Name: Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenders; 1 large egg; 0.25 cup milk; 0.5 cup flour; 0.25 cup plain bread crumbs (or pork panko crumbs); 1.5 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces, as desired

Trust me, once you try this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe, you’ll never look at chicken tenders the same way again. They’re crispy, packed with flavor, and easy enough to whip up any night you want something both comforting and a little bit special.

The image shows several pieces of golden-brown crispy chicken strips placed on a white marbled surface. Each chicken strip has a crunchy texture with a coating that is dotted with black and white sesame seeds and small bits of seasoning. The surface around the chicken pieces has small crumbs and a light oily sheen. In the top right corner, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light beige dipping sauce with visible specks of seasoning on top. The 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’m really excited to share these because they deliver crunch and that signature everything bagel seasoning punch in a way that feels fresh and homemade, but comes together so quickly. Honestly, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Bold Flavor Boost: Everything bagel seasoning adds garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds that turn ordinary tenders into something extraordinary.
Crispy Baked Goodness: Baking at 425°F gives you that golden crunch without deep frying.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your pantry already—no complicated shopping required.
Perfectly Portionable: This recipe yields 4 servings, great for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, a quick heads-up: opt for fresh chicken breast tenders for juicy results and pick up a good-quality everything bagel seasoning blend—it’s the star of this show. If you want extra crunch, keep an eye out for panko crumbs!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast tenders arranged neatly, one whole uncracked brown egg beside a small white ceramic bowl with creamy milk, a simple white bowl holding fine white flour, another small white bowl filled with plain golden bread crumbs, a small white bowl showcasing a colorful blend of everything bagel seasoning with visible sesame seeds, garlic flakes, and poppy seeds, a tiny white bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, all placed in perfect symmetry 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: Naturally tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for this dish.
Large egg: Helps bind the coating so it sticks well to the chicken.
Milk: Thins out the egg for even coating without being too wet.
Flour: Creates a base layer that helps the breading adhere and crisp up nicely.
Plain bread crumbs (or pork panko crumbs): Adds that crispy texture; panko will give an extra crunch.
Everything bagel seasoning blend: Packed with garlic, onion, sesame, poppy seeds, and salt—this is the flavor game-changer.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and beautiful color.
Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the coating in the oven without excess oil.
Dipping sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or your favorites make perfect companions.

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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

One of the best parts about this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re tweaking the seasoning or swapping out breadcrumbs, you can make it perfectly your own!

Gluten-Free Option: I swapped the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives before, and it still gave me that perfect crisp without missing a beat.
Extra Crunch: I love using panko breadcrumbs instead of plain ones when I want an even crunchier coating. It really levels up the texture!
Homemade Seasoning: If you don’t have store-bought everything bagel seasoning, mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of salt is a great DIY option that tastes just as good.
Flavor Boost: Adding a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading mix gives a wonderful smoky kick that wakes up the chicken in every bite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

A white plate holds seven golden brown crispy chicken strips, each coated with a crunchy breading speckled with black and white sesame seeds. The chicken strips are arranged in a loose pile, showing varied shapes and sizes with a textured, rough surface. To the right of the chicken pieces, a small clear glass bowl sits filled with a creamy light yellow dipping sauce that has red and black specks mixed throughout. The whole scene rests on a backdrop of white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

First things first, heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key to getting that crispy, golden coating. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil—it makes cleanup so much easier and keeps the tenders from sticking. Having everything ready sets you up for smooth sailing.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg and Milk

In a mixing bowl, whisk together one large egg and a quarter cup of milk until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This will act as the “glue” that helps the coating stick perfectly to each chicken tender. Set this mixture aside so it’s ready when you need it.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl or wide plate, mix together half a cup of flour, a quarter cup of plain breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch), 1.5 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, and a teaspoon of paprika. This flavorful blend creates that irresistible crispy crust with a punch of garlic, onion, and seeds.

Step 4: Double Coat the Chicken Tenders

Now for the fun part! Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the breading mixture, coating it well. Next, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll it in the breading mix one more time for a double layer of that delicious coating. This step ensures every bite is perfectly crunchy and flavorful.

Step 5: Arrange and Olive Oil Spray

Place the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. To help achieve that golden crisp, spray them lightly and evenly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray. This sneaky trick crisps the coating beautifully without frying.

Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish

Bake the chicken tenders in your preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip each tender, spray them lightly again with olive oil spray, and bake for another 8 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they’re cooked through and safe to eat.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked to golden perfection, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This little pause helps the juices settle, making each bite juicy and tender. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli all work wonderfully.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders every time, making your meal a guaranteed hit.

Double Coating: Dipping the chicken tenders twice in the breading mixture ensures an extra crunchy and well-seasoned crust that holds up beautifully during baking.
Olive Oil Spray: Spraying the tenders with olive oil before and after the first bake helps achieve that perfect golden crisp without the need for frying.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy and safe chicken.
Customize the Seasoning: If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning on hand, mix your own blend of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion—it's a fun way to make the recipe your own.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

A white plate with a mixture of dry ingredients in the center, showing three main layers: a base layer of white powdery flour spread out unevenly, a middle layer of reddish-brown ground spice sprinkled thickly over the flour, and on top a small pile of mixed seeds including black sesame, white sesame, and small roasted bits, giving a rough texture; the ingredients are scattered slightly around the edges on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives over the chicken tenders for a pop of color and subtle freshness. A light squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can also brighten the rich, savory flavors.

Side Dishes

Pair your Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders with crisp vegetable sticks like carrots and celery, creamy coleslaw, or simple roasted potatoes. For a heartier meal, creamy mac and cheese or a fresh green salad make fantastic companions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked and cooled tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into strips. Just be sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and adjust baking time as thighs may take a little longer.

What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning?

If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can easily make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt in equal parts. This mix gives the classic flavor and crunch.

Is it possible to make these tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and bread crumbs for gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs or panko to keep the coating crispy and safe for gluten sensitivities.

Can I air fry the chicken tenders instead of baking?

Definitely! Air frying is a great alternative. Cook at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on the coating to achieve your preferred crispness.

Final Thoughts

Making these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders at home is such a satisfying way to enjoy familiar flavors with a twist. Once you try this recipe, the crispy, crunchy coating combined with juicy chicken will have you coming back for seconds—and maybe even thirds! Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite dipping sauces and sides to make this meal truly your own. Happy cooking!