Ah, the humble chicken nugget—simple, yet brimming with potential. Imagine your classic nugget, but with a twist that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t try this sooner: a pretzel crust that crunches like autumn leaves underfoot. It’s like taking your taste buds on an unexpected adventure, where familiar comfort meets a delightful surprise.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with a silicone mat or coating it heavily with nonstick spray.
- If using chicken breasts, flatten them slightly and cut into 1 to 1.5-inch pieces. For chicken tenders, simply cut them into similar-sized pieces.
- In three separate shallow dishes, prepare the coating ingredients: mix flour, salt, and pepper in one dish; beat eggs in another; and place crushed pretzels in the third.
- Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken pieces in the pretzels, ensuring they are covered generously. Add more pretzels to the dish if needed.
- Arrange the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray them with nonstick spray to help the coating adhere and bake properly.
- Bake in the oven for 8 minutes, then flip each piece over and continue baking for another 6-8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crisp.
- Once done, serve the chicken bites with toothpicks for appetizers, alongside honey mustard or spicy cheese sauce. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
- 1/2 cup of whole wheat or all-purpose flour (measured and leveled)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 and 1/2 cups of finely crushed pretzels (or more, if needed)
- Nonstick spray such as PAM, olive oil spray, or coconut oil spray
FAQ
- Can I use different types of pretzels for the crust?
- Yes, you can use any type of pretzels you prefer, such as regular, whole wheat, or flavored varieties like Three Cheese Pretzel Thins. Just ensure they are finely crushed for the best coating.
- What is the purpose of the three-step coating process?
- The three-step process involves coating the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally crushed pretzels. The flour helps the egg to adhere to the chicken, while the egg ensures the pretzels stick firmly, creating a deliciously crunchy exterior.
- Can I prepare full-sized chicken fingers instead of bites?
- Absolutely, you can use the same recipe to make full-sized chicken fingers. Simply cut your chicken into strips instead of bite-sized pieces and follow the same coating and baking instructions.
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Leftover chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a 350°F (177°C) oven until warmed through.
- Is it possible to freeze the chicken bites for later use?
- Yes, you can freeze the baked chicken bites for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, bake the frozen bites at 350°F (177°C) for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through.
Tips
- For an extra crispy texture, crush pretzels in a large ziplock bag to avoid a messy cleanup and ensure that each piece is evenly coated.
- Use two hands to coat the chicken: one for dry ingredients and the other for wet ingredients. This method prevents the mixture from sticking to your fingers and reduces the need for constant hand washing.
- To maximize the pretzel coating on each chicken piece, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This not only enhances the texture but makes them perfect for serving as appetizers with toothpicks.
- If you’re making a larger batch or want leftovers, remember that these chicken bites freeze well. Reheat them in a 350°F (177°C) oven for about 20 minutes, ensuring they’re warmed through.
Equipment
- Silicone Baking Mat – Useful for lining the baking sheet and preventing sticking.
- Glass Mixing Bowls – For organizing the flour, eggs, and crushed pretzels during the coating process.
