Description
These Pretzel Crusted Chicken Bites offer a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic chicken bites, coated in crushed pretzels for an irresistible texture and baked to a golden crisp. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a tasty protein boost for salads, this easy oven-baked recipe delivers a satisfying dish with simple ingredients and minimal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 and 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders
Coating
- 1/2 cup whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups finely crushed pretzels (or more, as needed)
Finishing
- Nonstick spray such as PAM, olive oil spray, or coconut oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with a silicone baking mat or generously coating it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken breasts, pound them down to an even thickness and cut into bite-sized 1 to 1.5 inch pieces. If using chicken tenders, simply cut them into similar sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Set up the Coating Stations: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, salt, and pepper. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the crushed pretzels.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip each piece into the beaten eggs, allowing extra to drip off. Then roll each piece generously in the crushed pretzels, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Add more crushed pretzels if needed. Place the coated bites on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray for Crispiness: Lightly spray the top of each pretzel-coated chicken bite with nonstick spray. This helps seal the coating and ensures it bakes into a crispy crust rather than remaining raw.
- Bake: Bake the chicken bites for 8 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece over and bake for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, or until the outside is crisp and the chicken is fully cooked through. Adjust baking time as needed for desired browning.
- Serve and Store: Serve warm with toothpicks and your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard or spicy cheese sauce. Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. These bites are also delicious chopped and added to salads for a crunchy protein boost.
Notes
- Use whole wheat flour or all-purpose flour depending on your preference.
- Press pretzel crumbs onto the chicken to ensure a hearty crust.
- Light nonstick spray helps crisp the coating but use sparingly to avoid sogginess.
- Check chicken bites for doneness by ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- These bites can be customized with different seasoning blends added to the flour mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheat nicely in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
