Pretzel Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Pretzel chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce are simple and easy, no doubt about it. These are great for kids, snacks or an appetizer on game night.

Pretzel Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Skip the breadcrumbs because you can use crushed pretzels instead to make chicken tenders. This recipe is kid-friendly but adults love these too. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for delicious finger food.

Note: If you like this idea, then here’s another recipe to make crispy chicken tenders with crushed tortilla chips!

The secret to crispy chicken tenders in the oven is with a baking rack. This allows the heat to circulate all around the chicken at the same time, no need to flip them. A baking rack is so useful in the kitchen for a variety of dishes including bacon potato slices.

What Are Chicken Tenders?

Chicken tenders are actually parts of the chicken that are attached to the underside of each chicken breast. They’re a smaller cut of chicken.

Technically, every chicken has only two chicken tenders. However, you can also make a version of chicken tenders by using the whole chicken breast and slicing it into thin strips.

>> Need more inspiration? Grab my Easy Healthy Meals Success Kit! Includes 12 healthy eating guides, done-for-you meal plans, and recipes.

Pretzel Chicken Strips Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• 1 ½ lbs Chicken Tenders – You can use chicken fillets or chicken tenders depending on what’s available at your grocery store.
• 5 oz Salted Pretzels (140 g) – Look for salted pretzels, any brand will work. > Buy Organic Pretzels Here.
• 1 cup Mayonnaise – You can use regular mayonnaise or a dairy-free version. I love avocado mayonnaise. > Buy Avocado Mayonnaise Here.
• ¼ cup Milk – Regular milk, almond milk, coconut milk or oat milk will all work. I used coconut milk. > Buy Coconut Milk Here.

Pretzel Dipping Sauce:

These tenders taste best with dipping sauce! This is a simple homemade sauce you can make:

• 4 Tbsp Honey Mustard – Adds the perfect sweetness. > Buy Honey Mustard Here.
• 2 Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard > Buy Whole Grain Mustard Here.
• 2 Tbsp Mayonnaise – Any kind of mayonnaise will work. I like to use avocado mayonnaise. > Buy Avocado Mayonnaise Here.
• 1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar – You can also use lemon juice or white vinegar. > Buy Apple Cider Vinegar Here.

GET MY KITCHEN FAVORITES LIST – Get my full kitchen shopping list here including how I stock my pantry, fill my fridge, and what equipment I prefer to use in the kitchen.

Recipe Cost = $14.50

The chicken tenders cost me $11, pretzels were $2, and other ingredients about $1.50 (prices will vary slightly depending on where you live). 

Grocery Shopping Tip: If you like to save money at the store, here are my 7 ways to save money on your grocery bill and still eat healthily.

Kitchen Equipment I Used

Here’s the equipment I used to make this recipe:

• Food Processor – Used to blend pretzels into a flour texture. > Buy Food Processor Here.
• Nordic Ware Baking Rack – A baking rack is the easiest way to get crispy chicken strips because hot air circulates on all sides. > Buy Nordic Ware Baking Rack Here.
• Silicone Spatula – These are handy for any recipe. > Buy Silicone Spatula Here.

>> Grab my Easy Healthy Meals Success Kit! A highly successful meal system filled to the brim with healthy eating resources that will teach you how to make easy healthy meals throughout the week, plan your breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and so much more!

How To Make Pretzel Chicken Tenders

Here’s an overview of how to make it with the full recipe instructions at the bottom of this blog post.

1. Prep – Preheat the oven to 450°F. Pulse pretzels in a food processor until it creates a flour-like texture and pour into a large dish. In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise and milk.
2. Make – Dip one chicken tender in the milk mixture and shake off excess. Add chicken to the pretzels crumbs and coat all sides. Shake off excess then place on baking rack. Repeat with the rest of the chicken tenders. Lightly coat the outsides of the strips with cooking spray.
3. Bake – Bake for 18-23 minutes, or until outsides are golden and internal temperature is 165°F.
4. Serve – Mix together the sauce: honey mustard, whole grain mustard, mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar. Serve warm chicken tenders with the dipping sauce and enjoy!

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container and reheated in the oven.

Pretzel Chicken Tenders Tips

• Shake off excess pretzel crumbs before adding to the baking rack, otherwise they can have an excess flour.
• Spray the tops of the the chicken strips before baking. This helps to make them crispier.
• These strips definitely need a dipping sauce! You can use regular honey mustard, barbecue sauce, hot sauce or the pretzel dipping sauce I made in the recipe below.

More Chicken Recipes

• Maple Garlic Chicken Tenders – Simple yet flavorful, it’s a family favorite.
• Tortilla Chip Chicken Tenders – Crunchy coating is made from crushed tortilla chips and pumpkin seeds.
• Sweet and Sour Chicken Bites – So effortless and tasty. My family happily gobbled this right up.
• Baked Parmesan Chicken Wings – Parmesan makes the perfect crunchy coating.