The Complete Guide to Mastering Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Serving:

Serve the chicken along with the mustard-cheddar sauce drizzled over top. This presentation not only looks appealing but also allows guests to enjoy the rich flavors of the sauce in every bite.

Adjusting Sauce Consistency:

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. This technique helps customize the sauce to your liking while ensuring it clings to the chicken perfectly.

Garnishing:

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a touch of color and a burst of freshness that enhances the overall presentation and flavor of the dish.

Resting Chicken:

After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This technique allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite remains juicy and flavorful instead of drying out.

Making the Sauce:

In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, mustard, and cheese over medium heat. This technique allows the cheese to melt smoothly, creating a rich and creamy sauce that envelops the chicken beautifully.

Baking:

Bake the coated chicken on a prepared baking sheet at 400°F (200°C). This high temperature allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist inside. Don't forget to drizzle with olive oil for added crunch.

Dredging:

Set up a dredging station with flour, eggs, and crushed pretzels. Dredging in this order allows for a perfect coating: the flour helps the egg stick, while the egg binds the pretzels. This ensures a thick, crunchy crust once baked.

Pounding Chicken:

Pound the chicken breasts to about 1-inch thickness using a meat mallet. This technique ensures even cooking and tenderness throughout, preventing any dry or undercooked areas. It's a simple step that dramatically improves texture.

Pro Chef Secrets to Perfecting Your Pretzel Chicken

Store any leftover chicken and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven to retain crispiness.

Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a well-balanced meal that complements the richness of the dish.

Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish; it adds color and freshness that brightens up the dish visually and flavor-wise.

For a kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mustard-cheddar sauce for a spicier version.

Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Delight

Name: Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Delight
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken:; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking; 2 cups crushed pretzels, finely crushed for a perfect coating; 1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour, essential for dredging and creating a crispy base; 2 large eggs, beaten, acting as a binder for the pretzel coating; For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, providing rich flavor and creaminess; 1/2 cup heavy cream, adding a smooth texture to the sauce; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, offering a tangy kick that complements the cheese; 1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing and enhancing flavor; 1 teaspoon garlic powder, adding aromatic depth to the sauce; Salt and pepper to taste, essential for balancing flavors; Fresh parsley, for garnish

Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our Crunchy Pretzel Chicken, perfectly paired with a creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce. This dish features crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in crushed pretzels, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. The savory flavors of tender chicken harmonize beautifully with the tangy mustard and rich cheddar, creating a mouthwatering contrast that will have your taste buds singing. Ideal for family dinners, game day gatherings, or a cozy date night at home, this recipe brings warmth and joy to any occasion. The wholesome ingredients make it a comforting favorite, sure to evoke fond memories and laughter around the table. Get ready to savor the delicious interplay of textures and flavors that will keep everyone coming back for more. Perfectly suited for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for special celebrations, this dish is bound to become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), pounded to even thickness for uniform cooking

2 cups crushed pretzels, finely crushed for a perfect coating

1 cup all-purpose gluten-free flour, essential for dredging and creating a crispy base

2 large eggs, beaten, acting as a binder for the pretzel coating

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce:

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, providing rich flavor and creaminess

1/2 cup heavy cream, adding a smooth texture to the sauce

1/4 cup Dijon mustard, offering a tangy kick that complements the cheese

1 tablespoon olive oil, for sautéing and enhancing flavor

1 teaspoon garlic powder, adding aromatic depth to the sauce

Salt and pepper to taste, essential for balancing flavors

Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to achieve crispy chicken.

Step 2: Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper; this will help clean-up and prevent sticking.

Step 3: Set up your dredging station by placing the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed pretzels in three separate shallow bowls.

Step 4: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides for enhanced flavor right from the start.

Step 5: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with crushed pretzels.

Step 6: Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.

Step 7: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).

Step 8: While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce by heating a saucepan over medium heat and adding olive oil.

Step 9: Stir in the heavy cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar, whisking until melted and smooth.

Step 10: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the mustard according to your preference for tanginess.

Step 11: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure juiciness.

Step 12: Serve the crispy chicken drizzled with the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce, garnished with fresh parsley.

Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Delight

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Complete Guide to Mastering Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Crunchy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Delight

Ingredients

Instructions