Chicken is one of those types of foods that seems to find its way onto the menu on a regular basis. In fact, we may find that we are enjoying chicken several times per week. Not only is it delicious and full of protein, it can also be made in a wide variety of ways. Some of my favorites are fried chicken, baked and grilled chicken.
Although I have had chicken in almost any form imaginable, once I tried this pretzel crusted chicken bite recipe, it really took things to the next level. It’s a simple recipe, so you can throw it together in no time flat. What is better, however, is the fact that it is totally delicious so you are going to love it and your children are going to love it as well!
Ingredients:
For the chicken pretzel bites
1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups finely crushed pretzel thins (or more, as needed)
nonstick spray
For the honey mustard sauce
1/4 cup mayo
1 tablespoon mustard
1/2 tablespoon dijon
1 tablespoon honey
Directions:
For the chicken pretzel bites, preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or coat heavily with nonstick spray.
If using chicken breasts, pound down and cut into little 1-1.5 inch pieces. If using boneless, skinless chicken tenders, simply cut into 1-1.5 inch pieces.
Combine flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Crush pretzels in a ziploc bag.
Beat eggs in another shallow dish. Pour pretzels into a third shallow dish. Coat each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip in egg and let any excess drip off. Then generously roll in the pretzels, shaking off any excess. Add more crushed pretzels to the dish if you are running low.
Place the chicken bites on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray each with nonstick spray to “seal” the breading, which will prevent the breading from staying raw and allows it to bake onto the chicken tenders.
Bake for 8 minutes. Turn each piece over and continue baking until the outside is crisp and the centers are cooked through, about 6-8 minutes more. Baking times may vary, just make sure yours are cooked through. If you like them more brown, bake longer.
To make the honey mustard sauce, combine all ingredients in a bowl and serve.
Serve chicken bites with toothpicks (if using as an appetizer), and honey mustard to dip.