Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

Whether you’re looking for new ways to elevate your weeknight dinners or searching for an easy-to-make recipe with a delicious twist, look no further than this pretzel-crusted chicken recipe. Crispy, golden pretzel crust paired with a creamy mustard cheddar sauce transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for chicken breasts, tenders, nuggets, or cutlets, this recipe is versatile, approachable, and packed with flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

The salty crunch of pretzels is an unexpectedly perfect counterpoint to juicy, tender chicken. Combined with rich, cheesy mustard sauce, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors. This baked pretzel-crusted chicken recipe gives you all the crispness of fried chicken, but without the oil and mess. Plus, using the air fryer offers another way to keep this dish quick and healthy. Whether you’re a fan of pretzel-crusted chicken fingers, nuggets, or tenders, this recipe covers it all.

What You’ll Learn

• How to make the ultimate pretzel coating for different chicken cuts
• Tips for foolproof baking or air frying
• How to whip up a creamy mustard cheddar sauce
• Creative serving suggestions and recipe variations

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken & Pretzel Crust

• Chicken – Chicken breasts, tenders, cutlets, or nuggets—all work beautifully for this recipe.
• Crushed Pretzels – Choose salted pretzels for maximum flavor; crush them to a breadcrumb-like consistency, leaving some bigger chunks for extra crunch.
• Flour – For dredging and helping the pretzel coating stick.
• Eggs – Acts as the “glue” for assembling the coating.
• Seasonings – Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.

For the Mustard Cheddar Sauce

• Butter – Forms the base of the roux.
• Flour – Thickens the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Milk – Whole milk works best, but any milk will do.
• Cheddar Cheese – Shred fresh sharp cheddar for richer flavor.
• Dijon Mustard – Adds the signature tangy zing.
• Salt & Pepper – To taste.

How to Make Pretzel-Crusted Chicken

Step 1. Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding the chicken to an even thickness to ensure it cooks evenly. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Pro Tip: You can use skinnytaste pretzel-crusted chicken tenders for portion-controlled and kid-friendly meals or stick with chicken breasts for heartier servings.

Step 2. Set Up the Breading Station

Crush pretzels using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and smashing them with a rolling pin. Arrange three shallow bowls—one filled with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed pretzels.

Step 3. Coat the Chicken

Dredge the chicken in flour, dip it in the eggs, then press it into the crushed pretzels, ensuring an even coating.

Step 4. Bake It or Air Fry It

• For Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange breaded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
• For Air Frying: Place breaded chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, flipping halfway through.

Whether baked or air-fried, this easy pretzel-crusted chicken recipe is ready to impress!

Step 5. Make the Mustard Cheddar Sauce

• Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1–2 minutes. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth.
• Stir in shredded cheddar and Dijon mustard until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving & Presentation

To serve, drizzle the creamy mustard cheddar sauce over the warm pretzel-crusted chicken. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added color. Pair it with roasted Brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, or apple slaw for a complete meal.

Serving Ideas

• Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Nuggets Recipe – Perfect for game days or snacking, serve alongside honey mustard dipping sauce.
• Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Fingers Recipe – The ultimate party platter—kids and adults alike will love these!
• Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe – Serve them as hors d’oeuvres with a variety of dipping options.

Tips for Flawless Pretzel-Crusted Chicken

• Don’t over-crush the pretzels. Leaving some larger chunks creates a better-textured crust.
• For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the pretzel crumbs.
• Spray chicken lightly with oil before baking or air frying for that irresistible golden crust.
• Use sharp cheddar for the sauce to cut through the richness and keep things perfectly balanced.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the pretzel crumb mixture for a kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pretzels and flour for a GF-friendly version.
• Cheesecake Factory Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Dupe: Pair chicken with asparagus and mashed potatoes for the full experience.
• Honey Mustard Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Recipe: Swap out the cheddar sauce for a honey-mustard glaze.

What to Serve with Pretzel-Crusted Chicken

Looking for the perfect side dishes? Try these crowd-pleasers:

• Mashed Potatoes – Creamy and comforting.
• Roasted Vegetables – Like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.
• Apple Slaw – The tangy crunch of slaw complements the richness of the chicken and sauce perfectly.
• Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, or sriracha mayo complement the dish nicely.

FAQs

Q: Can I make pretzel-crusted chicken air fryer style?

A: Absolutely! Turn the air fryer to 375°F and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q: Can I use thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer.

Q: Can I freeze pretzel-crusted chicken?

A: Yes. Bread and cook the chicken, then freeze it. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.

Q: What if my sauce is too thick?

A: Whisk in a splash of milk to thin it out until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

This pretzel-crusted chicken recipe combines crispy, crunchy goodness with a rich mustard cheddar sauce for a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Perfect for weeknight family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping, it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re baking, air frying, or exploring creative variations, don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides and enjoy the harmony of flavors and textures. This easy pretzel-crusted chicken recipe truly delivers!

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“Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce – Dinner made crunchy, cheesy, and unforgettable!”