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Crispy Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Sauce: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This crispy pretzel crusted chicken with cheddar sauce is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring a salty, crunchy pretzel coating and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights when you crave comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
  • 1 cup salted pretzels (mini pretzels or pretzel twists)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If thick (more than ¾ inch), pound to ½ inch thickness between plastic wrap. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Crush pretzels in a food processor until coarse crumbs (panko texture). Transfer to a shallow bowl and mix in garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
  3. Set up coating station: first bowl with flour, second bowl with whisked eggs and Dijon mustard, third bowl with seasoned pretzel crumbs.
  4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into pretzel crumbs, coating both sides. Place on a plate.
  5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F). Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.
  6. For cheddar sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously. Cook 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in shredded cheddar, salt, and cayenne until smooth.
  7. Slice chicken against the grain into strips. Drizzle with cheddar sauce or serve on the side. Garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.

Notes

Let coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before frying to help coating adhere. Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F. Do not overcrowd the pan. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pretzels and almond flour. For an air fryer method, spray coated chicken with cooking spray and air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel crusted chicken, cheddar sauce, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, crispy chicken, comfort food, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emacrave.com/crispy-pretzel-crusted-chicken-with-cheddar-sauce-easy-30-minute-dinner/