Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce Recipe

These Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce are crispy, golden-crusted chicken tenders baked to crunchy perfection and served with an insanely cheesy, tangy dipping sauce you’ll want to eat by the spoonful. If you love that classic sweet-salty combination, get ready—this recipe will become your newest obsession!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed how a handful of everyday ingredients can totally elevate Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce. Each component plays its own role, from adding crunch and color to bringing out that signature tangy-sweet bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love every bit.

• Crushed Salted Pretzel Twists: The secret weapon for crispiness and that signature pretzel flavor. The salt crystals add an extra pop of flavor.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These two bring a subtle savory backbone that makes every bite more addictive.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a little warmth and color—not spicy, just deeply flavorful.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For balance and to wake up all the other flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour or Gluten-Free Flour: Helps the crumbs stick and gives the coating substance—use whichever suits your needs!
• Large Egg: Acts as the glue for the pretzel crust, ensures even coverage.
• Boneless Chicken Tenders: Super kid-friendly and cook up quickly, but you can slice chicken breasts if needed.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A little drizzle on top helps everything crisp up beautifully in the oven.
• Salted Butter: The starting point for your silky cheese sauce, because everything’s better with butter.
• Cider (Hard or Apple): This gives your sauce a tangy complexity—milk works too if you want it ultra creamy.
• Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty, flavorful, and perfect for dipping. Go sharp for extra punch!
• Dijon Mustard & Honey: These two add tang and sweetness—the classic combo in your sauce.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a dash for a gently spicy little kick—you can leave it out if you’re spice-shy.

Variations

Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce are tailor-made for tweaking to suit your crowd. Whether you want to change up the flavors, sneak in more heat, or make them fit a dietary need, there are so many ways to make this recipe your own.

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne or some crushed red pepper flakes to the pretzel mix if you love a little heat.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap both the flour and pretzels for certified gluten-free versions—no flavor lost, just all the fun.
• Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a blend of cheeses to mix up the sauce flavor profile.
• Bake or Air Fry: These chicken fingers are delicious baked, but the air fryer method makes them even crispier in less time.

How to Make Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce.

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F—a hot oven is the secret to a crunchy coating without the fuss of deep frying. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to keep the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Crush and Mix Your Pretzel Coating

Finely crush your salted pretzel twists until you have coarse, sandy crumbs (a zip-top bag and rolling pin work wonders here!). Mix them in a shallow bowl with the onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and flour. This blend is the flavor-packed armor for your chicken.

Step 3: Egg Bath and Dredging

Crack your egg into a separate bowl and whisk until well-beaten. Add the chicken tenders and toss so every piece gets a glossy, sticky coating—this helps the pretzels cling tight. Now, dredge each piece through the pretzel mixture, pressing well so every side is thoroughly coated and crunchy.

Step 4: Arrange and Drizzle

Lay the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet. Don’t crowd them! Drizzle the tops with a little olive oil for guaranteed crispiness and that mouthwatering golden finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Crisp

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pretzels are gorgeously browned. Flip the fingers halfway for extra crunch on all sides—the aroma will be deliciously irresistible.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the chicken is baking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in your cider (or milk) until smooth and bubbling. Remove from the heat and stir in cheese, Dijon, honey, and cayenne, mixing until melty and luscious. This sauce transforms the meal into pure dippable heaven!

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Arrange the crispy Pretzel Chicken Fingers on a platter and pour the warm honey mustard cheese sauce into a bowl on the side. Dive in, dip generously, and experience the sweet-salty-cheesy goodness that makes this recipe unforgettable.

How to Serve Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce.

Garnishes

For that final flourish, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the chicken fingers. A few twists of black pepper or extra pinch of smoked paprika make both the tenders and the cheese sauce pop visually and flavor-wise!

Side Dishes

These Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce are delicious on their own, but a platter feels extra special with crisp apple slices, oven fries, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad alongside for contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve the chicken fingers in a basket lined with parchment and portion the honey mustard cheese sauce into mini ramekins. Skewer the cooked chicken pieces on sticks for an appetizer spread, or build the ultimate chicken finger platter with colorful veggies and extra pretzels for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pretzel Chicken Fingers and cheese sauce can be kept in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce and chicken apart to keep the coating as crisp as possible.

Freezing

Freeze the baked (and fully cooled) chicken fingers in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. For the cheese sauce, freeze in a freezer-safe bag—just know it may need a vigorous stir after thawing, as cheese sauces can sometimes split.

Reheating

To re-crisp the chicken, bake the fingers on a rack or a parchment-lined tray at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, or until hot. Gently warm the honey mustard cheese sauce in a saucepan over low heat, whisking well—if it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or cider.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Whether you need a family-friendly dinner everyone will cheer for or a fun, snackable party plate, Pretzel Chicken Fingers with Honey Mustard Cheese Sauce deliver unbeatable flavor and crunch. Give this easy recipe a go—you’ll be amazed how quickly these little bites disappear!

Print