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