Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

If you’re looking for a dinner that delivers serious crunch, bold flavor, and pure comfort food energy, this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It takes everything you love about crispy chicken and elevates it with a salty, golden pretzel crust and a luxuriously creamy mustard-cheddar sauce that’s tangy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between fun and gourmet. It feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The crispy coating gives you that irresistible crunch with every bite, while the juicy chicken inside stays tender and flavorful. Then comes the sauce — velvety cheddar melted into a smooth mustard base that adds sharpness, richness, and depth.

Whether you’re cooking for family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something cozy and different, Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce checks every box.

Below, you’ll find everything you need: detailed instructions, expert tips, serving ideas, variations, storage guidance, and more — all designed to help you master this recipe perfectly the first time.

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Why You’ll Love Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

There are countless chicken recipes out there, but this one stands apart because it offers something truly unique.

Instead of standard breadcrumbs or panko, crushed pretzels create a deeply savory crust that delivers:

• Extra crunch

• A salty, toasted flavor

• Beautiful golden color

• Incredible texture contrast

Pair that with a homemade mustard-cheddar sauce and you’ve got layers of flavor happening all at once: sharp, creamy, tangy, crispy, and juicy.

Here’s why this recipe keeps people coming back:

• Quick prep and cook time

• Family-friendly flavors

• Pantry staples only

• No deep frying required

• Perfect for weeknights or entertaining

• Easily customizable

It’s comfort food with a clever twist.

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What Makes Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce So Special?

Let’s break down why this recipe works so well.

The Pretzel Crust

Pretzels contain baked dough and salt, which means they toast beautifully in the oven and form a crust that stays crisp longer than breadcrumbs. They also add a slightly malty, savory flavor you simply can’t replicate with traditional coatings.

The Sear + Bake Method

Searing locks in moisture and creates a deeply browned exterior. Finishing in the oven ensures the chicken cooks through without drying out.

The Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

This isn’t just cheese sauce. The Dijon mustard cuts through the richness of cheddar, creating a balanced, crave-worthy topping that feels indulgent but not heavy.

Together, these components make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce far more exciting than standard baked chicken.

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Time & Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

• Servings: 4

Perfect for a quick family meal.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 cups crushed pretzels

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs

• ¼ cup milk

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 cup milk

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Step-by-Step Instructions for Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

1. Prepare the Coating

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Set up a dredging station with three bowls:

• Bowl 1: flour

• Bowl 2: eggs + milk (whisked)

• Bowl 3: crushed pretzels

Season chicken generously with salt and pepper.

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2. Coat the Chicken

Dredge each piece in this order:

1. Flour

2. Egg mixture

3. Pretzels

Press the pretzels firmly so they stick. This ensures a thick, crunchy crust.

Place coated pieces on a plate.

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3. Sear & Bake

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high.

Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Transfer to the baking sheet and bake 15–20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Let rest before serving.

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4. Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Melt butter in a saucepan.

Whisk in flour to create a roux.

Slowly add milk while whisking constantly.

Simmer until thickened.

Stir in cheddar until smooth, then add Dijon mustard.

Season to taste.

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5. Serve

Drizzle warm mustard-cheddar sauce generously over the chicken.

Serve immediately.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Crush Pretzels Properly

Too big = uneven coating.
Too fine = dusty texture.
Aim for coarse crumbs.

Pound Chicken Evenly

Even thickness means even cooking. This prevents dry edges and raw centers.

Don’t Skip the Sear

This creates deep flavor and locks in juices.

Let Chicken Rest

Resting keeps juices inside instead of running out.

Adjust Sauce Thickness

Add extra milk if it gets too thick.

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Flavor Variations

One of the best parts about Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is how adaptable it is.

Try:

Spicy Version

Add cayenne or hot sauce to the egg mixture.

Honey Mustard

Mix honey into the sauce for sweetness.

Herb Crust

Add dried thyme or rosemary to crushed pretzels.

Smoky Twist

Use smoked cheddar or add paprika.

Parmesan Blend

Mix parmesan into the pretzel crumbs.

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Serving Ideas

This dish pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed potatoes

• Roasted baby potatoes

• Steamed green beans

• Broccoli

• Coleslaw

• Garden salad

• Buttered noodles

• Sandwich rolls for chicken sandwiches

It also works sliced over salads or grain bowls.

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Make-Ahead Tips

You can prep components early:

• Crush pretzels in advance

• Shred cheese ahead

• Coat chicken and refrigerate for a few hours

• Make sauce and reheat gently

Great for meal prep.

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Storage & Reheating

Fridge

Store up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze chicken (without sauce) for 2 months.

Reheat

Oven at 350°F to keep crispy. Avoid microwave if possible.

Print

Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)

• Calories: ~520 kcal

• Protein: 45 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 25 g

• Saturated Fat: 11 g

• Sodium: 780 mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I air fry it?

Yes. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Absolutely — juicier and flavorful.

Gluten-free option?

Use gluten-free pretzels and flour substitute.

Can I skip sauce?

You can, but the mustard-cheddar sauce truly makes this dish shine.

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Why This Recipe Works for Families

Kids love the crunch. Adults love the cheese sauce. It’s approachable but exciting — a rare combination.

It also feels like restaurant food without complicated steps or expensive ingredients.

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Hosting with Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Serving guests? This recipe plates beautifully.

Slice chicken, drizzle sauce, sprinkle parsley, and you’ve got something that looks impressive yet took under an hour.

It pairs well with:

• White wine

• Lager

• Sparkling water with lemon

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Final Thoughts

When you want something beyond plain baked chicken but don’t want a complicated recipe, Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the answer. It delivers crunch, juiciness, and creamy comfort all in one unforgettable dish. The salty pretzel crust adds personality and texture, while the tangy mustard-cheddar sauce transforms it into pure comfort food magic.

It’s easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and flexible enough to adapt to your tastes. Once you try it, there’s a good chance it’ll become a regular part of your dinner rotation.