If you love crispy chicken with a bold, cheesy twist, this pretzel crusted chicken with cheddar-mustard sauce is about to become one of your favorite easy delicious dinners. With its crunchy pretzel coating and creamy cheddar-mustard sauce, it’s a dish that’s both comforting and impressive — perfect for weeknights yet special enough for company.
Whether you’re looking for pretzel crusted chicken baked, a kid-friendly take like pretzel crusted chicken nuggets, or a savory Taste of Home honey mustard breaded chicken variation, this recipe delivers big on flavor and ease. Here’s how to make this satisfying poultry recipe step by step, along with expert tips, serving ideas, and more.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce
This dish combines all the best textures and flavors in every bite:
Crunchy exterior: Thanks to crushed pretzels, the chicken stays crispy and golden brown.
Tender chicken: Baking keeps the chicken juicy inside.
Cheesy sauce cheddar: A luscious, tangy cheddar-mustard sauce ties everything together.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love this one.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, slice it over salads, or turn it into nuggets for the kids.
If you’re already a fan of cozy dishes like garlic butter cheeseburger rollups or crispy homemade baked chicken tenders, this recipe is the perfect addition to your easy delicious dinners lineup.
Easy Delicious Dinners: Why Pretzel Crusted Chicken Belongs on Your Table
Quick enough for weeknights and fun enough for weekends, this dish brings together the satisfying crunch of pretzels and the creamy richness of cheese sauce. If you’re looking to switch up your regular chicken recipes, this is a welcome alternative to fried chicken — no deep frying required, but still full of flavor.
Ingredients for Pretzel Crusted Chicken Baked with Cheddar Sauce
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups (about 200g) crushed pretzels
1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60ml) milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
For the cheddar-mustard sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup (240ml) milk
1 cup (100g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need for This Poultry Recipe
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Saucepan
Measuring cups and spoons
Meat thermometer (optional, but recommended)
Step-by-Step: How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Crush Pretzels
Place pretzels in a food processor or zip-top bag and crush until fine crumbs form. Pour into a shallow dish and set aside.
Step 3: Set Up Dredging Station
In one shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk eggs and milk. In a third, place crushed pretzels.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Pat chicken dry. Dredge each piece first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into crushed pretzels to coat evenly. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5: Bake
Lightly brush tops of the chicken with olive oil. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
While the chicken bakes, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Plate the chicken and drizzle with warm cheddar-mustard sauce. Enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Recipe Delish Every Time
Use pretzels that aren’t overly salty; adjust salt in the recipe if needed. Crush pretzels fine for better adhesion to the chicken. Don’t skip brushing the tops with oil — it helps crisp the coating. Let the chicken rest a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
Pretzel Crusted Chicken Nuggets: A Kid-Friendly Version
For an even more approachable dish, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating process. Reduce baking time to about 12–15 minutes, checking for doneness. Serve with cheddar-mustard sauce or even homemade honey mustard on the side.
Taste of Home Honey Mustard Breaded Chicken vs. Cheddar-Mustard Sauce
Both honey mustard and cheddar-mustard are great choices with pretzel chicken. If you prefer sweeter sauces, swap the cheddar sauce for honey mustard. Or serve both alongside so everyone can choose their favorite.
Serving Suggestions: Easy Delicious Sides to Pair With Pretzel Crusted Chicken
Round out your meal with these tasty sides:
Cucumber dill salad — light and refreshing.
Roasted green beans or asparagus.
Mashed potato puffs — cheesy and comforting.
A simple mixed greens salad.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers of Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce
Refrigerate: Store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Bake chicken at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–12 minutes to re-crisp. Heat sauce gently in a saucepan or microwave, stirring often.
Pretzel Crusted Chicken FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — you can coat the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 8 hours before baking.
Can I fry instead of bake?
You can, but baking is healthier and still gives a crispy result.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely. Adjust cooking time depending on thickness.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action: Make This Crunchy Poultry Recipe Tonight
This pretzel crusted chicken with cheddar-mustard sauce is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — crunchy, cheesy, and comforting. It’s an easy, delicious way to elevate basic chicken into something truly memorable.
If you loved this recipe, please share it with your friends and family and subscribe to our blog for more creative poultry recipes and easy dinner ideas!
Print
Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce : Crunchy, Cheesy, and Irresistibly Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Juicy chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and served with a creamy cheddar-mustard sauce. This baked chicken dinner is packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining. Versatile enough for nuggets, sandwiches, or salads, it’s a crowd-pleasing poultry dish with a creative twist.
Ingredients
For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3 cups (180 g) pretzels, crushed into crumbs ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour 2 large eggs ¼ cup (60 ml) milk ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon paprika Salt and black pepper to taste For the Cheddar-Mustard Sauce: 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 cup (240 ml) milk 1 ½ cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Crush pretzels into fine crumbs and mix with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 2. Pound chicken breasts to even thickness. Season with salt and pepper. 3. Set up three bowls: flour in one, whisked eggs and milk in another, and pretzel crumbs in the third. 4. Dredge chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then press into pretzel crumbs. 5. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Bake 20–25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). 6. Meanwhile, make sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mustard, and season to taste. 7. Serve chicken hot, drizzled with sauce or with sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep the chicken juicy. • Press the pretzel crumbs firmly so they stick well. • For nuggets, cut chicken into pieces before breading and bake for 12–15 minutes. • Sauce can be kept warm over low heat if making ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Poultry, Weeknight
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: pretzel crusted chicken, cheddar mustard sauce, baked chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner
