Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Creamy Mustard Cheddar Sauce
A delicious and easy dish featuring crunchy pretzel-coated chicken and a creamy mustard cheddar sauce, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour for sauce
- 1 cup milk for sauce
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste for sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one for crushed pretzels, one for flour, and one for eggs whisked together with 1/4 cup milk.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, tapping off any excess. Next, dip it fully into the egg mixture, and finally, coat all sides firmly with the crushed pretzels.
Cooking
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the breaded chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side, or until the coating is nicely browned and crisp.
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making the Sauce
- While the chicken bakes, make the sauce: in a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook, stirring, until bubbly and a shade golden (about 1–2 minutes).
- Gradually whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth and thickened, then lower the heat.
- Add shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Mix in Dijon mustard, season with salt and pepper, and stir until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Serving
- When the chicken is done, let it rest for a minute or two. Arrange on plates and drizzle generously with the creamy mustard cheddar sauce. Serve hot for the best flavor, with your choice of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes on the side.
Notes
For extra crunch, consider double coating the chicken by dipping it back in the egg mixture and then in the crushed pretzels again. Experiment with different types of mustard for the sauce to change the flavor profile. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice golden crust. For healthier options, bake the chicken instead of frying it.