Description
These crispy honey mustard pretzel-crusted chicken tenders are quick, easy, and packed with a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and juicy chicken. Ideal for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or kid-friendly dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds fresh, boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or thinly sliced chicken breast)
- 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce
- 2 cups pretzels, crushed coarsely
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil or avocado oil for frying
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and set aside.
- Crush the pretzels coarsely using a food processor or rolling pin inside a zip-top bag and transfer to a shallow bowl.
- In another shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk the eggs in a third bowl until smooth.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
- Coat the floured chicken with honey mustard, allowing excess to drip off.
- Press the honey mustard-coated chicken into the crushed pretzels, ensuring full coverage.
- Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet and let rest for 10 minutes to set the crust.
- Heat oil in a heavy skillet to about 1/4 inch depth over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F).
- Fry the tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
- Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Pat chicken dry before coating to ensure crust sticks. Press pretzels firmly onto chicken. Rest coated tenders before cooking to set crust. Maintain medium-high oil temperature to avoid burning or sogginess. For a healthier option, bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4 tenders per
- Calories: 350400
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: chicken tenders, honey mustard, pretzel crust, crispy chicken, easy recipe, game-day snack, kid-friendly, quick dinner