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 also use 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 crunch and bold flavor of everything bagels, wait until you try this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. Crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with that signature savory seasoning, these tenders turn an ordinary dinner into something special.

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

Honestly, I make these tenders whenever I want a fun twist on a classic. They’re so simple but taste like you put in way more effort. Plus, everyone from my picky eater kids to my grown-up guests asks for seconds!

Flavor Punch: The everything bagel seasoning packs garlic, onion, and seeds for a crunchy, savory crust unlike any other.
Easy Baking: No fryer needed—just bake and get perfectly crispy tenders that feel indulgent but are actually healthier.
Quick Prep: You’ll have dinner on the table in about 30 minutes, from start to finish.
Family Friendly: Kids love dipping these, and adults love how satisfying they are without the grease.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure you have fresh chicken tenders and a good-quality everything bagel seasoning blend handy. The seasoning combo really is the star here, delivering tons of texture and flavor.

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 tender – perfect for these crispy bites.
Egg: Acts as a glue to hold the coating on the chicken.
Milk: Adds moisture to the egg wash, helping the breading stick better.
Flour: Gives the breading structure and helps create that crunch.
Plain bread crumbs: Adds extra texture; pork panko crumbs are a great substitution for an even crispier finish.
Everything bagel seasoning blend: The magic mix of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds that takes these tenders from basic to brilliant.
Paprika: Adds mild smokiness and enhances color for a golden, inviting crust.
Olive oil spray: Helps the coating crisp up in the oven without frying.
Dipping sauces: Customize with your favorites like honey mustard, ranch, or spicy mayo to complement the savory tenders.

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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 things about the Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to customize to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Don't be afraid to switch things up and make the recipe your own – that's half the fun!

Swap the bread crumbs: I love using plain bread crumbs for a classic texture, but when I’m craving extra crunch, pork panko crumbs are my go-to—they really take the crispiness up a notch!
Make it gluten-free: Just substitute the flour and bread crumbs with your favorite gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour or gluten-free panko, and you’re all set. The everything bagel seasoning still delivers that amazing flavor punch.
Add some heat: Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breading mix for a smoky, spicy twist that wakes up your taste buds.
Seasonal herbs: Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme mixed in with the seasoning can add a lovely herbal brightness, especially in the fall and winter months.

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 Your Oven & Prepare for Cleanup

First things first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is key for getting that beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil—trust me, it makes cleanup so much easier and ensures your tenders won’t stick.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Egg Wash

In a mixing bowl, whisk together one large egg and ¼ cup milk until fully combined and slightly frothy. This egg wash acts like glue, helping the breading stick securely to the chicken. Set this bowl aside for dipping in the next step.

Step 3: Mix the Flavor-Packed Breading

In a separate bowl or on a plate, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (or pork panko crumbs for crunch), 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend, and 1 teaspoon paprika. This blend of spices and textures ensures every bite bursts with that iconic everything bagel flavor—garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds working together perfectly.

Step 4: Double-Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crunch

Now for the fun part! Dip each chicken tender first into the breading mixture, coating it well. Next, dip into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, roll the tender back in the breading mixture once more to double-coat. This layer of crispiness is what makes the tenders so addictive.

Step 5: Arrange, Spray, and Bake

Place the coated tenders evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet—avoid crowding so they bake rather than steam. Lightly spray the tenders with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray to help the crust crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish

Bake the tenders for 10 minutes. Then carefully flip each piece over, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and continue baking for another 8 minutes. You’re aiming for a golden-brown exterior and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they’re cooked through and juicy inside.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with Your Favorite Dips

Once baked, let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving—this little rest locks in all the juicy goodness. Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo all work beautifully.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get perfectly crispy, flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders every time, making your cooking experience simple and stress-free.

Double coating: Dipping the tenders in the breading mixture, then egg wash, then back in breading creates that extra-crispy crust that makes this recipe stand out.
Olive oil spray magic: Lightly spraying the tenders with olive oil before baking helps them brown beautifully without the need for deep frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Giving space between tenders lets the hot air circulate so every piece bakes evenly and stays crunchy.
Use a meat thermometer: Checking for that safe internal temperature of 165°F ensures the chicken is juicy and perfectly cooked, avoiding dryness or undercooking.

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

Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning lightly over the freshly baked tenders for a pop of color and crunch. Fresh chopped parsley or chives also add a lovely fresh contrast to the crispy coating.

Side Dishes

Pair these tenders with classic sides like crispy fries, a crisp garden salad, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. Creamy coleslaw or avocado slices also work wonderfully to complement the savory flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining good flavor and texture.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the baked tenders on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. This way, they won’t stick together and you can reheat just what you need.

Reheating

Reheat your tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to fully thaw them before breading and baking to ensure even cooking and proper breading adherence.

What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?

You can easily make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried onion flakes, and a pinch of salt. This replicates the classic everything bagel flavor.

How crispy are these tenders compared to fried ones?

While they're baked, the double breading and olive oil spray help the tenders get nicely crisp and golden, offering a satisfying crunch close to fried tenders but healthier.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives, such as almond flour or gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so comforting about crispy, flavorful chicken tenders — and this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe really brings them to a whole new level with that iconic seasoning blend. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for everything from family dinners to game day snacks. I hope you enjoy every delicious bite as much as I do!