Name: Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds chicken breast tenders; 1 large egg; ¼ cup milk; ½ cup flour; ¼ cup plain bread crumbs; 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces (for serving)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 36 reviews

If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, let me introduce you to the Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish takes tender chicken breast strips and coats them in the iconic everything bagel seasoning blend, giving every bite a savory punch full of onion, garlic, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. Baking instead of frying keeps them lighter without sacrificing any crunch or taste, making these tenders the perfect crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows raw chicken pieces on the left side, pale pink with a smooth and slightly shiny texture. Next to the chicken, there is a single brown egg placed in the center. Around the egg, there are five small white bowls with different ingredients: the top bowl contains white milk, the top right bowl has a heap of white flour, the bottom right bowl holds golden yellow oil, the bottom left bowl contains dark red spice powder, and the middle left bowl has beige breadcrumbs with a coarse texture. All items are placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, perfectly combining to create the irresistible texture and bold flavor that define the Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. Each element works in harmony to bring you crispy, tender chicken with that signature everything bagel kick.

1½ pounds chicken breast tenders: The star protein, lean and tender for quick cooking.
1 large egg: Acts as a binder to help the coating stick beautifully.
¼ cup milk: Lightens the egg wash for a smooth coating texture.
½ cup flour: Provides a sturdy base for the breading to cling to.
¼ cup plain bread crumbs: Adds crispness and crunch without overpowering flavor.
1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend: Brings the irresistible seasoning mix that defines this recipe.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a lovely golden hue.
1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray: Ensures a perfectly crispy finish when baked.
Dipping sauces (for serving): Your choice of tangy, creamy, or spicy sauces to amp up the flavor.

How to Make Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by setting your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. A hot oven is crucial because it promotes that golden, crispy crust while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside. No soggy tenders here!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This step ensures easy cleanup and prevents the tenders from sticking, so you get a perfect crust all around.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together one large egg and ¼ cup of milk until smooth and uniform. This mixture helps the breading adhere to the chicken, locking in moisture during baking.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl or shallow plate, mix the flour, plain bread crumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and paprika thoroughly. This seasoned coating is where all the magic happens, infusing the chicken with that unique bagel-inspired flavor.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and give it a thorough coating. First, dredge it in the dry mixture, then dip into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off. Finally, roll it again in the dry mixture for a double-layered, super crunchy crust that’s packed with seasoning.

Step 6: Arrange on the Baking Sheet

Place the breaded tenders evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Giving them some breathing room helps the heat circulate so each tender bakes up crisp and delicious.

Step 7: Spray with Olive Oil

Lightly spritz the tenders with olive oil spray on both sides. This step is the secret to achieving that golden, crispy texture usually found only in fried foods.

Step 8: Bake and Flip

Bake the tenders for 10 minutes on the first side. Then, flip each one over, spray again with olive oil, and bake for another 8 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a gorgeous crunchy exterior. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Step 9: Rest and Serve

Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes after baking. This pause allows the juices to redistribute, keeping each bite juicy and flavorful. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.

How to Serve Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows five pieces of breaded food on a white marbled tray. Each piece is covered with a rough, crunchy outer layer made of golden brown crumbs mixed with black and white sesame seeds scattered evenly over the surface. The pieces are arranged with some gaps, showing their triangular and irregular shapes. There are some crumbs scattered around the pieces on the tray, adding texture and detail. The overall look is crispy and textured with a mix of warm colors from the crumbs and small dark seeds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

These tenders shine on their own but topping them with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens the plate. A little lemon zest grated on top also complements the seasoned crust beautifully.

Side Dishes

For a balanced meal, pair the tenders with crisp garden salads, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes. Roasted sweet potato fries or a tangy coleslaw also play wonderfully alongside, balancing the savory, crunchy tenders with contrasting texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these tenders as the star of a casual appetizer platter with an assortment of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo. For a fun twist, turn them into sliders with soft buns, lettuce, and pickles for a handheld delight that’s perfect for game day or parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them easy to enjoy as quick snacks or add to salads and sandwiches.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked tenders by placing them on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring them to freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. This method ensures you always have a crispy, flavorful meal ready to go.

Reheating

To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet and warm them in a 375-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crispy exterior. Avoid microwaving if possible, as that can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just be mindful to slice them evenly so they cook consistently throughout the baking process.

Is the everything bagel seasoning spicy?

No, everything bagel seasoning is more savory and aromatic than spicy. It combines flavors like sesame, poppy seeds, onion, and garlic to create a savory crust that’s packed with flavor.

Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and bread crumbs, and make sure your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free. This swap keeps the delicious taste intact while accommodating dietary needs.

Can I prepare these ahead of time before baking?

Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. For best results, bake them promptly to retain maximum crispiness.

What dipping sauces go well with this recipe?

Classic options like honey mustard, ranch, or garlic aioli pair wonderfully. You can also try spicy options like sriracha mayo or a tangy buffalo sauce for a flavor kick.

Final Thoughts

The Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those delightful dishes that’s easy to make, irresistibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed chicken tenders any other way. So go ahead, give this recipe a whirl and enjoy the perfect combination of crunch, seasoning, and juicy chicken that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need