Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the crunch of pretzels with the savory goodness of chicken, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings together flavors and textures that are sure to impress your family and friends. The origins of pretzel-crusted dishes can be traced back to German cuisine, where pretzels are a beloved staple. Over the years, this unique combination has gained popularity, especially in American households, for its satisfying crunch and rich flavor profile.
People love Pretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce not only for its delicious taste but also for its convenience. It’s a dish that can be prepared quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The crispy pretzel coating adds a delightful texture, while the mustard cheddar sauce provides a creamy, zesty finish that elevates the entire meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (you can crush pretzels in a food processor or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparing the Chicken
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust. 2. **Prepare the Chicken Breasts**: Take your chicken breasts and place them between two sheets of plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1 inch. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. 3. **Season the Chicken**: In a small bowl, mix together salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.Setting Up the Breading Station
4. **Prepare the Breading Ingredients**: In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station: – In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour. – In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and Dijon mustard until well combined. – In the third dish, place the pretzel crumbs. 5. **Bread the Chicken**: Take one chicken breast at a time and dip it into the flour, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the pretzel crumbs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Repeat this process for all chicken breasts.Cooking the Chicken
6. **Heat the Oil**: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil hot enough that it sizzles when you add the chicken. 7. **Sear the Chicken**: Once the oil is hot, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step adds a delicious crunch to the outside of the chicken. 8. **Transfer to the Oven**: After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.Making the Mustard Cheddar Sauce
9. **Prepare the Sauce Base**: While the chicken is baking, let’s make the mustard cheddar sauce. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, pour in the heavy cream. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scorching. 10. **Add the Cheese**: Once the cream is warm (but not boiling), gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. 11. **Incorporate the Mustard**: Stir in an additional tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the cheese sauce. This will enhance the flavor and give it that tangy kick. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.Assembling the Dish
12. **Remove the Chicken from the Oven**: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. 13. **Plate the Chicken**: On a serving platter, arrange the pretzel-crusted chicken breasts. 14. **Drizzle the Sauce**: Generously drizzle the mustard cheddar sauce over the chicken. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer. 15. **Garnish**: Finally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.Serving Suggestions
16. **Pair with Sides**: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving itConclusion:
In wrapping up this delightful journey into the world of Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce, I can confidently say that this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game. The combination of crispy pretzel coating and the creamy, tangy mustard cheddar sauce creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Not only is it a feast for the taste buds, but it also brings a fun twist to your usual chicken dinner, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. For serving suggestions, consider pairing this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance the richness of the sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even switch up the cheese in the sauce—try adding a bit of pepper jack for a spicy kick or some smoked gouda for a deeper flavor profile. You could also serve the chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some crispy fries for a more indulgent experience. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this Pretzel Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you try any fun variations? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and any creative twists you added to the recipe. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Happy cooking! PrintPretzel Chicken Mustard Cheddar Sauce: A Deliciously Unique Recipe to Try Today
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a delicious twist on classic chicken with this crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken, featuring a creamy mustard cheddar sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a flavorful dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzel crumbs (crushed pretzels)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of about 1 inch.
- In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Rub this mixture all over the chicken breasts.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with whisked eggs and Dijon mustard, and one with pretzel crumbs.
- Dip each chicken breast in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally press into the pretzel crumbs until fully coated.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm the heavy cream, stirring occasionally.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the warm cream, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Stir in an additional tablespoon of Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper. Add milk if the sauce is too thick.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking.
- Arrange the pretzel-crusted chicken on a serving platter.
- Generously drizzle the mustard cheddar sauce over the chicken or serve on the side.
- Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for garnish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the mustard and spices for a few hours before breading.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes