Description
Deliciously crispy pretzel-coated chicken served with a creamy mustard cheddar sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness—this helps them cook evenly and stay juicy. Season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a second bowl, place the flour. In a third, combine crushed pretzels, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a touch more salt and pepper.
- Bread the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour (shaking off the excess), then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally coat it generously with the crushed pretzel mixture. Press the pretzels onto the chicken so the crust sticks well.
- Bake until crispy: Place the breaded chicken breasts on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil for better browning. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the mustard cheddar sauce: While the chicken bakes, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until it forms a golden roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened. Stir in the Dijon mustard and garlic powder, then add the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is velvety and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and savor: Plate each crispy pretzel chicken breast and generously spoon over the warm mustard cheddar sauce. Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even over a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through for safe consumption.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 200mg