Crispy Pretzel Chicken Dinner

Crafting Crispy Perfection: How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Creating these incredibly crunchy pretzel chicken tenders is surprisingly simple, involving just a few straightforward steps. Follow these instructions for a perfect batch every time!

Step 1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a shallow bowl (wide enough to accommodate chicken tenders), combine ½ cup of honey mustard dressing, 2 large eggs, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until well combined and smooth. This creates our flavorful, adhesive egg wash.

Step 2. Coat Chicken in Egg Wash: Take your raw chicken tenders and immerse them fully in the honey mustard and egg mixture. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated on all sides. This sticky layer is essential for the pretzel crust to adhere properly.

Step 3. Create the Crunchy Breading: In a separate shallow bowl or dish, prepare your pretzel mixture. Place the pretzels into the bowl and crush them to a fine, consistent texture. A food processor works wonders for this, but if you don’t have one, placing pretzels in a sturdy Ziploc bag and crushing them with a meat mallet or rolling pin will also achieve excellent results. Once crushed, mix these pretzel crumbs with 1 cup of regular (or panko) breadcrumbs and the remaining ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (if using garlic salt, ensure the total garlic powder/salt equals the recipe amount), and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 4. Apply the Pretzel Coating: One by one, remove each chicken tender from the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Immediately transfer it to the pretzel breading mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the pretzel crumbs, turning to ensure every inch is generously coated. Gently shake off any loose crumbs and set the coated tenders aside on a plate or cutting board while you prepare your cooking device. Lightly spray the inside of your air fryer basket with olive oil, avocado oil, or a nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.

Step 5. Air Fry for Ultimate Crispness: Carefully arrange the pretzel-crusted chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, making sure they do not touch. Overcrowding the basket will steam the chicken instead of crisping it, so cook in batches if necessary. I can typically fit about 4 tenders comfortably in my air fryer. Once arranged, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with a bit more oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes. Flip each tender, spray again if desired, and continue to air fry for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the pretzel crust is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Repeat this process with any remaining tenders. Serve these golden delights immediately with your preferred dipping sauces, such as the initial honey mustard mixture, a spicier hot honey mustard, or classic Dijon mustard. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Oven Baking Method (for equally delicious results): If you prefer baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet. Follow Steps 1-4 for coating the chicken. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with a golden brown crust. The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken, so always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Pretzel Crusted Chicken

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of my favorite suggestions:

• Fresh and Vibrant Salads: A crisp salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken, adding essential nutrients and helping you feel perfectly full. Consider serving these tenders with a bright Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts, a hearty Mediterranean Bean Salad, an Easy Lebanese Salad, or a classic Italian Salad.
• Nutrient-Rich Vegetable Side Dishes: Adding vegetables is an effortless way to boost the nutritional value of your meal. We often enjoy these tenders with simple yet delicious sides like Roasted Broccoli, earthy Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower, or crisp Skillet Green Beans.
• Comforting Potato Dishes: Potatoes are a perennial favorite at our dinner table and make an excellent accompaniment. Some go-to options include creamy Smashed Gouda Potatoes, flavorful Spicy Lebanese Potatoes, or perfectly crispy Crispy Garlic Roasted Potatoes.
• Homemade Dipping Sauces: While we’ve mentioned honey mustard, don’t limit yourself! A quick homemade ranch dressing, a zesty cilantro-lime dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo can elevate the experience.

Maximizing Freshness: Storage and Reheating Tips

To ensure your pretzel crusted chicken remains delicious and crispy, proper storage and reheating are key:

• Refrigeration: Any leftover chicken tenders should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will maintain their quality for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating for Crispness: To revive that delightful crunch, avoid the microwave! The best way to reheat leftovers is in your air fryer or a skillet. Place the tenders in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Alternatively, reheat them in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for a few minutes per side until hot and crunchy.
• Freezing (Cooked): If you wish to freeze cooked tenders, allow them to cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. They can be stored for up to 2-3 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer or oven until thoroughly heated and crispy.

By Julia Jolliff

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Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
• 1/2 cup honey mustard dressing
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp. paprika, divided
• 1 tsp. garlic powder, divided
• 1/2 tsp. pepper, divided
• 1 cup regular bread crumbs (or panko for extra crisp)
• 2 cups everything bagel seasoned thin pretzels (or regular thin pretzels), finely crushed
• Spray oil (olive or avocado)
• Honey mustard, for dipping

Instructions

1. In a shallow dish, whisk together ½ cup honey mustard dressing, 2 eggs, ½ tsp. paprika, ½ tsp. garlic powder, and ¼ tsp. pepper.
2. Add your chicken tenders to the egg mixture to coat thoroughly.
3. Crush the pretzels to a fine consistency using a food processor or by placing them in a bag and using a rolling pin.
4. In a separate shallow dish, mix the crushed pretzels with the bread crumbs and the remaining ½ tsp. paprika, ½ tsp. garlic powder (or garlic salt), and ¼ tsp. pepper.
5. Coat each tender generously in the pretzel mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Set aside.
6. For Air Frying: Spray the inside of your air fryer basket with oil. Place chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5-6 minutes, flip, and air fry for another 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown. Repeat with remaining tenders.
7. To Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a baking sheet. Place the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet. Spray the tops of the tenders with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown, and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve immediately with honey mustard dipping sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

• You can use any pretzels you prefer. Smaller pretzels (twists or sticks) are generally easier to crush to a fine consistency.
• For a gluten-free version, simply use certified gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs.
• To make ahead, prepare and coat the chicken tenders, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Nutrition (Approximate per serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on ingredients and preparation.