Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is the ultimate comfort food with a crunchy twist. Juicy chicken breasts are coated in crushed pretzels for an irresistible golden crust, then baked until perfectly tender. Finished with a rich, creamy mustard cheddar sauce, this dish combines salty crunch with smooth, cheesy depth.

This crispy baked chicken dinner is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family meals, or even game-day gatherings. It offers bold flavor, satisfying texture, and a unique spin on traditional breaded chicken.

Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Extra crispy coating without frying
Balanced salty and cheesy flavors
Kid-friendly and adult-approved
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Perfect for weeknight dinners

The crushed pretzels create a deeply flavorful crust that stays crunchy while the inside remains moist and tender.

Flavor and Texture Profile

This crunchy chicken with cheese sauce delivers:

Salty pretzel crunch
Juicy, tender chicken interior
Tangy mustard undertones
Smooth, melty cheddar richness
Balanced savory comfort

The mustard cheddar sauce enhances the pretzel coating, creating layers of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

For the Pretzel Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups crushed pretzels (small pieces, not powder)
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 tbsp milk
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt
Cooking spray or 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations

Place flour in one shallow bowl.
In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk.
In a third bowl, mix crushed pretzels with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry.
Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into egg mixture.
Press firmly into pretzel mixture to coat completely.

Step 4: Bake

Place coated chicken on prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray tops with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake 22–28 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make Mustard-Cheddar Sauce

Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes to form roux.
Slowly add milk while whisking continuously.
Cook until slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

Slice chicken if desired.
Drizzle warm mustard-cheddar sauce over top.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Pretzel Chicken

Don’t Crush Pretzels Too Fine

Small chunks create better crunch than fine crumbs.

Press Coating Firmly

Ensure pretzel coating adheres well before baking.

Use Sharp Cheddar

Sharp cheddar balances saltiness of pretzels.

Bake on Wire Rack

For extra crispiness, place chicken on oven-safe rack over baking sheet.

Variations

Spicy Version

Add cayenne pepper to pretzel coating.

Honey Mustard Sauce

Replace Dijon with honey mustard for sweeter flavor.

Air Fryer Option

Cook at 375°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

Chicken Tenders

Cut chicken into strips for kid-friendly portions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted vegetables
Pair with mashed potatoes
Add side salad for lighter meal
Perfect for game-day platters

This easy weeknight chicken recipe pairs well with simple sides while remaining flavorful enough to stand alone.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
Reheat in oven at 350°F to maintain crispness.
Avoid microwaving for best texture.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving Approx.)

Calories: 520
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 25g
Sodium: 780mg

Why This Recipe Works

The pretzel crust provides:

Natural saltiness
Textural contrast
Even browning in oven

Meanwhile, the mustard cheddar sauce recipe adds creamy depth and tang that elevates standard breaded chicken into something memorable.

Final Thoughts

Pretzel Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is a crispy baked chicken dinner that transforms everyday ingredients into a bold, comforting meal. The crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and creamy cheese sauce create a satisfying dish perfect for busy families or entertaining guests.

This pretzel crusted chicken recipe proves that weeknight dinners can be both easy and impressive.