If you love that perfect combination of crispy and juicy with a bold punch of flavor, you’re going to really enjoy this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. It takes classic baked chicken tenders up a notch with that addictive everything bagel seasoning we all crave.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I honestly can’t get enough of these tenders — the crunch on the outside with the juicy chicken inside, all flavored by my favorite everything bagel seasoning. They’re so easy to make, and everyone in my family asks for seconds!
- Bold flavor boost: The everything bagel seasoning adds garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed goodness in every bite.
- Healthier crispy indulgence: Baking instead of frying delivers incredible crunch with less oil and guilt.
- Simple pantry staples: No complicated ingredients here, just things you likely already have on hand.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great snack, lunch, or dinner — and totally dippable with your favorite sauces.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you gather your ingredients, a quick tip: choose fresh chicken breast tenders for the juiciest results, and try to find a good-quality everything bagel seasoning blend to really punch up the flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each piece is key.
- Chicken breast tenders: Tender, lean, and naturally quick-cooking — chicken tenders are perfect for a quick meal.
- Egg: Acts as the glue, helping the coating stick tightly to the chicken.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the egg wash and keeps the coating from drying out.
- Flour: Provides a light base for the breading and helps the egg adhere better.
- Plain bread crumbs: Adds texture and crunch — you can even swap in panko for an extra crispy finish.
- Everything bagel seasoning blend: The real star here, packed with garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds for that signature flavor.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the coating.
- Olive oil spray: A light spritz ensures crispy, golden tenders without deep-frying.
- Dipping sauces of your choice: Whether it’s ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue, dipping takes these tenders over the top.
Make It Your Way
The beautiful thing about this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you're craving a little extra spice or want to keep things more wholesome, there’s a variation here for everyone to enjoy.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the dry coating for a subtle heat that warms up the flavors without overpowering the everything bagel seasoning. I love this twist for a game day snack—it keeps everyone coming back for more!
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the regular flour and bread crumbs for gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free panko. This way, you won’t miss out on the crunch or the vibrant flavor if you’re sensitive to gluten.
- Extra Crunch: Use panko bread crumbs instead of plain crumbs. Panko gives a wonderful light crunch that's perfect if you like your tenders extra crispy. I often find myself going this route for when I’m serving these to guests because everyone loves that satisfying crisp!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in some dried dill or thyme with the everything bagel seasoning blend to add earthy, herbal notes. This variation pairs beautifully with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a bright and fresh flavor profile.
- Lower Sodium: If you want to cut back on sodium, reduce the amount of everything bagel seasoning slightly and boost the paprika or add fresh garlic powder for flavor without the salt.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Space
First things first, get your oven warmed up to 425˚F — this high heat is what helps create that crispy, golden coating. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your delicious tenders won’t stick.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients
In a bowl, I whisk together the large egg and ¼ cup of milk until they blend into a smooth, pale mixture. This will be the “glue” that helps the coating stick to the chicken. Set it aside—you’ll dip the tenders in this shortly.
Step 3: Mix the Flavor-Packed Dry Coating
In a separate bowl (or shallow plate for easy access), combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs, 1½ tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Give it a good stir to evenly distribute all those lovely spices and seeds that bring the magic.
Step 4: Double-Dip for Maximum Crunch
Now for the fun part! Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the dry mixture, coating it well. Then dip it into the egg and milk mixture, letting the excess drip off gently. Finally, roll it again in the dry coating mixture for that double-layered crunch. This method locks in flavor and gives that coveted crispy texture on the outside.
Step 5: Arrange & Oil Up
Place your double-coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the baking sheet—you want them to have a little breathing room so they crisp up rather than steam. Next, spritz them evenly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray. This touch of oil helps the tenders brown nicely in the oven without soaking them in fat.
Step 6: Bake & Flip for Perfect Crispiness
Bake the tenders for 10 minutes on one side. This initial bake firms up the coating so it doesn’t fall off when you flip them. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tender over, spray lightly again with olive oil, and pop them back in the oven for 8 more minutes. The tenders are done when they’re a beautiful golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165˚F—use a meat thermometer if you want to be precise.
Step 7: Rest, Serve & Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, remove the tenders from the oven and give them a couple of minutes to rest. This brief rest lets the juices redistribute inside for juicy, tender bites. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—personally, ranch and honey mustard are my go-tos!
Top Tip
These tips will help you get perfectly crispy and flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders every time, while keeping things simple and delicious.
- Double Coating Magic: I’ve found that dipping the chicken tenders twice in the coating really locks in that crispy crust and boosts the bagel seasoning flavor.
- Spray Lightly but Evenly: Using olive oil spray on both sides before baking keeps the coating crispy without extra grease – don’t skip this step!
- Check Internal Temperature: The key to juicy tenders is making sure the chicken reaches 165˚F exactly – juicy inside, crispy outside every time.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Giving each tender space on the baking sheet lets hot air circulate and crisps them evenly, which I learned the hard way by crowding them before.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning over the hot tenders for an extra punch of flavor. Fresh chopped parsley or chives brighten up the dish nicely, while a squeeze of lemon adds a delightful tang that complements the savory crust.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders shine alongside crispy sweet potato fries, a crunchy cabbage slaw, or a fresh green salad. For a cozy meal, pair with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. And of course, a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue will take it to the next level.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh and ready for quick meals or snacks.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated 375˚F oven on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the coating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can use frozen tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely before coating and baking to ensure even cooking and proper crisping.
You can make a quick mix of garlic powder, onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt to mimic the seasoning’s flavor profile.
Absolutely! Air frying at 400˚F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, will yield crispy tenders. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
The recipe uses milk in the egg wash, but you can easily substitute with a dairy-free milk alternative to suit your dietary needs without compromising flavor or texture.
Final Thoughts
Making these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders is one of my go-to ways to bring a burst of flavor and crunch to classic chicken tenders. They’re easy, quick, and perfect whether you need a family dinner or a tasty snack. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy them in your own cozy kitchen soon!
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Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are classic baked chicken tenders elevated with the bold, savory flavors of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds found in everything bagel seasoning. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, these tenders make a perfect snack or meal served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup plain bread crumbs
- 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray
For Serving
- Dipping sauces of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare wet mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined; set aside for dipping.
- Mix dry coating: In another bowl or plate, combine the flour, bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and paprika thoroughly.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the dry breading mixture, then into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally roll it again in the breading mixture to create a double coating.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply oil spray: Evenly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil to help them crisp during baking.
- Bake first side: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, allowing coating to set and begin crisping.
- Flip and spray again: Flip the tenders over, spray again lightly with olive oil, then continue baking for an additional 8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Rest and serve: Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko bread crumbs instead of plain bread crumbs.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Use cooking oil spray evenly to help maintain crispiness without adding too much fat.
- You can serve the tenders with ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce depending on your preference.
- Adjust paprika level if you prefer milder or smokier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 tenders)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
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