Craving something crispy, kid-friendly, and absolutely delicious? Try these easy Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders served with a simple homemade honey mustard. They work great baked in the oven or crisped up in the air fryer for extra crunch.
Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders
These golden-brown pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are perfect for busy weeknights, back-to-school dinners, or game-day parties. The crunchy pretzel coating gives a satisfying texture while the honey mustard delivers a pleasing sweet-and-tangy flavor. The recipe is versatile: use store-bought chicken tenders or slice chicken breasts into strips, and adapt it for gluten-free diets by using GF pretzels and breadcrumbs.
Kids Love Chicken Tenders!
I often make chicken tenders on busy nights because they’re the right size—no cutting required—and they’re easy to prepare. Dip each tender in the honey mustard for the best bite. These freeze and reheat well, making them a convenient meal prep option.
- Kid-Friendly: A consistent crowd-pleaser.
- Easy to Freeze: Double the batch and freeze half for quick meals later.
- Dietary Options: High-protein, Weight Watchers–friendly, and can be dairy-free. Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs to make them gluten-free.
What You’ll Need
Pretzel Chicken Fingers Ingredients
Below are the ingredients for the pretzel-crusted chicken tenders and the honey mustard dip. Exact measurements are listed in the recipe section further down.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
- Chicken: Chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts).
- Pretzels: Mini pretzels or pretzel sticks, crushed. Use gluten-free pretzels if needed.
- Breadcrumbs: Plain breadcrumbs or gluten-free panko to help bind the pretzel crumbs.
- Seasoning: Garlic powder and onion powder to flavor the crumbs.
- Egg: One whisked egg to help the coating adhere.
How to Make Pretzel Chicken Fingers
Homemade chicken fingers are easy to prepare and far more flavorful than store-bought. Follow these steps for crisp, golden tenders. See the recipe card below for exact measurements and timing.
- Make the honey mustard: Whisk Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and a pinch of kosher salt until smooth. Reserve about 1/4 cup for marinating and keep the rest for serving.
- Marinate the chicken: Toss the tenders in the reserved honey mustard and let them sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor). When ready to coat, mix in the whisked egg so each tender is evenly coated.
- Prepare the pretzel crumbs: Pulse pretzels in a food processor to a coarse crumb, then mix with plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and remaining onion powder in a shallow dish.
- Coat the tenders: Press each marinated tender into the crumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs onto the surface so they adhere well.
- Bake: Arrange tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake at 400–425°F for about 8–10 minutes per side, until cooked through and golden brown.
Air Fryer Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders
For extra crispiness, air fry the coated tenders at 400°F for 5–6 minutes per side in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the exterior is golden and crunchy.
Variations
- Breadcrumbs: Swap plain breadcrumbs for panko for a lighter, airier crust.
- Sauces: Serve with ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce in addition to honey mustard.
- Egg alternatives: For an egg-free option, use 1/4 cup olive oil to help the coating stick.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
What to Serve with Pretzel Chicken Fingers
- Salads: Slice the tenders over a green salad and use the honey mustard as a dressing.
- Kid-Friendly Sides: Air fryer French fries, baked mac and cheese, roasted broccoli, or seasoned green beans all pair nicely.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Cook the tenders, cool completely, then flash-freeze on a tray. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 400°F oven for about 11–15 minutes or in an air fryer at 360°F for 7–8 minutes to restore crispness.
Recipe: Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard
Yield: 4 servings (about 8 tenders). Serving size: 2 tenders with 2 tablespoons honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon onion powder, divided
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 8 chicken tenders (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup pretzels, crushed
- 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 large egg, whisked
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Reserve about 1/4 cup of this honey mustard for marinating and keep the rest for serving.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the reserved 1/4 cup honey mustard and marinate for 15–30 minutes minimum, or up to overnight for more flavor.
- When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Make the pretzel breadcrumbs by pulsing pretzels to a coarse, breadcrumb-like texture. Combine with plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining onion powder in a shallow dish.
- Add the whisked egg to the marinated chicken and mix to coat evenly.
- Press each tender into the crumb mixture, using the back of a fork to press crumbs onto the surface so they stick well.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place the coated tenders on the sheet and spray the tops lightly. Bake 8–10 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Serve hot with the remaining honey mustard for dipping.
- Air Fryer option: Air fry at 400°F in a single layer, 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.
Notes
Breading amount will vary depending on whether you bread before or after cooking; adjust as needed.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 267 kcal; Carbohydrates: 18.5 g; Protein: 28.5 g; Fat: 4.5 g; Fiber: 0.5 g; Sugar: 9.5 g; Sodium: 865.5 mg; Cholesterol: 129.5 mg.
More Chicken Tender Ideas
- Baked chicken tenders with classic seasonings
- Pickle-brined baked chicken tenders for extra juiciness
- Sesame-encrusted or tortilla-encrusted chicken tenders for different textures
- Buffalo-style chicken strips for a spicy option