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Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Boneless skinless chicken breasts coated in a crunchy crushed pretzel crust, baked until golden, and served with a rich, creamy Dijon mustard and cheddar cheese sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels use thick hard pretzels for best crunch
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard mixed into egg wash
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the sauce
  • 1/2 cup whole milk for the sauce
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard for the sauce
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce for the sauce
  • salt and pepper to taste, for the sauce

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • 3 shallow bowls
  • Small saucepan
  • Instant read meat thermometer
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Season each chicken breast on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, eggs beaten together with Dijon mustard in the second, and crushed pretzels in the third.
  4. Coat each chicken breast in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg and mustard mixture, letting any extra drip off. Press firmly into the crushed pretzels on all sides to coat evenly.
  5. Place the breaded chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. Do not flip during baking.
  6. While the chicken bakes, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir constantly until heated through and just beginning to steam.
  7. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat. Add a splash of milk if the sauce gets too thick.
  8. Let the baked chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Drizzle generously with the warm mustard-cheddar sauce and serve immediately.

Notes

Press the pretzel coating firmly onto the chicken to help it stay on during baking. Do not flip the chicken while it bakes. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Store the sauce separately. Reheat chicken in the oven at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes for best results.