Sheet Pan Pretzel Chicken Nuggets

Jump to Recipe

Everybody loves chicken nuggets, from kiddos to adults! However, we’re not so crazy about the fried or frozen options. I’m excited to offer a homemade, healthier version that gives CRUNCH a new meaning. My golden chicken nuggets are baked, not fried, and are crusted with pretzels. You can’t get any crunchier than pretzels! The crust stays crispy, while the chicken inside is moist and tender. I first made these for game-day. I was tired of the standard fare of chicken wings and sliders and was ready to try something different.

I live in Tampa, Florida. If you watch any professional sports, football, baseball, or hockey, you know my Tampa teams ROCK! Last season, we won the Big Game, the Stanley Cup, and the American League Champs. Needless to say, I make a lot of game-day food!! Naturally, it has to impress my guests while keeping me, the hostess, happy and stress-free, so I can enjoy the game too. These easy chicken nuggets are a winner!

As always, preheating the oven is necessary. In this case, preheat to 425°F. Line two baking sheet/pans with aluminum foil or parchment paper – either will work and lightly coat with the cooking spray.

These yummy bites are made with crunchy mini pretzels, skinless, boneless chicken thighs, and sweet/tangy honey mustard. Crushing the pretzels is the first step. This can be accomplished in two different ways. I’ve done it manually by putting the pretzels in a ziplock plastic bag and pounding the daylights out of them with a rolling pin (a meat mallet also works). While this is a great way to take out any pent-up aggression, it takes longer than you think it will, and the plastic bag has a tendency to tear. I ended up double bagging the pretzels.

As much as I am fond of using plastic bags because of the easy clean-up, I found it much quicker and easier to use a food processor to pulverize the pretzels. There was less mess, and it took seconds. The end result is the same, so use whatever method you prefer. Transfer the crushed pretzels to a shallow bowl. A pie pan/tin/plate is the perfect shape and size.

The chicken needs to be cut into bite-size pieces. I chose chicken thighs for their tenderness and flavor. However, boneless breasts can also be used. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. It then needs to be coated with flour so that the mustard sauce can better adhere to the chicken.

While a bowl will work, for this, I absolutely prefer using a plastic bag. Place the seasoned chicken in the plastic bag (or bowl), add the flour, and gently shake to coat it.

In another shallow bowl or, better yet, pie pan, whisk up the eggs and honey mustard.

Dip each chicken piece in honey mustard mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll in pretzels, pressing in the pretzels with your fingers.

Transfer to prepared baking sheet/pans in an even single layer and spray generously with cooking spray. Canola spray or olive oil spray works best. If you’ve only used non-stick spray to prevent food from sticking to a pan, this is a nifty kitchen hack! The chicken benefits from a light coating of oil to create a crispy coating without drowning it in oil. Bake the nuggets for 8 minutes.

Turn chicken and cook another 8-10 minutes until it’s cooked through and pretzels are golden brown. Serve chicken with a side of honey mustard for dipping. Ranch dressing is also delicious!

If you like a kick of heat, lightly dust the nuggets with cayenne powder. Roasted Potato, Asparagus, and Radish Salad with Herby Dressing perfectly pairs with these crunchy bites. Besides being great game-day eats, Sheet Pan Pretzel Chicken Nuggets also great chopped up in salads or as a lunch or dinner.