Name: Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups); ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 eggs; Vegetable oil (for frying, about 1/4-inch depth); 2 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded); 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard; ½ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper (to taste); ¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves (a generous handful, chopped); ¼ small red onion (finely chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 36 reviews

If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of crunchy, savory, and cheesy comfort food, look no further than this Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe. Tender chicken breasts get an irresistible coating of crushed salted pretzels, delivering the perfect salty crunch, while the rich cheddar-mustard sauce adds a tangy, creamy finish that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s a dish that feels both elevated and homey, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and textures in one unforgettable bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Three pieces of breaded chicken lie on a dark tray, each covered in a coarse, light brown crumb coating with visible oats or crushed grains. To the left, a white bowl holds a yellow egg wash with small bubbles. Below it, a white plate has two additional breaded chicken pieces resting on loose crumbs. The background is a white marbled surface with a sprig of green parsley near the top right corner and a purple cloth partly under the plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward and easy to find, yet each plays an essential role. From the crispy salty pretzels to the sharp cheddar cheese and the punchy mustard, these components combine to create layers of flavor and texture that are truly satisfying.

2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): Use fresh chicken breasts for a tender base that crisps nicely.
1 5-ounce bag salted pretzels (about 3 cups): Provides that signature salty crunch for the crust.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth to the pretzel coating and sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
2 eggs: Acts as the sticky binder for the pretzel crumbs.
Vegetable oil (for frying): A neutral oil perfect for achieving a crispy crust.
2 tablespoons butter: Forms the rich base of the cheddar-mustard sauce.
2 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
2 cups milk: Creates a creamy texture for the sauce.
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Brings that classic sharp, cheesy goodness.
2 tablespoons whole grain mustard: Adds a complex, slightly spicy tang to complement the cheese.
½ teaspoon paprika: Ensures flavor continuity between crust and sauce.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper: Just a hint of kick to brighten the sauce.
¼ cup flat leaf parsley leaves (chopped): Adds fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
¼ small red onion (finely chopped): Offers a crisp, sharp contrast when sprinkled on top.

How to Make Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Chicken

Start by butterflying your chicken breasts to open them up for more even cooking. Then gently pound each piece with a mallet to about a quarter-inch thickness. This step is key because it ensures your chicken will cook evenly and stay tender under the crunchy pretzel crust.

Step 2: Create the Pretzel Coating

Place the pretzels in a food processor and pulse until fine crumbs form—this is what gives the chicken its incredible crust. Mix the pretzel crumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish to infuse subtle smoky and savory notes right from the start.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash

In another shallow dish, lightly beat the eggs with a splash of water. This egg wash will help the pretzel crumbs stick perfectly to the chicken for that signature crunch.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each flattened chicken breast first in the egg wash, then dredge generously in the pretzel crumb mixture. Make sure each piece is evenly coated—this is where all the crunch magic happens!

Step 5: Fry the Chicken

Heat about a quarter-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the coated chicken pieces in a single layer, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with a crisp crust that’s simply irresistible.

Step 6: Make the Cheddar-Mustard Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let it cook for one minute to form a roux, then gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce thickens. Stir in the shredded cheddar, whole grain mustard, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper, creating a luscious sauce bursting with sharp and tangy flavors.

Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Serve each pretzel-crusted chicken breast drizzled generously with the cheddar-mustard sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and finely chopped red onion for added color, flavor, and a touch of freshness.

How to Serve Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe

Four crispy fried chicken pieces with a dark golden brown crunchy crust are placed on crumpled white paper. Each piece is sprinkled with small bits of chopped red onion and green herbs. There are three small lemon wedges scattered across the paper, adding bright yellow color. Fresh green parsley leaves lie around the chicken pieces. Nearby, two small white bowls contain finely chopped red onions and green herbs, and one larger white bowl holds a creamy light beige dipping sauce with black pepper and a gold spoon inside. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped flat leaf parsley and finely diced red onion does wonders to lift the dish. The herbs add a pop of color and brightness, while the red onion brings crunch and subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs delightfully with something green and fresh like a crisp garden salad or steamed asparagus. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery roasted vegetables also work beautifully, soaking up any extra cheddar-mustard sauce for a satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken into strips for a casual finger-food style presentation—perfect for parties or family dinners. You could also stuff the sauce inside a sandwich with some fresh arugula and tomato for a gourmet chicken sandwich experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pretzel-crusted chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the crispness of the crust.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—just wrap the cooked chicken in parchment and foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and the crust is crisp again. Gently reheat the cheddar-mustard sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Can I use another type of cheese in the cheddar-mustard sauce?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is classic here, you can try gouda, fontina, or even a blend of cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the meltability and intensity of the cheese you choose.

Is this recipe suitable for grilling instead of frying?

Because the crust relies on frying for crispiness, grilling can be tricky. If grilling, consider using panko or another coarser crumb and brushing chicken with oil to get some crispness, but frying will give you the best texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can try gluten-free pretzels and gluten-free flour to adapt the recipe. Many stores offer great gluten-free options that should work well for the crust and sauce thickening.

How spicy is the cheddar-mustard sauce?

The sauce has a mild warmth from the cayenne and the tang of mustard, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. You can easily adjust the cayenne amount to suit your heat preference.

What is the best way to crush the pretzels?

Using a food processor is quickest and gives you fine crumbs perfect for coating. If you don’t have one, placing pretzels in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin works just as well.

Final Thoughts

If you want an exciting twist on classic chicken dishes that’s packed with crunch, flavor, and creamy sauce, this Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar-Mustard Sauce Recipe is all you need. It’s approachable, satisfying, and guaranteed to impress anyone at your table. Give it a try and watch it become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire!