Crunchy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Zucchini Sticks
This delightful recipe for Crunchy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Cheesy Zucchini Sticks combines the satisfying crunch of pretzel-coated chicken with tender, flavorful zucchini coated in the same irresistible crust. Accompanied by a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, making it a fun and hearty meal that everyone will love. Inspired by Rachael Ray's easy cooking style, this dish is not only delicious but also quick to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy great flavors without spending too much time in the kitchen.
4
Servings
550
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
Flour
2 tablespoons (all-purpose)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (low-sodium)
Milk
1/2 cup (whole or 2%)
Sharp cheddar cheese
8 ounces (shredded)
Spicy brown mustard
2 tablespoons
Salt
to taste
Pepper
to taste
Whole grain pretzels
12 ounces (finely ground)
Dried thyme
2 teaspoons
Large eggs
4 (beaten)
Zucchini
2 (halved crosswise and cut into sticks)
Chicken tenders
1.5 lbs
Extra virgin olive oil
3/4 cup (for frying)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy.
2
Sprinkle in the flour, whisking continuously for about 1 minute until well combined.
3
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly until the mixture begins to bubble.
4
Once bubbling, reduce the heat to low and incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and spicy brown mustard, stirring until smooth.
5
Season the cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
6
Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the cooked items warm later.
7
In a food processor, finely grind the whole grain pretzels until they resemble breadcrumbs, then transfer them to a shallow bowl and mix in the dried thyme.
8
In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well blended.
9
Begin with the zucchini: dip each stick into the pretzel crumbs, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the pretzel crumbs for a double coating.
10
Repeat the process with the chicken tenders - coating them in the same manner.
11
In a large skillet, heat 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
12
Carefully add the coated chicken tenders in batches, cooking each batch for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and firm to the touch.
13
Using a slotted spoon, drain the cooked chicken on paper towels, keeping them warm in the preheated oven on a baking sheet.
14
Next, repeat the frying process with the zucchini sticks, adding more olive oil as necessary for frying.
15
Once everything is cooked, serve the crunchy chicken tenders and cheesy zucchini sticks hot with the warm cheese sauce for dipping.
Nutrition Information
37.5
Fat
40
Carbs
30
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Crunchy Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders served with Cheesy Zucchini Sticks.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 550 calories.
What is used to create the crunchy coating for the chicken and zucchini?
The coating is made from 12 ounces of finely ground whole grain pretzels mixed with dried thyme.
What type of cheese is used for the dipping sauce?
The sauce uses 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How is the zucchini prepared for this dish?
Two zucchini should be halved crosswise and then cut into sticks before being double-coated and fried.
What is the recommended cooking temperature for the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 250 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the cooked items warm.
What ingredients are needed for the cheese sauce base?
The base consists of butter, all-purpose flour, low-sodium chicken broth, and whole or 2% milk.
How long should the chicken tenders be fried?
The chicken tenders should be cooked for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and firm.
What type of oil is used for frying?
The recipe calls for extra virgin olive oil for frying the chicken and zucchini.
Is there a specific technique for coating the chicken and zucchini?
Yes, a double coating process is used: dip the items into pretzel crumbs, then into beaten eggs, and back into the pretzel crumbs.
What flavor of mustard is added to the cheese sauce?
Two tablespoons of spicy brown mustard are added to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
How many eggs are required for the breading process?
The recipe requires 4 large eggs, beaten.
What seasoning is added to the ground pretzels?
Two teaspoons of dried thyme are mixed into the pretzel crumbs.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 30 grams of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 37.5 grams of fat.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
A single serving contains 40 grams of carbohydrates.
Whose cooking style inspired this recipe?
The dish is inspired by Rachael Ray's easy and quick cooking style.
How should the cooked chicken be handled while the zucchini is frying?
The cooked chicken should be drained on paper towels and kept warm on a baking sheet in the preheated oven.
Should the chicken broth be regular or low-sodium?
The recipe specifies using low-sodium chicken broth.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is melting butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until it becomes foamy.
How do you achieve the pretzel 'breadcrumb' texture?
You should use a food processor to finely grind the whole grain pretzels.
Can I use any type of milk for the sauce?
The recipe suggests using either whole or 2% milk.
What are the suggested tags for this recipe?
Suggested tags include chicken, zucchini, pretzel crust, family meal, crispy, easy recipe, and comfort food.
How much chicken is needed in total?
The recipe requires 1.5 lbs of chicken tenders.
How do you finish the cheese sauce after adding the cheese and mustard?
Stir until smooth, season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
Is the zucchini fried before or after the chicken?
The chicken is fried first, followed by the zucchini sticks.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of butter.
What is the preparation for the flour?
The flour should be all-purpose and whisked into the melted butter for about 1 minute.
What is the final serving suggestion?
Serve the crunchy chicken tenders and zucchini sticks hot with the warm cheese sauce for dipping.