Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

If you’ve been craving a dinner that checks every box—crispy, cheesy, a little fancy, yet still weeknight-friendly—then this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce is about to become your new best friend. And yes, I’m saying that with my whole heart… and stomach.

Whether you’re juggling work, homework help, or just trying to remember where you left your sanity (probably in the laundry basket), this recipe is a delicious lifesaver. It packs big flavor without demanding a culinary degree, and trust me—your kitchen will smell like cozy happiness with a side of crunchy magic.

As someone who built Chicken Magic Recipes on the belief that great chicken meals don’t need to be complicated, this dish feels like it was made for busy home cooks who love a little fun in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Picture this: tender chicken wrapped in a salty-crisp pretzel shell, topped with silky cheddar mustard sauce that tastes like grown-up comfort food. It’s a beautiful balance—kind of like if game-day snacks and a cozy bistro dinner had a very delicious baby.

This recipe is:

• Crunchy and comforting (a combo we all deserve)
• Ridiculously easy for a weeknight
• Kid-approved and picky-eater-friendly
• Elevated enough to serve guests
• Fast—ready in about 30 minutes

Plus, it uses everyday ingredients you probably already have. If pretzels disappear quickly in your house like they do in mine, you may want to hide a bag just for this recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 ounces)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the Cheddar Mustard Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Extra crushed pretzels for texture

How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by pounding your chicken breasts to about ½-inch thickness. This helps them cook evenly and stay juicy—kind of the “spa day” treatment of the chicken world.
Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Get three bowls ready:

1. Bowl 1: flour
2. Bowl 2: beaten eggs + Dijon mustard
3. Bowl 3: crushed pretzels mixed with garlic powder and smoked paprika

Dip each chicken breast into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally press it into the pretzel coating. Make sure it’s well covered—this is where that gorgeous crunch comes from.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

To Bake:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
• Brush the chicken with olive oil or melted butter.
• Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until internal temp hits 165°F (74°C).

To Pan-Fry:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat.
• Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Both methods give you crispiness, so choose what works for your night.

Step 4: Make the Cheddar Mustard Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for one minute to cook out that raw flour taste.
Pour in milk slowly, whisking until it thickens—this is your velvety base.

Stir in both mustards, reduce the heat, and add cheddar. Mix until smooth and dreamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.

If the sauce looks a little lumpy at any point, don’t panic. Give it a whisk like you mean it—or blend briefly—and it’ll smooth out like magic.

Step 5: Plate and Serve

Place your crispy pretzel chicken on a plate, drizzle generously with warm cheddar mustard sauce, and sprinkle parsley on top. Add extra pretzel crumbs if you’re feeling fancy (or just extra hungry).

Tips for Making This Recipe Even Easier

• Don’t over-crush the pretzels. You want some texture—tiny shards bring the crunch party.
• Use chicken tenders for a kid-friendly version with faster cooking time.
• Make the sauce ahead. Stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days—just reheat slowly.
• Air Fryer? Absolutely. Cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

And if your sauce thickens too much while waiting on the chicken—just add a splash of milk. It’s forgiving, like a good friend.

A Little Kitchen Story

The first time I made this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce, my kids looked at me like I’d reinvented dinner. The pretzel crust totally won them over—and the sauce? Let’s just say there were no leftovers, and one of them asked if we could bottle it. Moments like that are why I love sharing chicken recipes with all of you at Chicken Magic Recipes. Good food brings out the smiles.

FAQs About Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce

Ready to Make Some Magic?

This Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce is everything you want in a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner—crunchy, creamy, simple, and downright irresistible. Whether it’s a busy Wednesday evening or a weekend family dinner, this recipe brings big flavor without big effort.

Give it a try tonight, and let your kitchen be the place where warm memories (and delicious crunches) happen. Let me know how it turns out—I always love hearing your chicken magic moments!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re already thinking about what to cook next, here are a few cozy, flavor-packed dishes that pair beautifully with the vibes of this Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Mustard Sauce. Each one is easy, comforting, and perfect for busy nights when you still want dinner to feel special.

• Craving something creamy and soul-warming? Try my Rich Chicken Stroganoff — it’s one of those meals that makes the whole house smell incredible.
• If that crunchy pretzel coating stole your heart, you’ll love these Crispy Chicken Taquitos. Fun, fast, and totally irresistible.
• Love the mustard kick from today’s recipe? You’ll adore my French Mustard Chicken — a cozy skillet dish loaded with bold, tangy flavor.
• And for nights when you want a no-fuss dinner that still tastes amazing, my One-Pan Chicken and Potatoes always hits the spot.

Go ahead and explore—your taste buds deserve a little extra happiness!

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