Description
Crunchy pretzel-crusted chicken breasts baked to golden perfection, served with a creamy, tangy mustard-cheddar sauce. This delicious recipe combines the savory flavors of garlic and onion seasoning with the delightful texture of crushed pretzels for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Breading
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to infuse flavor throughout the meat.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and one with coarsely crushed pretzels.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken breast first into the flour to coat completely, then into the egg-mustard mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally press into the crushed pretzels to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the breaded chicken breasts on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Prepare Sauce: While the chicken bakes, heat milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until warm.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices before serving topped with the mustard-cheddar sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully coated with each layer to achieve a crispy crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- For extra flavor, add smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the pretzel coating.
- The mustard-cheddar sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before serving.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
