Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Pretzel chicken mustard cheddar is the ultimate trio for comfort food lovers—crispy, crunchy chicken coated in crushed pretzels, smothered in a bold, creamy cheddar mustard sauce. This dish is packed with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of tang, making it perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual weekend indulgence.

Pair it with a side of roasted vegetables or crispy fries for a meal that’s hearty and unforgettable. If you love unique takes on chicken, you’ll also enjoy our rich and creamy creamy spinach chicken casserole or the flavor-packed crockpot marry me chicken with creamy sauce.

Ingredients Nedeed For pretzel chicken mustard cheddar

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt & pepper
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour

For the Cheddar Mustard Sauce:

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (or spicy brown)
  • 1 tbsp flour + 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • Salt & pepper to taste

How To Make pretzel chicken mustard cheddar

Prep the Chicken:

  • Slice breasts in half lengthwise for 4 cutlets
  • Pound evenly with a mallet
  • Season both sides with salt and pepper

Make the Pretzel Coating:

  • Crush pretzels in a bag or food processor (coarse, not powdery!)
  • Create a dredging station:
    • Flour bowl
    • Beaten eggs
    • Pretzel crumbs

Cook the Chicken:

  • Dip each piece:
    • First in flour
    • Then egg
    • Then press firmly into pretzel crumbs

Choose your cooking method:

  • Pan-fry: Medium heat, 4–5 min per side
  • Oven-bake: 400°F for 18–22 mins
  • Air fryer: 380°F for 14–16 mins

Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer (165°F internal) like you would for a dish such as garlic butter baked chicken.

Make the Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Crispy Pretzel Chicken with Creamy Mustard Cheddar Sauce 1- specialyrecipes.com

  1. Melt butter and whisk in flour for 1 min
  2. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth
  3. Add cheddar cheese and mustard
  4. Stir until creamy and thick
  5. Season and adjust consistency

Serving Suggestions

  • Drizzle warm sauce over crispy chicken
  • Serve with:
    • Roasted sweet potatoes
    • Creamy coleslaw
    • Steamed broccoli
    • Buttered noodles for classic comfort

Delicious Variations

Try these spins on the classic:

  • Add hot sauce to the cheese sauce
  • Use honey mustard for sweetness
  • Sub tofu or cauliflower for vegetarian option
  • Build sliders like these spicy buffalo chicken sliders using pretzel buns

Tips & Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t crush pretzels too fine – you’ll lose crunch
  • Don’t skip the flour – helps crumbs stick
  • Sauce breaking? Lower the heat
  • Make extra sauce – you’ll want more!

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: 3 days (airtight container)
  • Freezer: Wrap uncooked breaded chicken, freeze up to 1 month
  • Reheat:
    • Oven: 10 mins at 350°F
    • Air fryer: 5–6 mins for crispness

FAQs About pretzel chicken mustard cheddar

Can I use any mustard?

Yes! Try Dijon, spicy brown, or honey mustard blends for a different flavor.

What if I don’t have cheddar?

You can use gouda, Swiss, or even parmesan (see our creamy asiago chicken recipe for inspiration).

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes – use gluten-free pretzels and flour.

What sides go best?

Try it with air fryer butternut squash fries or a fresh garden salad.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or just want a crispy, cheesy, mouthwatering meal for yourself, this pretzel chicken with cheddar mustard sauce delivers. It’s bold, comforting, and fun to make. For more satisfying chicken creations, explore recipes like the spinach feta stuffed chicken or our ultra-cozy French onion chicken orzo bake.

Print
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Close-up of crispy pretzel crusted chicken drizzled with cheddar mustard sauce and garnished with fresh parsley on a dark plate

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce


  • Author: MERIEM
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Pretzel chicken mustard cheddar is the perfect comfort food—crispy pretzel-crusted chicken smothered in a creamy cheddar mustard sauce. Bold, crunchy, and ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup crushed pretzels
2 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour (for roux)
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying, optional)


Instructions

Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets
Pound to even thickness and season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour, beaten eggs, and crushed pretzels
Coat each piece of chicken in flour, then dip in egg, and finally press into pretzels
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (or preheat oven to 400°F)
Cook chicken until golden and cooked through, 4–5 minutes per side (or bake 18–22 minutes)
To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour to form a roux
Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened
Stir in cheddar cheese and mustard, mix until melted and creamy
Plate chicken and drizzle with cheddar mustard sauce
Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and pretzels. Sauce can be adjusted with additional mustard or spice for more heat. Great with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or on pretzel buns as sliders.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Pan-Fried or Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cutlet with sauce
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: pretzel chicken mustard cheddar, pretzel crusted chicken, cheddar mustard sauce, crispy chicken recipe

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