Looking for a crispy, kid-friendly treat that's totally delicious? Try making these Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders with honey mustard! You can bake them or use an Air Fryer—either way, they're a hit!

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Bake or air-fry these golden-brown Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders and pair them with homemade honey mustard for a sweet and tangy kick! Perfect for a back-to-school dinner or a game-day party, these tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone. If you're looking for more chicken tender recipes, check out my Air Fryer Chicken Tenders and BBQ Chicken Tenders, or try my Chicken Nugget recipes if those are more your style.

Kids Love Chicken Tenders!

I love making chicken tenders on busy weeknights because they’re the perfect size—no need to cut them up. They’re super easy to prepare and even more fun to eat! Just dip each tender in the honey mustard sauce for a delicious bite every time.

• Kid-Friendly: Chicken fingers are a surefire hit with kids
• Easy to Freeze: Make a double batch and stash half in the freezer for a quick meal later.
• Dietary Restrictions: These tenders are high in protein, Weight Watchers-friendly, and can be made dairy-free and gluten-free (just use GF pretzels and breadcrumbs).

                                                                                                                                                          

 What You’ll Need

What You’ll Need for Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up some pretzel-crusted chicken fingers with a honey mustard dip. Check out the recipe card at the bottom for the precise measurements.

• Honey Mustard Sauce: A simple mix of Dijon mustard, honey, onion powder, and salt brings together this tasty honey-mustard sauce.
• Chicken: You can grab pre-cut chicken tenders from the store or slice chicken breasts into strips if you prefer to make your own.
• Pretzels: I used Snyder’s mini pretzel sticks, but feel free to use any type you like. Just make sure to opt for gluten-free pretzels if that's what you need.
• Breadcrumbs help give the chicken a crispy coating along with the pretzel crumbs. You can also use gluten-free panko if that’s what you need.
• Seasoning: Garlic and onion powder add flavor to the crumbs.
• Egg helps the pretzel coating adhere to the chicken.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken Fingers

Homemade chicken fingers are definitely worth the extra effort—they taste amazing! Check out the recipe card below for all the details.

1. Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, mix together the mustard, honey, onion powder, and salt. Then, transfer a quarter cup of this mixture to a larger bowl.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the large bowl with the honey mustard for at least 15 minutes, or overnight if you have the time. After marinating, mix in the whisked egg.
3. Pretzel Crumb Mixture: Crush the pretzels into a coarse texture, then mix them with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and the remaining onion powder in a shallow dish.
4. Coat the Chicken Fingers: Press each tender into the crumb mixture, then arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
5. Bake the pretzel chicken fingers in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes per side.

Air Fryer Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders

For extra crispy chicken tenders, air fry them at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy.

Variations

• Breadcrumbs: You can use panko instead.
• Chicken Finger Sauce: Try dipping them in ketchup.
• Egg Allergy: Replace the egg with ¼ cup of olive oil.
• Gluten-Free Chicken Strips: Use gluten-free pretzels and breadcrumbs.

What to Serve with Pretzel Chicken Fingers

• Salads: Toss the chicken strips into a green salad and drizzle with the honey mustard as a dressing.
• Kid-Friendly Sides: Pair them with air fryer french fries, baked mac and cheese, roasted broccoli, or green beans.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Keep the chicken fingers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• How to Freeze: Cook the tenders as directed, let them cool, and then flash freeze. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container and store for up to 3 months.
• How to Reheat: Bake in a 400°F oven for 11 to 15 minutes or air fry at 360°F for 7 to 8 minutes.

                                                                                                                                             

Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Cals: 267 Protein: 28.5 Carbs: 18.5 Fat: 4.5

Looking for a crispy, kid-friendly treat that's totally delicious? Try making these Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders with honey mustard! You can bake them or use an Air Fryer—either way, they're a hit!

Course: Dinner, Lunch Cuisine: American

                                                                                                                                             

Prep: 15 mins Cook: 16 mins marinade time: 15 mins Total: 55 mins

                                                                                                                                             

Yield: 4 servings

Serving Size: 2 tenders, 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, 1 lb total
• 1 cup pretzels, I used Snyders mini pretzel sticks* gluten-free pretzels work fine too
• 1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, whisked

Instructions

1. In a small bowl combine Dijon mustard, honey, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt. Transfer 1/4 cup of the honey mustard to a large bowl and reserve the remaining (1/2 cup).
2. Add chicken tenders to the large bowl with 1/4 cup of honey mustard and marinate, 15 to 30 minutes minimum or as long as overnight.
3. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 425F.
4. Make pretzel breadcrumbs. Blend pretzels to a coarse, breadcrumb like texture and combine with breadcrumbs, garlic powder and remaining onion powder. Transfer to a shallow dish.
5. Add egg to the marinating chicken and mix well to coat.
6. Press each tender into the crumb mixture, slightly squeezing the breading onto each tender with the back of a fork to ensure it sticks and is well-coated
7. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment and cooking spray. Place coated tenders on the sheet and spray the tops with cooking spray as well. Bake 8 to 10 minutes in each side.
8. Serve with remaining honey mustard.
9. Air Fryer Method: Air fry 400F in an even layer, in batches as needed 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is cooked through and crispy and golden on the outside.

Last Step:

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Notes

*Breading before using: 1 cup / Breading tossed after: 3 tablespoons, this was subtracted from n.i.

Nutrition

Serving: 2 tenders, 2 tablespoons honey mustard sauce, Calories: 267 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18.5 g, Protein: 28.5 g, Fat: 4.5 g, Saturated Fat: 1 g, Cholesterol: 129.5 mg, Sodium: 865.5 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g, Sugar: 9.5 g