Let me introduce you to a game-changer in easy dinner ideas: this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. Imagine your favorite crispy chicken tenders infused with the irresistible bold flavors of everything bagel seasoning—garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds—baked to perfection for a juicy, crunchy bite every time.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I was honestly surprised by how quickly these chicken tenders became a family favorite around here. They’re not just crunchy and satisfying, but the everything bagel seasoning takes them to a whole new level of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.
- Flavor Boost: Everything bagel seasoning brings a deliciously savory punch that’s perfectly balanced between garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds.
- Simple Prep: You’ll love how easy it is to whip these up with simple pantry staples and just a few steps.
- Healthy Crisp: Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter without sacrificing that crispy texture we all crave.
- Family-Friendly: They’re great for kids and adults alike, making dinner time a breeze and enjoyable for everyone.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Before you start, gather the ingredients—most are probably already in your kitchen. A quick tip: for the crispiest coating, opt for plain bread crumbs or panko crumbs if you want extra crunch. And don’t skip the everything bagel seasoning—it’s the star of the show!

- Chicken breast tenders: Choose fresh or thawed chicken tenders—they cook quickly and stay juicy inside.
- Flour: Helps the breading stick nicely to the chicken for an even coating.
- Plain bread crumbs: You can substitute with pork panko crumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Everything bagel seasoning blend: This seasoning mix delivers all those savory, toasty flavors that make these tenders uniquely delicious.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and a lovely color to the coating.
- Egg: Acts as a binder in the batter for the breading to cling to the chicken.
- Milk: Lightens the egg mixture, helping the breading stay tender yet crisp.
- Olive oil spray: Spritzing the tenders before baking helps achieve that golden, crispy finish without frying.
- Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite mayo-based sauce all pair beautifully.
Make It Your Way
The great thing about this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you’re tailoring it to fit your taste buds or dietary needs, there are some fun ways to switch things up without losing that irresistible crunch and flavor.
- Swap the breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, I love using panko breadcrumbs instead of plain ones. It adds such a satisfying texture that really makes the coating stand out.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the breading mix. It gives the tenders a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the everything bagel seasoning.
- Go gluten-free: Try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs to adapt this recipe if you’re avoiding gluten. The flavor stays fantastic, and you won’t miss a beat on the crispiness.
- Add herbs: Mixing in fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme with the breading can add a lovely freshness and complexity to the chicken.
- Dipping sauces: While classic ranch or honey mustard work great, sometimes I’ll whip up a garlicky aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra flavor punch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Space
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit, which is just right to get those tenders crisp and golden. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This little step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps your chicken from sticking.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg and Milk Batter
In a bowl, whisk one large egg with a quarter cup of milk until smooth and combined. This batter helps the breading stick to the tenders and creates that beautiful outer crunch we’re after. Set it aside for now—you’ll be dipping your chicken in it shortly.
Step 3: Mix Up the Flavorful Breading
Next, mix together your dry ingredients in a separate bowl or plate: half a cup of flour, a quarter cup of plain breadcrumbs (or panko if you prefer), 1½ tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, and one teaspoon of paprika. This blend is the heart of the recipe—the seasoning brings that bold, familiar everything bagel flavor in each bite.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken With Love
Now for the dipping! Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the breading mixture, coating it generously. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it once more in the breading mix to double up on that crispy coating. This double-dip technique makes all the difference in achieving a crispy crust that stays put while baking.
Step 5: Arrange and Oil Up the Tenders
Place your breaded chicken tenders spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd them—giving each tender room helps them bake evenly and get thoroughly crispy. Lightly spray the tenders with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray; this helps them achieve a golden, crisp finish without deep frying.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes on the first side, until you see a beautiful golden hue forming underneath. Then, carefully flip each piece over, spray with olive oil again for extra crispness, and continue baking for an additional 8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit—this keeps it juicy and safe to eat.
Step 7: Rest and Enjoy!
Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest a couple minutes. This pause locks in the juices so every bite is tender and flavorful. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or even a zingy garlic aioli all pair beautifully with the perfectly seasoned crust.
Top Tip
Making Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about nailing that perfect crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Here are some tried-and-true tips I've learned from my own kitchen experiments to help you get it just right every time.
- Double Dipping for Crunch: I found that dipping the chicken tenders into the breading mixture, then egg, and then breading again really amps up the crispiness and helps the seasoning stick better.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Giving each tender some breathing space on the baking sheet ensures even cooking and crispy edges—crowding traps steam and makes them less crispy.
- Olive Oil Spray Is Your Friend: Spraying olive oil before and after flipping encourages a golden crust without deep frying, keeping it healthier and delicious.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid guesswork by checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe and juicy tenders every time.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning right after baking adds an eye-catching pop of texture and flavor. Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives brighten the dish and balance the savory seasoning beautifully.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. For a heartier option, creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries complement the bold flavors perfectly. Don’t forget classic dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy sriracha mayo to take every bite over the top!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day snack or quick meal.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, flash freeze the cooked tenders on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen tenders can be kept for up to one month and make a perfect quick dinner option.
Reheating
For the crispiest reheated tenders, warm them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that irresistible crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before breading to get the best crispiness and even cooking.
Typically, everything bagel seasoning is not spicy. It mainly contains garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds which add robust flavor without heat.
Absolutely! Substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free versions and ensure your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, and mayonnaise-based sauces work wonderfully. For a twist, try a garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting about the crunchy, flavor-packed crust of these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders paired with tender, juicy chicken inside. Whether you’re feeding kids, hosting friends, or just craving a delicious homemade meal, this recipe delivers every time. Take these tips and tricks along with you, and I’m confident this will become one of your new favorite go-to dinners!
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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
Description
These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are classic baked chicken tenders elevated with the bold flavors of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds from everything bagel seasoning. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they make a perfect family-friendly meal or snack served with your favorite dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenders
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (can substitute with pork panko crumbs)
- 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Batter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
Finishing
- 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray
- Dipping sauces, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined; set aside for dipping.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl or plate, combine the flour, plain bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and paprika to create the breading mixture.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the breading mixture, then into the egg mixture, allowing excess egg to drip off, and finally roll the chicken tender in the breading mixture again for a crispy coating.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Apply Oil Spray: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake First Side: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Flip the chicken tenders over, spray with olive oil again, and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes to lock in juices, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko bread crumbs instead of plain bread crumbs.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust olive oil spray amount depending on your preference for crispiness and oil content.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- These tenders can be served with ranch, honey mustard, or mayonnaise-based dipping sauces for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz chicken tenders)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 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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