Name: Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 1 large egg; ¼ cup milk; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces, for serving

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.

The image shows several golden brown crispy chicken tenders with a crunchy texture, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds. The chicken tenders have a rough, crumbly crust and are placed on a white marbled surface with some oil glistening around them. A small clear glass bowl filled with creamy beige sauce is visible at the top right corner of the image. The arrangement is close-up and detailed, showing the crispiness and sesame seed toppings clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

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!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast tenders arranged neatly beside a large whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl holding plain white flour, another small white bowl filled with pale golden plain bread crumbs, a small white bowl containing vibrant everything bagel seasoning blend with visible sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, and onion flakes, a small white bowl of rich red paprika powder, a small white bowl with creamy white milk, all placed symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

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.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

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

A white plate holds seven golden brown chicken strips coated in a crispy, crumbly breading speckled with black and white sesame seeds. The chicken pieces vary in size and shape, arranged in a loose pile mostly centered on the plate. To the right side of the plate sits a small clear glass bowl filled with a beige sauce that has a slightly grainy texture and flecks of seasoning. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with part of a seasoning jar blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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

The image shows a white plate with a mix of dry ingredients piled in the center. The bottom layer is a fine white powder spread in a circular shape, topped by a rough, crumbly light brown layer. On top of that is a generous dusting of bright red-orange powder, scattered unevenly. The center has a small heap of mixed seeds in white, tan, and black colors, adding texture and contrast. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before breading to get the best crispiness and even cooking.

Is the everything bagel seasoning spicy?

Typically, everything bagel seasoning is not spicy. It mainly contains garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds which add robust flavor without heat.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free versions and ensure your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs.

What dipping sauces go well with Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders?

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!