If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a dish that’s outrageously crunchy, delightfully cheesy, and deeply satisfying, then Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy chicken breasts coated in a layer of perfectly seasoned pretzels, baked to golden perfection and then draped with a rich, tangy, ultra-creamy mustard-cheddar sauce. This recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and fun, bringing together comfort food vibes with a playful twist that’s guaranteed to win over anyone at the table!

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a few well-chosen ingredients is all it takes to make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce truly shine. Each one plays an important role, from bringing crunch and flavor to ensuring every bite is bursting with cheesy, savory goodness.

Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for quick cooking and easy breading; they’re the perfect canvas for all that pretzel crunch!
Pretzels: Coarsely crushed, these become the ultimate crispy coating—don’t over-crush, you want texture!
All-Purpose Flour: Essential for getting the breading to stick and for sealing in those chicken juices.
Eggs: Whisked with Dijon, eggs help the pretzel crumbs adhere and add a touch of richness.
Dijon Mustard: For both the batter and the sauce, this adds tangy depth and a little kick.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Amp up the flavor, ensuring the chicken is anything but bland.
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that brighten and balance all the flavors.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The smoother and sharper the cheese, the richer your sauce will taste—let it melt right in.
Milk: Helps achieve that dreamy, pourable consistency for the sauce—whole milk is extra luscious, but any kind works.
Mustard-Cheddar Sauce: Adds a luxurious final flourish—it truly brings the whole dish together!

How to Make Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by getting your oven hot and ready—set it to 400°F (200°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a breeze. This ensures your chicken crisps up perfectly and doesn’t stick to the pan.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Take a moment to sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder generously over your chicken breasts. This quick step is the secret to boosting the flavor and making each bite more delicious from the inside out.

Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls to create a smooth assembly line. Place flour in the first, beat eggs and Dijon mustard together in the second, and pile your coarsely crushed pretzels in the third. Laying it out this way keeps things organized and mess-free.

Step 4: Bread the Chicken

Individually dip each chicken breast first into the flour, making sure it gets an even light coating. Next, submerge it into the egg-mustard mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the pretzel crumbs, thoroughly coating and pressing so every inch gets that epic crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Goodness

Transfer the crusted chicken to your prepared baking sheet and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the outside is a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C). Let the aroma fill your kitchen—it’s worth the wait!

Step 6: Make the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

While your chicken bakes, whisk up the magic sauce: combine milk, more Dijon mustard, and a splash of Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until everything is warmed through and blended.

Step 7: Melt in the Cheddar

Gradually drop in the shredded cheddar, stirring constantly so it melts smoothly into the sauce. Season with a whisper of salt and pepper for balance, then remove from the heat as soon as it’s silky and luscious.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Let your golden Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce rest for a few minutes before plating. Drizzle generously with the warm, creamy sauce and watch those faces light up!

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh note that wakes up each bite. If you’re feeling extra, a dusting of smoked paprika or even a few thinly sliced scallions on top of the sauce makes for an eye-catching and mouthwatering finish.

Side Dishes

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like crispy Brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, or a cool, tangy slaw. For pure comfort, serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes, buttery corn on the cob, or even oven-baked fries for a pub-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken into strips and serving over a simple salad for a lighter take, or tuck the crispy pieces into a toasted brioche bun with crunchy pickles and extra sauce for a killer sandwich. For an appetizer platter, skewer bite-size pieces with toothpicks and serve with the mustard-cheddar sauce for dipping—people can’t resist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay crispy for 2–3 days, while the sauce keeps well for up to 4 days. Just be sure both are completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing

Pretzel Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Layer the cooled chicken breasts between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or zip bag. The sauce is best fresh, but you can freeze it separately in a pinch—just thaw both overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the chicken on a wire rack in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through and crisp, about 10–12 minutes. Warm up the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, whisking until smooth. This way, Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce tastes almost as good as day one!

FAQs

Can I use chicken tenders or thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken tenders are perfect for kid-friendly portions or appetizers, just reduce the baking time. Thighs offer a juicier, richer flavor—just ensure they cook through completely.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the pretzels and flour for gluten-free alternatives. There are plenty of tasty gluten-free pretzels and flours available these days, with results just as crisp and delicious!

What can I substitute for cheddar in the sauce?

Any good melting cheese will work—Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or Swiss are all delicious options. Each brings its own twist, so feel free to customize the sauce to your taste.

Can Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce be made ahead?

You can bread the chicken and make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store separately, then bake and reheat the sauce when ready to serve for a stress-free dinner.

How do I keep the pretzel crust from getting soggy?

Bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to let air circulate underneath for maximum crispiness. Also, always add the sauce just before serving to preserve that irresistible crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s something totally thrilling about serving Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce—it’s fun, comforting, and never fails to make dinner feel like a special occasion. I hope you give it a try and discover just how magical this irresistible combo can be!