Craving something crispy, kid-friendly, and absolutely delicious? Make these easy Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders with honey mustard! Baked or Air Fryer!
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
Directions
- 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).
- 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.
- When ready to bake, preheat oven to 425F.
- 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.
- Add egg to the marinating chicken and mix well to coat.
- 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.
- 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.
- Serve with remaining honey mustard.
- 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.
