Copycat Parker's – Pretzel Chicken Strips Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade pretzel-crusted chicken strips that rival Parker's famous version! This easy baking recipe features tender chicken coated in crushed pretzels for incredible crunch. A family-friendly weeknight dinner that's simple to prepare but delivers restaurant-quality results.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g chicken breast fillets, cut into strips</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g pretzels (hard sourdough type)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g all-purpose flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml milk</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp onion powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml vegetable oil or cooking spray</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 320 calories

🥑 Fat: 10 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 24 g

🍭 Sugar: 2 g

🍗 Protein: 32 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 135 mg

🧂 Sodium: 580 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Food processor or resealable bag and rolling pin</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Wire cooling rack</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a wire rack on top of the baking sheet – this elevates the chicken strips allowing hot air to circulate underneath, resulting in a crispier coating on all sides.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Place the pretzels in a food processor and pulse until they're broken down into fine crumbs with some small pieces remaining for texture. Alternatively, place pretzels in a resealable bag and crush with a rolling pin. The varying sizes of crumbs will create a more interesting texture on your finished chicken strips.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Set up your coating station with three shallow dishes: In the first dish, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). In the second dish, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined. In the third dish, spread your pretzel crumbs.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels – this is crucial for helping the coating adhere properly. Removing excess moisture ensures the flour sticks well to the chicken surface rather than turning gummy.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Dredge each chicken strip first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the pretzel crumbs, ensuring all sides are well coated. The pressure helps the crumbs adhere better to create that signature crunchy crust.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Arrange the coated chicken strips on the wire rack, leaving space between each piece to allow for even air circulation. Lightly drizzle or spray the strips with oil – this helps the coating brown beautifully and creates a crispier texture similar to frying, but with less fat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 74°C) and the pretzel coating is golden brown and crispy. Flip the strips halfway through cooking for even browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Let the chicken strips rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in juicier chicken strips. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Parker's - Pretzel Chicken Strips Recipe?

This recipe uses chicken breast fillets, pretzels (hard sourdough type), flour, eggs, milk, and seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. A little vegetable oil or cooking spray helps achieve that perfect golden crust.

How to cook Copycat Parker's - Pretzel Chicken Strips Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Parker's - Pretzel Chicken Strips by coating chicken strips in seasoned flour, dipping in an egg mixture, then pressing into crushed pretzel crumbs. Bake on a wire rack at 200°C for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden-brown and crispy with an internal temperature of 74°C. The elevated rack ensures all-around crispiness!

How do I prevent the pretzel coating from falling off my chicken strips?

Thoroughly pat the chicken dry before coating, press the pretzel crumbs firmly onto the chicken, and allow the coated strips to rest for 5-10 minutes before baking. Using the wire rack method and avoiding overcrowding on the baking sheet also helps maintain that perfect pretzel crust.

Can I make these pretzel-crusted chicken strips in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Air fry at 190°C for about 12-14 minutes, turning halfway through cooking. The air fryer provides excellent crispiness with even less oil. Just ensure you don't overcrowd the basket and spray the strips lightly with oil for that golden finish.

What are the best dipping sauces to serve with pretzel chicken strips?

Honey mustard is the classic pairing that complements the salty pretzel coating perfectly. Other excellent options include spicy sriracha mayo, sweet BBQ sauce, tangy ranch dressing, or a German-inspired beer cheese sauce that echoes the pretzel's Bavarian roots.

Want to try something else in ...