Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Recipe
Pretzel Chicken is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy crushed pretzel crust, baked to golden perfection, and served with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe combines savory spices and a unique pretzel coating for a delightful twist on baked chicken, perfect for a satisfying and comforting meal.
- Author: Nethan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Coating
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup mustard-cheddar sauce (prepared as detailed in instructions including Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce)
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance their natural flavor.
- Set Up Breading Station: Set out three bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with Dijon mustard, and one with coarsely crushed pretzels. This setup will make breading the chicken easier and more organized.
- Bread Chicken: Coat each chicken breast first in flour, ensuring full coverage. Next, dip into the egg and mustard mixture, letting excess drip off so the coating adheres well. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed pretzels, making sure the pretzel crumbs stick well to form a crunchy crust.
- Bake Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Prepare Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: While the chicken bakes, heat milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture is heated through.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the warmed milk mixture, stirring consistently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Serve: Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices. Serve each piece topped or accompanied by the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce for a deliciously tangy complement.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Coarse pretzel crumbs provide the best crunchy texture; pulse pretzels in a food processor if needed.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps keep it juicy.
- The mustard-cheddar sauce can be adjusted by varying the cheddar cheese sharpness to your liking.
- For extra crunch, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Keywords: pretzel chicken, baked chicken, mustard cheddar sauce, crunchy chicken, easy chicken recipes, comfort food