“My Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Breasts is one of the most popular recipes I’ve ever written over in the last decade (and I’ve written literally thousands!). Here, I’m turning the recipe into a family favorite using the kid crowd-pleaser: chicken tenders! To bump up the health factor, I used whole grain pretzels and added zucchini sticks, too.” – Rachael Ray

Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Fingers and Zucchini Sticks

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup milk
8 ounces (2 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
Salt and pepper
1 (12-ounce) bag whole grain pretzels
2 teaspoons dried thyme
4 large eggs
2 zucchini, halved crosswise and cut into sticks
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Carrot ticks, celery sticks and dill pickle spears, for serving

1. Ask a GH (grown-up helper) to melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Have your GH whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, then whisk in the chicken broth and milk. When the milk begins to bubble, stir in the cheese and mustard. Season the sauce with salt and pepper; remove from the heat and cover to keep warm.
2. Preheat the oven to 250°F (120°C). Using a food processor with your GH, finely grind the pretzels. Transfer to a shallow bowl and add the thyme. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. Coat the zucchini with the pretzel crumbs, then the egg, then the pretzel crumbs again. Repeat with the chicken.
3. In a large skillet, have your GH heat 1/2 cup olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken in 2 batches, turning, until firm, about 3 minutes on each side. Drain on paper towels; keep warm on a baking sheet in the oven. Repeat with the zucchini, adding more oil if necessary.
4. Serve the fingers and zucchini sticks with the cheese sauce, along with the carrot sticks, celery sticks and dill pickle spears.

Makes 4 servings.

Recipe published in Rachael Ray 365: No Repeats.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Every Day with Rachael Ray.