Description
This Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tender recipe delivers crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a flavorful pretzel crust. Perfect as a snack or meal, these tenders are fried for a crunchy exterior and tender, juicy inside, making them irresistible with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (for frying), enough to fill skillet 2 inches deep
For Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cups crushed pretzels
Main Ingredient
- 1¼ pounds chicken tenderloins
To Serve
- Mustard, ketchup, or preferred dipping sauce
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over low-medium heat until the temperature reaches 365°F, ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying.
- Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dried parsley, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Set this mixture aside.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. Set aside for coating the chicken.
- Prepare Pretzel Coating: Place the crushed pretzels in a third shallow bowl and set aside, ready for the final coating step.
- Coat Chicken: Take one chicken tenderloin at a time and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the tender into the crushed pretzels, pressing gently so the pretzels stick firmly to the chicken.
- Fry Chicken Tenders: Working in batches of 2-3 tenders, carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain and Keep Crispy: Remove the fried tenders from the oil using tongs and place them on a cooling rack. This allows excess oil to drain and keeps the crust crispy instead of soggy.
- Repeat Frying: Continue coating and frying the remaining chicken tenders in batches, ensuring the oil temperature remains consistent throughout.
- Serve: Garnish the crispy pretzel crusted chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of mustard, ketchup, or other favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Ensure the oil reaches 365°F to get a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet during frying to maintain consistent temperature and even cooking.
- Press pretzels firmly onto the chicken to prevent them from falling off during frying.
- Use a cooling rack instead of paper towels to keep chicken crispy.
- Can be served with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
