Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and a little bit different, this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe is going to be your new go-to. Imagine tender chicken coated in crunchy, salty pretzel crumbs, paired with a creamy, tangy cheddar Dijon sauce that makes every bite sing. It’s comfort food elevated with a fun twist that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Amazing Crunch Factor: The pretzel coating gives an irresistibly crispy texture that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Flavor Explosion: The tangy Dijon mustard combined with sharp cheddar sauce adds a rich, savory layer to every bite.
Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike love the familiar yet exciting flavor combo, making it perfect for dinner.
Quick and Simple to Prep: With straightforward ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a show-stopping meal on the table in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role: crunchy pretzels give texture, aromatic spices boost flavor, and the cheese sauce delivers creamy goodness that balances everything out perfectly.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best for easy butterflying and even cooking.
• Pretzels: Salted pretzels provide the perfect salty crunch; gluten-free pretzels can be a substitute if needed.
• Flour and spices: Flour helps the coating stick, while garlic and onion powders add savory depth—feel free to add smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent to keep the pretzel crumbs on the chicken crisp and intact.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for that badass cheesy punch in the sauce; you can swap for a milder cheddar or even a mix of cheeses.
• Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce a subtle tang and complexity that perfectly complements the cheddar’s richness.

How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Flatten the Chicken

Start by butterflying your chicken breasts so that each piece is thinner and cooks evenly. Then, use a mallet with two pieces of plastic wrap to gently pound each portion until it’s a consistent thickness. This helps the chicken stay juicy and cook perfectly under that crunchy coating.

Step 2: Crush the Pretzels

Pop your salted pretzels in a food processor and pulse until mostly fine crumbs form, with a few larger chunks for extra crunch. These crushed pretzels create that signature crispy texture that makes this chicken truly special.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Stations

In shallow dishes, mix your flour with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk an egg in the next bowl, and pour your crushed pretzels in a third dish. This assembly-line style helps the dredging process go smoothly and ensures every bite is perfectly coated.

Step 4: Bread and Fry the Chicken

Dip each flattened chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally press into the pretzel crumbs, making sure the coating sticks well. Fry these in hot neutral oil (about 350°F) in batches, cooking each side until golden and cooked through. Keep them warm in a low oven while you work through the rest.

Step 5: Make the Cheddar Dijon Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly add milk and Dijon mustard, stirring until sauce thickens lightly. Finally, add shredded cheddar cheese handful by handful, whisking until silky and smooth—this sauce brings the whole dish together with rich, tangy creaminess.

How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh minced parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of color and a light, herbal contrast to the hearty richness of the chicken and sauce. You can also add a little cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon for brightness, if you like.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted veggies, buttery mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Even a side of garlic bread or steamed broccoli would complement the crunch and creamy sauce exceptionally well.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken breasts on a diagonal and fanning the pieces out on a plate, then drizzle with the cheddar Dijon sauce in a zigzag pattern. For a casual touch, serve the chicken open-faced on toasted buns for an irresistible gourmet sandwich sensation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the chicken cool completely, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if you want to preserve its texture and freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Freeze the cheddar Dijon sauce in a separate container, though its texture might change slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat chicken in a 375°F oven to keep the coating crisp—about 10-12 minutes should do it. Warm the sauce gently on the stove or microwave, stirring to maintain its creamy smoothness before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Dijon Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll be excited to share with friends and family — it’s playful, comforting, and totally crave-worthy. Once you try it, you’ll appreciate just how that salty pretzel crunch and velvety cheesy sauce make a match made in heaven. So go ahead, give it a whirl and make your next dinner one to remember!

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