Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce. Recipe

If you love crispy, craveable bites with bold flavor and the ultimate creamy, tangy dip, Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce will absolutely win you over. Imagine juicy baked chicken tenders coated in a crunchy pretzel crust, served with a luscious, spiked cheese sauce you’ll want to slather on everything!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these familiar ingredients transform into something truly special! Each component brings something to the table—from the satisfying crunch of the pretzel coating, to the gooey, cheesy sauce that no one can resist.

• Finely crushed salted pretzel twists: The star of the show! They add unbeatable crunch and that delicious salty bite.
• Onion & garlic powder: Classic seasonings that create a well-rounded savory base for your breading.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a touch of warmth and smokiness, making the coating even more addictive.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning each layer so the flavors come alive.
• All-purpose or gluten-free flour: Helps the coating stick and keeps things golden and crunchy.
• Large egg: Acts as a glue so your pretzel crumbs actually stay put during baking.
• Boneless chicken tenders: Tender, juicy, and conveniently sized for snacking and dipping.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Drizzled just before baking, for a crispier crust (no frying required!).
• Salted butter: The rich base for a swoon-worthy cheese sauce.
• Hard cider or apple cider (or milk): Gives the sauce a fun, tangy twist—but milk works for a more mellow vibe.
• Shredded cheddar or Monterey jack cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that oozy, cheesy goodness.
• Dijon mustard: For depth and classic honey mustard zing.
• Honey: Balances the tang with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Cayenne pepper: Kicks up the flavor just enough to keep you coming back for more.

Variations

What I love most about these Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce is how easy they are to tweak to your taste. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things, whether you’re adapting for allergies or just switching up the flavors!

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Simply use GF pretzels and a gluten-free flour blend—the crunch stays, but it’s allergy-friendly!
• Heat Lovers’ Option: Toss a pinch of extra cayenne or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for seriously spicy dippers.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or smoked gouda in place of cheddar for a totally new take on the sauce.
• Chicken Swaps: This method works perfectly with pork tenderloin strips or thick-cut tofu for a meatless (but still totally satisfying) version.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper so cleanup is a total breeze and your chicken fingers don’t stick. The high heat guarantees your pretzel coating will crisp up beautifully.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

In a shallow bowl, mix together the crushed pretzels, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, a sprinkle of salt and black pepper, plus the flour. Crack your egg into another bowl, beat it well, then add the chicken tenders and toss to coat. This two-step process ensures every piece gets perfectly seasoned and sticks to all that crunchy goodness.

Step 3: Dredge and Arrange

One by one, lift each chicken tender from the egg (let any excess drip off), then press it into the pretzel mixture, turning to coat all sides generously. Lay the coated fingers onto your prepared baking sheet and give them a little space—they like their personal bubble for getting nice and crispy.

Step 4: Drizzle and Bake

Once all your chicken fingers are lined up, drizzle them with the olive oil. This quick trick mimics the golden crunch of frying, without the mess or heaviness! Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway if you like, until the crust is fabulously crisp and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce

While the chicken bakes, make your sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour and let it bubble for about a minute (this cooks out the raw taste). Slowly add the cider or milk, whisking to avoid lumps, then sprinkle in your cheese and stir until melty and smooth. Add Dijon, honey, and cayenne—taste and adjust for your perfect balance of sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy.

Step 6: Serve and Dip Away!

Pile your crispy Pretzel Chicken Fingers onto a big platter, pour that dreamy cheese sauce into a bowl, and get dipping. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot for the very best experience!

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce

Garnishes

For a burst of brightness, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your platter just before serving. A little extra smoked paprika dusted on top will make them beautiful and boost flavor—plus, it gives your Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce that extra pop for the table!

Side Dishes

Pair these crunchy chicken fingers with crisp apple slaw, classic baked fries, or roasted veggies for a balanced, comforting meal. They’re also right at home alongside a fresh garden salad or some sweet, juicy fruit to balance out the bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Go playful with serving: stack them vertically in a mason jar, arrange in a basket lined with wax paper, or skewer mini versions for party appetizers. Offer the honey mustard cheese sauce in individual ramekins, or create a dipping “flight” with extra mustards and hot honey on the side to make things extra fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, any leftover Pretzel Chicken Fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cheese sauce separately, tightly covered, to keep it smooth and creamy.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the baked chicken fingers in a single layer until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months! The cheese sauce can be portioned into small containers and frozen, though it may need a good whisking after thawing.

Reheating

Re-crisp chicken fingers in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through. Gently reheat the honey mustard cheese sauce over low heat on the stove, stirring often—add a splash of milk or cider if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to impress, woo a crowd, or simply treat yourself, Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce are the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for “just one more”—the combo is absolutely irresistible. Enjoy every bite, and happy dipping!

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