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Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce

Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce
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Pretzel Chicken with Cheddar Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring crispy, golden-brown chicken coated in salty pretzel crumbs and topped with a rich, creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce. This recipe combines an irresistible crunchy texture with a velvety cheesy sauce, perfect for family dinners or weekend treats. With simple pantry staples and easy steps, it delivers a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin (about 1/2 inch thickness)
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed pretzels (finely crushed)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil for frying (canola, vegetable, or olive oil)

Cheddar Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or low-fat)
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about half an inch to ensure quick and uniform cooking. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to build depth of flavor.
  2. Crush the Pretzels: Place pretzels in a sealed plastic bag and crush them finely using a rolling pin or food processor until breadcrumb-like in texture, providing the essential crunchy crust.
  3. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow plates: one with flour, the second with beaten eggs, and the third with crushed pretzels. This setup ensures the chicken is evenly coated for a crispy crust.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press firmly into the crushed pretzels, making sure both sides are fully coated.
  5. Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  6. Make the Cheddar Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low, add the shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  7. Serve: Pour the warm cheddar sauce generously over the crispy pretzel-coated chicken breasts. Serve immediately to maintain crispiness and enjoy.

Notes

  • Even Thickness: Pounding the chicken breasts ensures uniform cooking to prevent dryness or undercooked spots.
  • Fresh Pretzels: Use fresh, unsalted pretzels for the best texture and balanced saltiness.
  • Don’t Skip the Flour: The flour layer helps the egg and pretzel crumbs adhere better, creating a sturdier crust.
  • Low and Slow Sauce: Melt cheese over low heat to prevent graininess in the cheddar sauce.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the dish fresh to keep the pretzel crust crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: pretzel chicken, cheddar sauce, crispy chicken, comfort food, cheesy sauce, family dinner, easy chicken recipe

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