Perfect Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce

From the moment I pull out the bag of pretzels, my kids know it’s going to be a good night. I can almost hear their tiny feet pitter-pattering faster when they hear the distinct crunch of me crushing the pretzels for one of their all time favorite meals: Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce.

The aroma of that homemade cheese sauce mingling with the salty, crunchy pretzel crusted chicken? Pure happiness, bottled in my kitchen. I remember the first time I attempted this dish. The cheese sauce was grainy, the chicken was dry, and my oldest declared it “edible, but not amazing”. Ouch! But, like with most things in cooking (and life!), I didn’t give up. After a few tweaks and some serious taste-testing (thanks, family!), I finally perfected a Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe that even my pickiest eater devours.

This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce has become a regular in our rotation. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal, but special enough to serve to company. And let me tell you, I’ve learned a few tricks along the way to make this Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce even easier for busy families like mine.

You know, cooking for my family isn’t about fancy techniques or complicated ingredients. It’s about creating delicious, comforting meals that bring us together around the table. It’s about those simple moments of connection. And this Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe? It’s a star player in making those moments happen. I hope you’ll give it a try and create some delicious memories of your own!

What You’ll Need for This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make this family-favorite Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce.

For the Pretzel Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I always opt for organic when I can find it on sale.
• 2 cups pretzel crumbs: I usually use regular salted pretzels, but you can experiment with different flavors!
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the chicken.
• 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a nice savory note.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For a touch of color and smokiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground, if possible!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: To taste.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For baking.

For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce Recipe:

• 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the saltiness.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: To create a roux.
• 2 cups milk: I use whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works too.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor for this homemade cheese sauce, in my opinion!
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Or to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard: This adds a subtle tang that really elevates the cheese sauce.

When making Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, you can often find great deals on pretzels at warehouse stores. Stock up and crush them in a food processor for easy pretzel crumbs! Here’s a Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce trick I learned from my grandma: add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a little kick.

For a busy weeknight shortcut, you can even buy pre-crushed pretzel crumbs, though I find the flavor isn’t quite as good as when you crush them yourself. Store any leftover pretzels in an airtight container to keep them fresh for the next batch of Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce. If you’re looking for another unique chicken recipe, check out my recipe for Spicy Brazilian Coconut Chicken!

Let’s Make This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce Together

Okay, friend, let’s get cooking! Here’s how we make this delicious Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, step-by-step.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This is essential to making this baked pretzel chicken.
2. Prepare the chicken: Place the flour in a shallow dish. In another dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, combine the pretzel crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Dredge the chicken: Dip each chicken breast in the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it thoroughly with the pretzel crumb mixture. Make sure the pretzel crusted chicken is evenly coated.
4. Bake the chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzel crust is golden brown and crispy. I learned the hard way with Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce that undercooked chicken is a no-go!
5. Make the cheese sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
6. Add the milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to smooth out any lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
7. Incorporate the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if your homemade cheese sauce seems a little thin at first; it will thicken as it cools slightly.
8. Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese sauce is ready, serve the Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce immediately. Spoon the cheese sauce generously over the chicken.

In my kitchen, Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. While the Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce is cooking, I usually throw together a quick salad or steam some vegetables. Your Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce should smell like a warm, salty, cheesy hug! My family-tested Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce time-saver? Crushing the pretzels ahead of time and storing them in a zip-top bag. If you enjoy making recipes that use easy steps, check out my recipe for Chicken Avocado Melt Sandwich.

How I Love to Serve This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce

My family loves this Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli and a simple green salad. The broccoli adds a nice pop of color and some much-needed veggies to balance out the richness of the cheese sauce. This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a potluck. It’s always a hit!

I’ve discovered that a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a touch of elegance to the Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce. If you have extra Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, it’s delicious sliced and served on a sandwich the next day. For a seasonal Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce variation, try using flavored pretzels like honey mustard or everything bagel seasoning in the fall.

Friends always ask for this Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe after they’ve tried it. I think it’s the combination of the crunchy, salty pretzel crust and the creamy, cheesy sauce that makes it so irresistible. And honestly, it feels good to share a recipe that I know will bring joy to other families!

Your Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about my Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, along with my tried-and-true answers:

1. Can I use chicken tenders instead of chicken breasts?

   Absolutely! Chicken tenders work great for Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce. Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes, as they cook faster than breasts.

2. Can I make the cheese sauce ahead of time?

   You can, but I recommend making it fresh for the best flavor and texture. If you do make it ahead, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until smooth. You know what I do when my Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce is reheated? I add a splash of milk to help smooth it out.

3. What kind of pretzels are best for the crust?

   I prefer regular salted pretzels for my Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, but you can use any kind you like! Experiment with different flavors like honey wheat or everything bagel pretzels for a unique twist.

4. Can I bake or fry the chicken?

   I prefer baking the chicken for a healthier option. However, you can definitely fry it if you prefer. Just heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.

5. My cheese sauce is too thick. How do I thin it out?

   If your cheese sauce is too thick for the Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce, simply add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.

6. Can I freeze the leftover Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce?

   While you can freeze it, the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. I recommend freezing the chicken separately from the cheese sauce for best results. Then, I simply prepare a new batch of cheddar cheese sauce recipe to go with the defrosted chicken.

7. My pretzel crust isn’t sticking to the chicken. What am I doing wrong?

   Make sure you’re pressing the pretzel crumbs firmly onto the chicken after dredging it in the egg. This will help the crust adhere better. Also, make sure the chicken is dry before dredging it in the flour. If it’s too wet, the flour won’t stick properly.

My Final Thoughts on This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce

This Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that my whole family enjoys. It’s simple, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover pretzels that always seem to accumulate in the pantry!

My Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce Pro Tips:

• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use good quality cheese: The better the cheese, the better the cheese sauce! I recommend using a sharp cheddar cheese for the most flavorful sauce.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment: This recipe is a great base for customization. Try adding different spices or herbs to the pretzel crust or the cheese sauce to create your own unique version.

Some Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce variations we’ve tried include adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a little kick, using flavored pretzels like honey mustard for a sweeter crust, or topping the chicken with crispy bacon bits for extra flavor. My son, loves the bacon bit version.

I hope you’ll make this Pretzel Chicken with Cheese Sauce recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create a dish that your family will love. I hope you find as much joy in making it as my family does in eating it! Happy cooking!

 

Print