Crispy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken with Cheddar Cheese Sauce: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite
Enjoy crispy pretzel-crusted chicken with cheddar cheese sauce for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner or appetizer
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 3 cupsfinely crushed salted pretzel twists
- 1 teaspoononion powder
- 1 teaspoongarlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoonsall-purpose or gluten-free flour
- 1large egg, beaten
- 2pounds boneless chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoonsextra virgin olive oil
- For the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoonssalted butter
- 3 tablespoonsall-purpose flour
- 1 cupwhole milk
- 1 1/2 cupsshredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoonsDijon mustard
- 1 tablespoonhoney
- 1/2 teaspooncayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed pretzels, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg, then add the chicken tenders and toss until well coated.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the pretzel mixture, pressing to adhere. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken bakes, make the cheddar cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cheese, Dijon mustard, honey, and cayenne pepper, whisking until smooth.
- Serve the crispy pretzel-crusted chicken with warm cheese sauce for dipping.