Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

Crispy, golden pretzel-crusted chicken cutlets topped with a creamy mustard cheddar sauce — this bold twist on classic comfort food is crunchy, tangy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a satisfying dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Extra crispy pretzel crust for added texture
• Rich, creamy mustard cheddar sauce
• A flavorful twist on traditional breaded chicken
• Easy to prepare with pantry staples
• Perfect balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy
• Great for weeknights or dinner parties
• Family-friendly and kid-approved
• Customizable with your favorite mustard or cheese
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Pairs well with vegetables, mashed potatoes, or salad

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pretzel Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (8–10 oz each)
4 oz salted pretzels
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 egg
Neutral oil, for frying
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Mustard Cheddar Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
8 oz shredded cheddar cheese

directions

1. Butterfly each chicken breast to make 4 thin pieces. Place between plastic wrap and pound evenly with a mallet.
2. Pulse pretzels in a food processor until mostly fine with a few small chunks.
3. In one shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk the egg. Place pretzel crumbs in a third bowl.
4. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat (about 350°F).
5. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then press into pretzel crumbs.
6. Fry chicken in batches, 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a cooling rack over a baking tray and keep warm in a low oven.
7. For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and Dijon mustard. Simmer until slightly thickened. Stir in cheese a handful at a time until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve chicken hot with sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: Approximately 362 kcal per serving

Variations

• Use honey mustard for a sweeter sauce
• Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor
• Add cayenne or paprika to the pretzel mix for spice
• Make it gluten-free with GF pretzels and flour
• Serve over mashed potatoes or with roasted veggies

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in the oven at 350°F for 10–12 minutes for best texture. Reheat sauce separately over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through for crispiness.

What kind of pretzels should I use?

Salted hard pretzels work best. Avoid flavored varieties unless you want to change the taste.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of milk.

How do I keep the crust from falling off?

Press the pretzels firmly onto the chicken and let them rest before frying.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written. Add chili flakes or spicy mustard for heat.

Can I freeze this dish?

The chicken can be frozen after frying. Reheat in the oven for best results. Sauce is best made fresh.

What can I serve this with?

Try mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but block cheese melts smoother in sauces.

Can I make this with chicken thighs?

Yes, use boneless, skinless thighs and pound thin before breading.

How thick should the sauce be?

It should coat the back of a spoon. Adjust thickness by simmering or adding more milk.

Conclusion

Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines crunchy texture with creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal and delicious enough to serve guests — comfort food with a gourmet twist.

Print