If you’re on the lookout for a fun, crispy, and utterly delicious way to shake up your chicken night, this Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a crunchy, golden pretzel coating that adds just the right salty crunch, paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dip that brings everything together perfectly. These tenders are simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please both kids and adults alike—making them an absolute showstopper for any meal or snack time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are easy to find and each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect combination of flavor, texture, and color that makes this Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe so irresistible.
- Old Style/Whole Grain Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the honey mustard dipping sauce.
- Honey: Provides a natural sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard.
- Chicken tenders: The tender, juicy star of the dish, perfect for quick cooking and even coating.
- All purpose flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken for even breading.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a subtle depth of flavor into the flour mixture.
- Ground mustard: Enhances the savory notes in the coating.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the breading.
- Eggs: The essential binding agent that ensures the pretzel crumbs stick perfectly.
- Pretzels: Crushed into crispy crumbs, they create the signature crunchy crust that’s the heart of this recipe.
How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400º F and lightly grease your sheet pan; this prevents sticking and helps the chicken cook evenly while crisping up beautifully.
Step 2: Crush Those Pretzels
Grab your pretzels and crush them into small, even crumbs. The easiest trick is to roll a handful on a cutting board in batches, which gives you consistent pieces without turning them into dust.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Stations
Combine the flour with garlic powder, ground mustard, and onion powder in one small bowl for the seasoning base. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, and place the crushed pretzels in a third bowl. This triad ensures smooth, even breading on each tender.
Step 4: Coat Those Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the seasoned flour, covering every inch. Then dip it fully into the egg mixture to make sure the pretzel crumbs will stick. Finally, coat it generously in the pretzel crumbs and place it on the sheet pan. Repeat until all tenders are ready to go.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy and Juicy
Pop the sheet pan into your preheated oven and bake the tenders for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on their size. The goal is a crispy crust and a juicy internal temperature of 165º F—perfectly cooked with a golden finish.
Step 6: Whip Up the Quick Honey Mustard Sauce
While the tenders are baking, mix together the old style mustard and honey in a small bowl until smooth and combined. This sauce is the ideal sweet and tangy companion for your crunchy chicken tenders.
How to Serve Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top of the chicken tenders adds a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy crust.
Side Dishes
Serve these tenders alongside crisp celery sticks, carrot batons, or a light mixed green salad to balance the richness. For a heartier meal, roasted sweet potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes make a cozy pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try arranging the chicken tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of your homemade honey mustard and some crunchy pickles on the side for a casual, shareable appetizer vibe. You can also skewer them for dipping or pair them with a colorful slaw for a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This storage keeps them fresh without sacrificing too much crispness.
Freezing
To save for later, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months and reheat crisply.
Reheating
For the best texture when reheating, pop the tenders into a 350º F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through, which helps maintain their that wonderful crunch.
FAQs
Can I use pretzel sticks instead of pretzel twists for the crust?
Absolutely! Pretzel sticks crush just as well and will give you that same crunchy coating. Just make sure to crush them finely so the breading sticks evenly.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
The classic recipe uses regular all-purpose flour and pretzels, which typically contain gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flour and gluten-free pretzels to make a tasty alternative.
Can I air fry Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders?
Yes, air frying is a fantastic option for a crispier exterior with less oil. Cook at 400º F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, but keep an eye to avoid burning the pretzels.
What can I substitute for the eggs if I have allergies?
You can use a mixture of water and flour or a commercial egg replacer to help the pretzel crumbs stick, though the coating might not be quite as crispy or perfectly adhered.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separation.
Final Thoughts
This Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is such a fun, crispy, and flavorful meal that’s perfect any day you want to treat yourself and your loved ones. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes the star of your recipe collection. Trust me, once you try these tenders with that quick honey mustard sauce, you’ll be wondering why you didn’t make them sooner. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
