The aroma of crispy, golden-brown chicken wafts through the kitchen, teasing your taste buds with hints of savory pretzels and a creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. Imagine sinking your teeth into that crunchy exterior, revealing tender, juicy chicken inside—pure bliss. savory bacon cheddar scones Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together, perfect for cozy family dinners or lively game nights. For more inspiration, check out this smothered chicken recipe recipe.
As I recall the first time I made this dish, my friends gathered around the table, their eyes lighting up with anticipation. With laughter echoing off the walls, we dove into the warm plates, savoring every bite. hearty Italian pot roast This delightful recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand for any occasion that calls for deliciousness.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] The preparation is a breeze, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor. The rich mustard-cheddar sauce elevates the dish to gourmet status with minimal effort. Visually stunning with its golden crust and vibrant sauce, it’s sure to impress guests at any gathering. This recipe is versatile—enjoy it as a main course or toss leftovers in salads or wraps! [/info_box]
The first time I served this dish at a dinner party, my friends practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on how many you’re feeding. For more inspiration, check out this Greek chicken gyros recipe.
Crushed Pretzels: Opt for large pretzel pieces for extra crunch; they form a delightful crust. cheesy baked eggplant.
Eggs: Two large eggs create the perfect binding agent for our pretzel coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra layer of crunch; you can use traditional breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Mustard: Go for your favorite type—Dijon works wonders in enhancing flavors in the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheddar for the best melt and flavor; aged cheddar adds depth.
Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that adds aromatic richness without overpowering other flavors.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika if you like a hint of smokiness; regular paprika will also do beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate every ingredient’s flavor profile.
Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray your baking tray to ensure a crisp finish without excess grease.
For the Sauce:
Heavy Cream: This creates a rich base for our cheese sauce; don’t skimp out on creaminess!
Milk: Combine with cream to achieve the desired consistency; use whole milk for added richness.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens up the sauce and balances out the richness beautifully.
Dried Mustard Powder: Adds an extra kick to our sauce without being too overpowering.
Green Onions (optional): Chopped green onions offer freshness and a pop of color as garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Tray: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil to ensure your chicken gets crispy.
Create Your Pretzel Coating: In one bowl, whisk together eggs until frothy. In another bowl, combine crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip Your Chicken: Take each chicken breast and dip it first into the egg mixture. Let excess drip off before transferring it to your pretzel coating mixture. Press firmly to ensure an even coat.
Bake Your Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts onto your prepared baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Make Your Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While chicken bakes, combine heavy cream, milk, mustard powder, and grated cheddar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add Lemon Juice: Once melted and combined nicely, stir in lemon juice for brightness. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more mustard if needed.
Once everything is ready—plate up your delicious Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce! Enjoy every flavorful bite as you bask in the glory of your culinary success! spicy remoulade sauce.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Perfecting the Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce isn’t just about flavor; it’s about texture too! The crispy pretzel coating gives a delightful crunch, while the creamy sauce adds richness. Serve it with a side of veggies or fries for an unforgettable meal. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bread the chicken first, then bake it while you whip up the sauce for maximum efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder in your pretzel coating. You could also swap out cheddar for gouda to create a unique flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, maintaining that crispy texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To achieve that perfect crunch, ensure your chicken is dry before breading. Avoid overcrowding the baking tray to allow even cooking. Letting the chicken rest after baking enhances its juiciness and flavor. [/info_box]
Cooking this dish reminds me of when my friends gathered for game night. We devoured every bite, and laughter filled the room as we tried to guess my secret ingredient!
FAQ
What can I substitute for pretzels?
Crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs work well if you’re out of pretzels.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pretzels and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to kick it up a notch!
Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce—an unforgettable dish that combines a crispy pretzel crust with tender chicken and a creamy, tangy cheese sauce. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or regular)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried mustard powder
- Chopped green onions (optional) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly spray a baking tray with olive oil.
- In one bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. In another, mix crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat in the pretzel mixture.
- Arrange coated chicken on the baking tray and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken bakes, combine heavy cream, milk, grated cheddar, and mustard powder in a saucepan over medium heat until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve over baked chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (approx. 200g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
