Name: Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 teaspoon onion powder (divided); 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt; 8 chicken tenders (1 lb total); 1 cup crushed pretzels; 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 large egg (whisked)

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Crispy pretzel-crusted chicken tenders, easy to make and gluten-free! Perfectly seasoned and baked or air-fried, a family favorite!

Family of four enjoying dinner with a focus on Crunchy Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders on the table.

The Best Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Want a dish that’ll please the whole family? These pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are perfect! They’re juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside, and they’re easy to make. Plus, they can be made gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients for Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

1/2 cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the pretzel crust.
2 tablespoons honey: Balances the tanginess with a hint of sweetness.
1 teaspoon onion powder, divided: Adds depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.
8 chicken tenders (1 lb total): These are the perfect size for quick cooking and easy coating.
1 cup crushed pretzels: Use Snyders mini pretzel sticks, or opt for gluten-free pretzels if needed.
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs: Adds an extra layer of crunch to the coating.
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Complements the savory notes of the pretzel crust.
1 large egg, whisked: Helps the coating adhere to the chicken for even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Bowl with Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and kosher salt being mixed to create a mustard-honey mixture.

1. Prepare the Mustard-Honey Mixture: Mix Dijon mustard, honey, a bit of onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl. This helps the pretzel crumbs stick to the chicken.

Crushing pretzels in a plastic bag with a rolling pin, with a shallow dish of pretzel crumbs, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and onion powder.

2. Crush the Pretzels: Put the pretzels in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin until you get crumbs. Mix these with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the rest of the onion powder in a shallow dish.

Chicken tenders being dipped into mustard-honey mix and pressed into pretzel crumbs for coating.

3. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the mustard-honey mix so it’s coated all over. Then press it into the pretzel crumbs, making sure each side is covered.

Chicken tenders baking and air frying to a crispy golden brown.

4. Bake or Air Fry: Place your chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.

Pretzel crusted chicken tenders served on a plate

5. Serve: Serve these crunchy tenders with your favorite dips, like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. They’re always a hit!

Variation Ideas for Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the pretzel crumbs.
Herb Lover’s: Mix in some dried thyme, oregano, or parsley with the pretzel crumbs for a herby touch.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs to keep this recipe suitable for those avoiding gluten.

What to Serve With Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

These pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are awesome with so many sides and sauces:

Dipping Sauces: Honey mustard, ranch, or tangy barbecue sauce are perfect for dipping.
Side Dishes: They go really well with roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots. Sweet potato fries are also a great choice, adding a bit of sweetness.

How to Store Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Refrigeration: All leftover foods should be stored in an airtight container and put in the refrigerator. They can last up to 3 days. For reheating, place on an oven and bake at 350 °F so as not to lose the crispiness of the chicken’s skin.
Freezing: In case you wish to prepare these tenders in advance, do it when uncooked and place the items on the baking sheet and freeze. After that, freeze the patties inside with a zip-top and use within 2 months. In case you are using frozen pizza, do not thaw before baking because it is always advisable to bake it frozen, adding about 5 to 10 minutes to the cooking time.

Tips and Tricks

Crushing the Pretzels: For a finer crumb, use a food processor to crush the pretzels. This will ensure a more even coating on the chicken.
Even Coating: Make sure each tender is thoroughly coated with the mustard mixture to help the pretzel crumbs adhere better.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking or air frying to prevent it from drying out.

More Dinner Ideas

One Pan Roasted Potatoes Sausage and Peppers

A plate of crispy pretzel-crusted chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce.

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

Pamela J. Willis

Making these Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders is a breeze, and they're always a hit at my house. The chicken stays juicy inside while the pretzel coating gives it a perfect crunch. I love that I can easily make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pretzels. Whether I bake them or toss them in the air fryer, they turn out delicious every time. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce—my family can't get enough of them!

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 35

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon onion powder divided
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
8 chicken tenders 1 lb total
1 cup crushed pretzels
1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large egg whisked

Instructions

Prepare the Mustard-Honey Mixture: Prepare the Mustard-Honey Mixture: Mix Dijon mustard, honey, a bit of onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt in a bowl. This helps the pretzel crumbs stick to the chicken.
Crush the Pretzels: Put the pretzels in a plastic bag and smash them with a rolling pin until you get crumbs. Mix these with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the rest of the onion powder in a shallow dish.
Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the mustard-honey mix so it’s coated all over. Then press it into the pretzel crumbs, making sure each side is covered.
Bake or Air Fry: Place your chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until they’re golden and crispy. If you prefer them extra crispy, air fry at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Serve: Serve these crunchy tenders with your favorite dips, like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce. They’re always a hit!

Notes

Crush Pretzels Well: Crumble the pretzels until it becomes a powdered form. It’s better to accomplish this using a food processor though this can also be done manually. This makes sure that icing is applied evenly and that perfect texture of the chips, which ought to be crunchy, is not compromised in any way.

Coat Chicken Thoroughly: Take the tender, dip into the mustard and honey mix, followed by rolling on the crushed up pretzels. This assists in the coating and makes the tenders to be crispy.

Keep an Eye on Cooking: Highly recommend that the tenders are watched when they are baking or are getting a fry in the air fryer. It also to ensures the chicken is moist inside and crisp on the outside.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: Approximately 250 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 15g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 1g

Keyword Air Fryer Friendly, Crunchy Coating, Easy Prep, Family Favorite, Gluten-Free Option, Juicy Inside, Quick Bake, Weeknight dinner

Crunchy Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe