for added fiber or opting for low-fat cheese. Non-dairy milk can replace regular milk, and you can use egg substitutes to cut back on cholesterol. Adjusting recipes can enhance health without sacrificing deliciousness.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Pretzel Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal. For an indulgent touch, serve with creamy mashed potatoes or a scoop of buttery corn. And for those special occasions, you can even pair it with a side of ice cream for dessert!
Common Mistakes
Many home cooks fall into a few common pitfalls when preparing this dish:
-
Overbaking: Keep a close eye on your chicken to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
-
Texture Issues: Make sure the chicken crust is nicely compressed to avoid any crumbly pieces.
-
Messes: Using a shallow bowl for the egg can help minimize spills.
Storing Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze portions, wrap them tightly in foil or freezer-safe containers. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to keep that delicious crunch.
Tempted to bake it ASAP?
This Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Whip it up tonight, and let the delightful crunch and creamy sauce transport you to flavor paradise. You won’t regret the joyful response around your dinner table.
FAQs
1. Can I substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well and will provide a richer flavor and juiciness.
2. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pretzels and flour to keep this dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste.
3. Can I prepare the chicken in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and coat the chicken, then store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
4. What can I use instead of cheddar cheese?
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
5. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free option and use non-dairy milk for the sauce.
Indulge in this comfort food classic, and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Print
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Crisp, golden-brown chicken with a crunchy pretzel crust and a rich mustard-cheddar sauce, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for sauce)
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of 1/2 inch.
- Set up a dredging station with flour on one plate, beaten eggs in a shallow bowl, and crushed pretzels on another plate.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and press into crushed pretzels.
- Heat vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and gradually add milk until smooth. Let it thicken for a few minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the chicken hot with the mustard-cheddar sauce on top.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
