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.
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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!

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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 a flavorful and crunchy coating made from garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds found in everything bagel seasoning. Perfectly baked to a golden crisp and served with your favorite dipping sauces, they make a delicious and easy meal for any day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 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
Serving
- Dipping sauces, as desired
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set it aside for easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Mix Egg and Milk: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the large egg and quarter cup milk until fully combined; set aside for dipping the chicken.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl or plate, mix together the flour, bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and paprika to create the flavorful breading mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the breading mixture, then into the egg mixture allowing excess to drip off, and finally roll it again in the breading mixture for a double coating.
- Arrange Chicken: Place all the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Olive Oil: Spray the chicken tenders evenly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray to help them crisp while baking.
- Bake First Side: Bake the chicken tenders in the oven for 10 minutes to start cooking and crisp the coating.
- Flip and Finish Baking: Flip each chicken tender, spray again lightly with olive oil spray, and bake for an additional 8 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken 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 tenders are cooked through by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F.
- If you don't have everything bagel seasoning, you can make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
- Olive oil spray helps achieve a crispy texture in the oven without deep frying.
- Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or your preferred dipping sauces for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg



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