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- 2 chicken breasts - 1 cup pretzel crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 tablespoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For this recipe, you need basic ingredients that pack a punch. Start with chicken breasts; they are tender and juicy. The pretzel crumbs offer a nice crunch. You can crush pretzels yourself or buy them ready-made. All-purpose flour helps the crust stick, creating that perfect golden layer. Seasoning is key. I use garlic powder for aroma and paprika for color and flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper. They bring all the flavors together. The sauce is a star in this dish. Dijon mustard gives a sharp kick. Mixing it with heavy cream makes it rich and smooth. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture. This sauce will elevate your chicken to a whole new level. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps cook the chicken evenly. 2. Next, prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This keeps the chicken from sticking. 1. In a shallow dish, combine all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix these well. 2. In another dish, beat two eggs until fully combined. 3. Place the pretzel crumbs in a third dish. This will be the last step for coating. 4. Take each chicken breast. Dip it first into the flour mix, shaking off excess flour. 5. Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. 6. Finally, coat the chicken with pretzel crumbs. Press lightly to help the crumbs stick. 1. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Once the oil is hot, add the pretzel-crusted chicken breasts. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color but don’t cook them all the way. 3. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Finish cooking in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F (75°C). To make the pretzel crust stick well, start by pressing down hard when coating. This helps the crumbs stay on during cooking. If you want a different texture, try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs instead. Both can add a nice crunch. If you want a thicker sauce, simmer it longer. This reduces moisture and makes it creamier. For a fun twist, add a splash of hot sauce or some herbs like dill or thyme. These can give the sauce more depth and flavor. Pair your chicken with sides like roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. These add color and balance the meal. For reheating, place the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. This keeps it crispy and juicy. Pro Tips Use Fresh Pretzels: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly baked pretzels to make your crumbs. This will give your chicken a delicious crunch. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, keeping the meat moist and tender. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add herbs like thyme or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mustard cheddar sauce for an extra flavor kick. Serve with Sides: Pair the chicken with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. {{image_2}} You can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs. Thighs are juicier and full of flavor. They cook well and stay moist, which is great for this dish. For mustard, try using honey mustard or whole grain mustard. Both add a nice twist to the flavor. You can even mix different mustards for a unique taste. Adding fresh herbs can boost the flavor of the crust. Try mixing in some chopped parsley or thyme with the pretzel crumbs. They add freshness and color to your dish. You can also use different cheeses. Gouda or pepper jack can give a nice kick to the mustard cheddar sauce. Experimenting with cheese can create a fun flavor profile. Baking is a healthier option, but frying gives a crispier crust. If you bake, cook the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until golden. For frying, sear each side on medium-high heat for a few minutes, then bake to finish cooking. If you want to use an air fryer, preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Cook the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method is quick and gives a crispy texture without much oil. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to add the mustard cheddar sauce separately. This helps keep the chicken crispy. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it. If you want to freeze the chicken, first let it cool. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. This can help prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. The sauce can also be frozen. Just store it in a separate container. To reheat the chicken, the best method is the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes. For the sauce, warm it in a small pan on low heat. Stir often until it is heated through. This way, your chicken stays juicy and the crust remains crispy. To keep your chicken juicy, follow these tips: - Use chicken breasts that are about the same size for even cooking. - Brine the chicken in saltwater for 30 minutes before cooking. This adds moisture. - Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F. - Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps keep the juices inside. When you follow these steps, you will enjoy a tasty, juicy chicken. Yes, you can make the mustard cheddar sauce ahead of time. Here’s how: - Cook the sauce as directed and let it cool. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove. Stir well to keep it smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of cream or water. You can serve pretzel crusted chicken with many tasty sides. Here are some ideas: - Crispy french fries for a fun crunch. - Roasted vegetables like broccoli or carrots for a healthy touch. - A fresh salad with your favorite greens and dressing. - Mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food pairing. These sides will complement your meal and make it even better. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious pretzel crusted chicken. We covered key ingredients like chicken breasts, pretzel crumbs, and a rich mustard cheddar sauce. The step-by-step instructions made cooking clear and easy. We shared tips for perfecting the crust and enhancing the sauce, along with variations to suit your taste. Finally, we provided storage and reheating tips. With these simple steps and ideas, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

A delicious chicken dish coated in pretzel crumbs and served with a creamy mustard cheddar sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts
  • 1 cup pretzel crumbs
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup Dijon mustard
  • 0.25 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • In another dish, beat the eggs until fully combined.
  • Place the pretzel crumbs in a third dish.
  • Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, and finally coat with pretzel crumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick well.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the pretzel crusted chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not cooked through.
  • Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and finish cooking in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • While the chicken is baking, prepare the mustard cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the Dijon mustard, heavy cream, and shredded cheddar cheese over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Serve the chicken drizzled with the mustard cheddar sauce, and enjoy!

Notes

Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Keyword cheddar sauce, chicken, pretzel