Prep the Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Crush the pretzels into small pieces using a food processor or by placing them in a ziplock bag and rolling over with a rolling pin.
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed pretzels, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coating Station:
Set up a breading station. In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece first in the flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with the pretzel-Parmesan mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the chicken bites in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the chicken bites: Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Serve & Enjoy:
Remove from heat and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard! 🍯
Tips & Notes:
For Extra Crunch: Use a mix of regular and pretzel crumbs for an extra crispy coating.
Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo work great! 🌶️
Meal Prep: These can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.
Enjoy these Crispy Parmesan Pretzel Chicken Bites for a savory snack or a fun dinner option! 😋