Crispy Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce (Full Recipe)
This Crispy Chicken with Mustard-Cheddar Sauce is golden, crunchy, and packed with bold flavor. The pretzel crust adds unbeatable crunch, while the creamy mustard-cheddar sauce makes it rich and irresistible. Perfect for dinner and great for sharing.
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups coarsely crushed pretzels
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (for baking)
For the Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1 Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for even cooking.
5 Set Up Breading Station
- Bowl 1: flour + salt + pepper
- Bowl 2: eggs whisked with milk
- Bowl 3: crushed pretzels mixed with shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika
3 Bread the Chicken
- Coat chicken in flour
- Dip into egg mixture
- Press firmly into pretzel-cheddar mixture
4 Bake Until Crispy
- Place chicken on baking sheet
- Drizzle lightly with olive oil or melted butter
- Bake 22–25 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through
- Optional: broil 2–3 minutes for extra crispiness
Mustard-Cheddar Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat
- Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute
- Slowly add warm milk, whisking constantly
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted
- Add Dijon mustard and honey
- Season with salt and pepper
Cook until smooth and creamy.
Serving Tips
- Serve chicken hot, drizzled with mustard-cheddar sauce
- Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad
- Perfect for family dinners or viral food content
Pro Tips
- Use sharp cheddar for stronger flavor
- Don’t over-crush pretzels—texture matters
- Air fryer option: 375°F for 14–16 minutes