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Savor the irresistible crunch of our gourmet Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders! Immerse your taste buds in a symphony of golden-brown perfection, where tender, juicy chicken meets a symphony of savory, oven-baked pretzel goodness.
Pretzel crusted chicken tenders are a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly blends irresistible flavors and simplicity. These delectable delights start with succulent chicken strips, generously coated in a crispy, golden-brown pretzel crust. What makes them truly special is how easy they are to make – a quick, hassle-free recipe that even novice chefs can conquer with ease.
With their delightful combination of tender chicken and the satisfying crunch of pretzel coating, these tenders are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone in the family craving for more. Elevate your dinner game with a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy – pretzel crusted chicken tenders are a surefire hit that will leave smiles on every face at the table.
Ingredients Needed
- Pretzels – You’ll need pretzel twists as a key ingredient. These twisted pretzels will be crushed or ground into fine crumbs, providing the crispy and flavorful coating that makes this dish so irresistible.
- Parmesan Cheese – When combined with crushed pretzels, grated parmesan cheese forms a delightful coating that’s both cheesy and crunchy. The Parmesan cheese enhances the overall flavor and adds a rich, savory dimension to this delectable dish.
- Spices – You’ll need a blend of spices like paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. These aromatic seasonings infuse your chicken with a burst of flavor, creating a tantalizing taste sensation that perfectly complements the crispy pretzel coating.
- Eggs – Before achieving their crunchy perfection, the chicken tenders are first coated in beaten eggs. This step ensures that the pretzel mixture adheres to the chicken, creating a firm and flavorful crust.
- Chicken Tenderloins – You’ll need chicken tenderloins. These lean and tender cuts of chicken are ideal for making pretzel-crusted chicken tenders, as they cook quickly and evenly while maintaining their juicy texture.
- Sauce – The dipping sauce is a tantalizing blend of flavors, where the sweetness of Honey harmonizes with the tangy notes of Apple Cider Vinegar. Infused with a hint of Garlic Powder and the savory touch of Onion Powder.
How to Make Pretzel Crusted Chicken
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 425º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pretzel coating. In a food processor, combine the pretzels, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pulse until it forms into a fine crumb with some pretzel chunks remaining. Pour the coating into a large bowl.
- Beat the eggs. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them together until just mixed.
- Coat the chicken tenders. Dredge each chicken tender into the beaten eggs and then place it into the pretzel crumb mixture. For a thicker coating repeat the process before placing the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Drizzle each chicken tender with olive oil before placing the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 23 – 25 minutes or until the outer pretzel layer is crisp.
- Make the sauce. While the chicken tenders are cooking prepare the sauce by whisking the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder together.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy crust, consider dipping the chicken in the beaten eggs and pretzel mixture twice.
- Baking Rack: Place a baking rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation under the chicken tenders. This helps them stay crispy all around.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the tenders in the oven to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Fresh: These tenders are best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crispiness. They also taste delicious dunked into some Copycat Chick-Fil-A Sauce.
Storage Information
To store pretzel-crusted chicken tenders properly and maintain their texture and flavor, follow these steps:
- Refrigerate Leftovers – Place the tenders in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure they are well-sealed to prevent moisture from getting in. If you need to stack the tenders in the container, place a layer of parchment paper or wax paper between them to prevent sticking. Store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat Carefully – When reheating, use an oven or toaster oven to help maintain the crispiness. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
- Freezing (Optional) – If you want to store them for an extended period, you can freeze pretzel-crusted chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bags, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing – When ready to use frozen tenders, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This helps prevent moisture buildup and maintains the texture.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Indulge in the captivating crunch of our gourmet Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders! Let your palate be enveloped by the harmony of golden-brown excellence, where succulent, tender chicken harmoniously dances with the symphony of savory, oven-baked pretzel delight.
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Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 450kcal
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or silicone baking mat
Ingredients
- 6 cups Pretzel Twists
- 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 2 – 3 large Eggs beaten
- 2 lbs Chicken Tenderloins
- Olive Oil for drizzling
Honey Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup Honey
- 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat the oven to 425º F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the pretzel coating. In a food processor, combine the pretzels, grated parmesan cheese, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pulse until it forms into a fine crumb with some pretzel chunks remaining. Pour the coating into a large bowl.
- Beat the eggs. Crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them together until just mixed.
- Coat the chicken tenders. Dredge each chicken tender into the beaten eggs and then place it into the pretzel crumb mixture. For a thicker coating repeat the process before placing the coated chicken tender onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Drizzle each chicken tender with olive oil before placing the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 23 – 25 minutes or until the outer pretzel layer is crisp.
- Make the sauce. While the chicken tenders are cooking prepare the sauce by whisking the honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder together.
Notes
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy crust, consider dipping the chicken in the beaten eggs and pretzel mixture twice.
- Baking Rack: Place a baking rack on a baking sheet to allow air circulation under the chicken tenders. This helps them stay crispy all around.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on the tenders in the oven to prevent overcooking. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Fresh: These tenders are best enjoyed immediately after baking for maximum crispiness.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 450kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 166mg | Sodium: 875mg | Potassium: 756mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 13g | Vitamin A: 782IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 111mg | Iron: 3mg
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