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; 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; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces, for serving

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.

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 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.

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: 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.

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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 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

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 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

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

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:

Can I make the Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?

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.

Is it necessary to spray olive oil on the tenders?

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.

Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of tenders?

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.

What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?

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!