Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken tender that's packed with irresistible flavor - a magical combination of sharp cheddar, tangy Dijon mustard, and crunchy pretzel coating. These aren't just ordinary chicken tenders; they're a culinary adventure that transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup pretzel crumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will be your dry dredging station.
- In another shallow dish, beat the two eggs until well combined. This will be your egg wash.
- In a third shallow dish, mix together the pretzel crumbs and shredded cheddar cheese. This will be your coating mixture.
- Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the chicken tender in the pretzel and cheddar mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
- Once all the chicken tenders are coated, drizzle the Dijon mustard evenly over the top of each tender for added flavor.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is recommended.
- Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help keep them juicy.
- Serve your Cheddar Dijon Baked Pretzel Chicken Tenders warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or honey mustard, and enjoy!
Tips
- Use fresh, finely crushed pretzels for the most consistent and crunchiest coating
- Pat chicken tenders dry before dredging to help the coating stick better
- Don't skip the resting time after baking - it helps retain moisture and makes the chicken more tender
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F for food safety
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil before baking
- Experiment with different pretzel types - whole wheat, salted, or flavored pretzels can add unique twists
- Serve immediately for maximum crunch and flavor impact
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 130mg
