Crispy pretzel-crusted chicken tenders, easy to make and gluten-free! Perfectly seasoned and baked or air-fried, a family favorite!
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
Cooking Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
What to Serve With Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders
These pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are awesome with so many sides and sauces:
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
Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
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!
