Get ready to transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience that will have everyone begging for seconds! These Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Imagine biting into a golden-brown, pretzel-coated chicken piece that's crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a show-stopping party snack, these chicken bites are about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are roughly 1-inch in size for consistent cooking.
- In a shallow dish, mix crushed pretzels with flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a well-seasoned coating mixture.
- Beat eggs in a separate shallow bowl, preparing them for dipping the chicken pieces.
- Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres properly.
- Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in the pretzel-flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Arrange coated chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure crispy edges.
- Bake in preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even browning and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow coating to set and chicken to retain moisture.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy aioli.
Tips
- Crushing Pretzels: For the ultimate crispy coating, crush pretzels into fine, even crumbs. Use a food processor or place pretzels in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for consistent texture.
- Dry Chicken is Key: Pat chicken pieces completely dry before coating to ensure the egg and pretzel mixture sticks perfectly.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked bites.
- Spacing is Crucial: Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Leave space between chicken bites to ensure they get crispy on all sides.
- Dipping Sauce Hack: Prepare multiple dipping sauces to add variety and keep things exciting. Try honey mustard, ranch, or create a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the coated chicken bites in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before baking, making meal prep a breeze.
- Leftover Magic: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container and reheat in the oven to maintain their crispy coating.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 120mg
