Ingredients
Scale
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh pretzels for that perfect crunch, sharp cheddar for depth of flavor, and a good-quality mustard to give the sauce a gentle tang. I’ve learned over the years that when you choose ingredients you trust, the cooking process feels more rewarding and the results truly sing. If you want, you can swap out the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese, or use Dijon mustard instead of yellow for a subtler bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cups crushed pretzels (about 6 large pretzels)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup whole milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for milder flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Crush the pretzels finely but not to powder—some texture adds to the crunch. Set aside.
- Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the crushed pretzels mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry, then dredge each piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the pretzel mixture.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the baking sheet and drizzle the olive oil or melted butter evenly over them—this helps achieve that golden crispiness.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- While the chicken bakes, prepare the mustard-cheddar sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, mustard, and shredded cheddar until melted and smooth. Stir gently to avoid scorching.
- Once the chicken is ready, serve it hot with a generous drizzle of the mustard-cheddar sauce on top or on the side for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
