If you love the bold, nutty, and garlicky zing of your favorite toasted everything bagel, wait till you try these crispy, oven-baked chicken tenders! This Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe adds a flavorful twist to a classic comfort food that everyone will adore.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I was honestly surprised how much personality the everything bagel seasoning brings to these chicken tenders. They’re just bursting with flavor and have this lovely crispy crust that’s all kinds of addictive.
- Super flavorful: The seasoning mix of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds makes each bite exciting and unique.
- Easy and quick: You can have these baked to golden perfection in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthier crunch: Spraying the tenders with olive oil instead of frying keeps them crispy but lighter.
- Family friendly: Everyone from kids to adults will love dunking these tenders in their favorite sauces.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making these tenders shine. Your chicken needs to be fresh and tender, while the everything bagel seasoning is the true star that brings that amazing flavor punch.

- Chicken breast tenders: They cook quickly and stay juicy, making them perfect for this easy bake method.
- Egg: Acts like glue to help the breading stick tightly to the chicken.
- Milk: Adds moisture to the egg wash, creating a better coating.
- Flour: Forms a base layer in the breading for crispiness.
- Plain bread crumbs: Provides texture and crunch; pork panko crumbs can be swapped for extra crisp.
- Everything bagel seasoning blend: This magical mix of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds gives the coating its signature taste and aroma.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and enhances color.
- Olive oil spray: Helps the breading crisp up perfectly in the oven without any deep frying.
- Dipping sauces: Choose your favorites like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ for serving.
Make It Your Way
The great thing about this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to personalize it to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to add a little extra crunch or swap up the seasoning, you can make it your own without losing that signature savory flavor.
- Swap with Panko: For an extra crispy crust, I love substituting plain bread crumbs with pork panko crumbs. It adds a fantastic texture layer without overpowering the seasoning.
- Homemade Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you can’t find the seasoning blend in stores, whip up your own mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt. It tastes just as amazing and you can tweak the ratios to your liking.
- Add Some Heat: If you’re a fan of a little spice, sprinkle in some cayenne pepper or smoked paprika with the breading mixture. It gives a subtle kick that pairs really well with the zesty bagel seasoning.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to keep this recipe friendly for gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or crispiness.
- Serve it Up: This recipe is perfect for serving alongside ranch, honey mustard, or a tangy sriracha mayo. Having a few dips around makes this a crowd-pleaser for game day or family dinner.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to get that crust nice and crispy without drying out the chicken. While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This keeps clean-up simple and ensures the tenders won’t stick.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Wash
In a mixing bowl, whisk together one large egg and ¼ cup of milk until fully combined. This egg wash helps the breading stick to the chicken and gives a light coating that crisps up beautifully. Set it aside while you prepare your breading mixture.
Step 3: Combine the Breading Ingredients
Grab another bowl or a wide plate and stir together ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (or pork panko crumbs for extra crunch), 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. This flavorful blend is what makes these tenders stand out, so don’t skimp on the seasoning!
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender and first dredge it in the breading mixture. Then dip it into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it once more in the breading mixture to ensure a full, even coat. This double layering creates that irresistible crispy crust reminiscent of a delicious everything bagel.
Step 5: Arrange and Oil for Crispiness
Lay the breaded chicken tenders evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. To help the coating become beautifully golden and crisp, lightly spray the tops with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray. This little step lets you bake without deep frying while still getting fantastic texture.
Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish
Pop the tray into your preheated oven and bake the tenders for 10 minutes on the first side. Then, carefully flip each tender over, spray the other side with olive oil spray again, and bake for another 8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit — that’s the sweet spot for juicy and safe-to-eat chicken.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once baked to golden perfection, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle so each bite stays tender and flavorful. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo for a guaranteed hit.
Top Tip
These tips will help you nail the perfect crispy crust and juicy chicken every time you make the Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe.
- Double Dipping Is Key: I found that dipping the chicken tenders into the breading mixture, then the egg wash, and back into the breading ensures a thick, flavorful coating that stays put during baking.
- Olive Oil Spray Matters: Spraying the tenders with olive oil before and after flipping makes a huge difference in achieving that gorgeous golden crisp without the need for frying.
- Don’t Skip the Flip: Turning the tenders halfway through cooking helps them bake evenly and keeps both sides beautifully crunchy.
- Check Temp for Juiciness: Using an instant-read thermometer to confirm they reach 165˚F prevents overcooked, dry chicken—something I’ve definitely learned the hard way!
How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes
For a fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the chicken tenders just before serving. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens things up wonderfully, too.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair beautifully with crispy oven-baked fries, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For a cozy meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob work perfectly as well!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for an easy next-day lunch or snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your tenders, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tenders will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat and restore their crispiness, bake leftover tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that satisfying crunch!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Substitute the flour and bread crumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour and gluten-free panko or bread crumbs. Just ensure your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free as well.
Spraying olive oil helps the breading crisp up nicely without deep frying. While you can skip it, your tenders won’t be as crunchy or golden brown if you do.
You can, but be sure to slice the chicken breasts into uniform strips and adjust the baking time accordingly to ensure they cook through evenly.
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli are fantastic choices. Feel free to get creative with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
Making Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders is a fun and flavorful way to elevate a familiar favorite. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a game day party, or just craving a crispy, delicious dinner, this recipe delivers satisfaction and smiles every time. I hope you enjoy making and eating this twist on classic chicken tenders as much as I do!
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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
Crispy and flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders baked to golden perfection, seasoned with a zesty blend of garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds from the everything bagel seasoning. A delicious twist on classic chicken tenders that's perfect for a quick dinner or game day snack.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1½ pounds chicken breast tenders
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup flour
- ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (can substitute with pork panko crumbs)
- 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon paprika
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 aluminum foil; set it aside.
- Mix egg wash: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined, then set aside.
- Prepare breading mixture: In another mixing bowl or on a plate, combine the flour, bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and paprika to create the breading mixture.
- Coat chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the breading mixture, then into the egg wash allowing excess to drip off, and finally roll it again in the breading mixture to fully coat.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray with oil: Evenly spray the olive oil over the chicken tenders to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake first side: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Flip and re-oil: Carefully flip each chicken tender over, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and return to the oven for an additional 8 minutes or until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Use pork panko crumbs instead of plain bread crumbs for extra crunch.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F for safe consumption.
- Spraying olive oil helps achieve a crispy crust without deep frying.
- Everything bagel seasoning can be homemade by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion flakes, and salt.
- Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your preferred dipping sauce for added flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg



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