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Crispy Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken Tenders: Easy 30-Min Dinner

honey mustard pretzel chicken tenders - featured image
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These crispy honey mustard pretzel chicken tenders are a quick and easy 30-minute dinner made with simple ingredients. The salty pretzel crunch and sweet-tangy honey mustard glaze create an irresistible comfort food that’s perfect for weeknights or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cups pretzels, crushed (about 4 ounces)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Extra honey mustard for dipping (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Crush the pretzels. Place 2 cups of pretzels in a zip-top bag and seal it, removing as much air as possible. Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy pan to crush them into coarse crumbs. Transfer the crushed pretzels to a shallow bowl and stir in the Parmesan if using.
  3. Make the honey mustard mixture. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp yellow mustard, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Prep the chicken. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, cut them into strips about 1 inch wide. Season them lightly with a pinch of salt.
  5. Double-dip for maximum flavor. Take a chicken tender and dip it into the honey mustard mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let any excess drip off, then place it in the pretzel crumbs. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken, making sure every bit is covered. Place the coated tender on the wire rack. Repeat with the remaining chicken.
  6. Bake to golden perfection. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let them rest. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tenders rest on the wire rack for 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve immediately. Transfer the tenders to a serving platter, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve with extra honey mustard for dipping.

Notes

Don’t skip the wire rack for maximum crispiness. Crush pretzels to a coarse texture—not too fine. Watch the salt since pretzels are already salty. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pretzels and certified gluten-free mustard. For dairy-free, skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, honey mustard, pretzel crusted, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, crispy chicken, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://lumalunch.com/crispy-honey-mustard-pretzel-chicken-tenders-easy-30-min-dinner/