Print

Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce
Print Recipe

Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce is a deliciously crispy and cheesy dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in crunchy crushed pretzels and topped with a rich, creamy homemade sharp cheddar cheese sauce. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a comforting treat that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup crushed salted pretzels
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (such as vegetable or canola oil)

For the Cheddar Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative like cornstarch or rice flour)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk or cream
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
  2. Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with finely crushed pretzel crumbs. Proper seasoning helps lock in flavor and form a perfect crust.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then press firmly into the pretzel crumbs to coat completely for maximum crunch.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes on a greased baking sheet for a healthier option.
  5. Make the Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once thickened, stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Serve It Up: Place the crispy pretzel chicken on plates and generously spoon warm cheddar sauce over the top. Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and a sprinkle of crushed pretzels. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh pretzels crushed just before breading to keep the coating crunchy and fresh.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to prevent steaming and maintain crispiness.
  • Choose sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the sauce’s flavor without extra seasoning.
  • Keep the cheddar sauce warm on low heat and stir occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency.
  • Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
  • For an extra crunchy crust, double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg and pretzel crumb step.

Nutrition

Keywords: Pretzel Chicken, Cheddar Sauce, Crispy Chicken, Cheesy Chicken, Gluten Free Chicken Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Friendly

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/pretzel-chicken-with-cheddar-sauce/