Name: Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken breast tenders; 1 large egg; 0.25 cup milk; 0.5 cup flour; 0.25 cup plain bread crumbs; 1.5 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces, for serving

If you're craving a snack that's crispy, flavorful, and a little unexpected, this Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe might just be your new go-to. The everything bagel seasoning gives these tenders that perfect punch of garlicky, oniony goodness that will keep you coming back for more.

The image shows several pieces of golden brown fried chicken strips with a crispy texture, sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small seasoning bits. The chicken pieces are arranged on a white marbled surface with small crumbs scattered around. A small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light-colored dipping sauce with tiny red specks is placed near the chicken strips. The overall look is crunchy and appetizing with a warm color palette. 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 Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I honestly can’t get enough of these chicken tenders—they’re crunchy on the outside but juicy inside, with a seasoning that turns a simple bite into something special. Perfect for a family dinner or just to snack while binge-watching your favorite show!

Bold Flavor Boost: Everything bagel seasoning adds a unique mix of garlic, onion, and seeds that livens up every bite.
Super Crispy Texture: Baking with a light olive oil spray locks in crunch without frying.
Easy Prep: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this a beginner-friendly recipe.
Versatile Serving: Great as a main course or finger food paired with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, gather fresh chicken tenders and everything bagel seasoning—the star of the show. Make sure to pick plain bread crumbs or panko for that unbeatable crisp, and have your dipping sauces ready for serving.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast tenders neatly arranged, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl filled with whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding fine white flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing plain golden bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse everything bagel seasoning blend showing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic and onion flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red paprika powder, and a small white ceramic bowl with golden olive oil, all placed with perfect symmetry 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: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy.
Egg: Acts as a glue to hold the breading firmly on the chicken.
Milk: Keeps the egg mixture smooth and helps tenderize the chicken slightly.
Flour: Provides a base coating to ensure the breading sticks well.
Plain bread crumbs: Adds crunch and texture; panko crumbs are a great alternative if you want extra crispiness.
Everything bagel seasoning blend: The game changer for flavor with its mix of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth and a lovely golden color.
Olive oil spray: Keeps the tenders crispy while baking without excess oil.
Dipping sauces: Personalize your meal with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorites.

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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 parts about this Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re craving a bit of extra spice or want to keep things gluten-free, there’s room to make it your own!

Variation: For a little extra kick, I like adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture. It gives the tenders a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the everything bagel seasoning.
Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free blend or crushed gluten-free crackers. I tried this once for a friend with gluten sensitivities and it still came out wonderfully crispy.
Double-Coated Tenders: If you want super crispy tenders, try the double coating method by repeating the egg and breading steps once more. It makes the crust extra crunchy without drying out the chicken.
Seasonal Twist: In fall, I sometimes add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of freshly ground black pepper to the breading for a warming, smoky flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows five pieces of raw chicken tenders coated with a crunchy orange and beige breading mixed with black and white sesame seeds, placed on a white marbled baking tray. The breading texture looks rough and crumbly, evenly covering the surface of each tender. The tenders are spaced out on the tray, showing a mix of small and larger pieces. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit—this ensures a hot environment for perfectly crispy tenders. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep cleanup effortless. Having everything ready here sets the tone for smooth cooking.

Step 2: Whisk the Egg and Milk Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and ¼ cup milk until smooth and combined. This mixture acts as the glue that helps the breading stick to the chicken, so be sure it’s well blended before moving on.

Step 3: Combine the Breading Mix

In a separate bowl or large plate, thoroughly mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs, 1½ tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. The everything bagel seasoning is key here—it packs in those savory garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed flavors that make this recipe stand out.

Step 4: Coat Your Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the breading mixture to lightly coat, then into the egg and milk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it again in the breading mixture for a thorough, flavorful crust. This triple-step ensures an even, crispy coating once baked.

Step 5: Arrange and Spray with Olive Oil

Place each breaded chicken tender evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. To encourage a golden-brown finish, spray the tops lightly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray. This simple step helps you achieve that crave-worthy crunch without deep frying.

Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish

Bake the chicken tenders for 10 minutes at 425°F. Then, carefully flip each tender over and spray the tops with olive oil again. Continue baking for another 8 minutes—or until they’re beautifully golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Using a meat thermometer here ensures perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken every time.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes to allow the juices to settle. Then, dig in! Serve warm alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy sriracha mayo for an irresistible meal or snack.

Top Tip

Making the perfect Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about nailing that golden, crunchy coating while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Here are some tips from my own kitchen experiments to help you get it just right every time.

Double Coating for Extra Crunch: If you crave that ultra-crispy texture, try dipping your tenders a second time in the egg mixture and breading. It adds a delightful extra layer of crunch that’s totally worth the effort.
Olive Oil Spray Magic: Spraying the tenders lightly with olive oil before baking helps them brown beautifully without frying. I used to skip this and ended up with pale, less crispy tenders—lesson learned!
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid dry or undercooked chicken, check that the internal temperature hits 165°F. It’s the easiest way to guarantee juicy, safe-to-eat tenders.
Space Them Out: Arrange your tenders with some breathing room on the baking sheet. Crowding traps steam and prevents crisping up, so give them space to shine.

How to Serve Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface with six pieces of crispy golden brown fried chicken arranged in a slightly overlapping way. The chicken pieces have a crunchy texture with small black and white sesame seeds sprinkled on top, along with some green chopped herbs scattered over them. On the right side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy light beige dipping sauce, which also has black and white sesame seeds and bits of herbs sprinkled on its surface. The colors are warm and inviting, with the chicken's browned crust and the fresh green herbs standing out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it fresh and fun with some simple garnishes. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and mild flavor that complements the bold everything bagel seasoning. A lemon wedge on the side also brightens every bite with a zesty kick.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair beautifully with classic sides like crispy baked fries or a creamy coleslaw. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad bring balance and freshness to the plate, while a bowl of mac and cheese gives the meal comforting vibes. For dipping, try ranch, honey mustard, or even a tangy sriracha mayo for an added flavor punch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your leftover crispy everything bagel chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they're completely cooled before sealing to keep that crispness as much as possible.

Freezing

If you want to save them for longer, flash freeze the tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they’ll keep for up to 2 months. This way, you can grab a tasty batch anytime!

Reheating

To reheat and restore their crunch, place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to soften that glorious crispy coating.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken tenders before breading and baking. This ensures even cooking and helps the coating stick properly.

What can I substitute for everything bagel seasoning if I don’t have any?

You can make a simple blend with garlic powder, onion flakes, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds to mimic everything bagel seasoning. Paprika and a pinch of salt will round out the flavor nicely.

Is it possible to make these tenders without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with buttermilk or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) to keep the coating moist and help it adhere.

How do I ensure my chicken tenders are fully cooked without drying them out?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet—pull them from the oven once they reach 165°F internal temperature. Letting them rest a couple minutes before serving also keeps them juicy.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite easy dinner go-tos. The delightful crunch combined with the bold flavor of everything bagel seasoning never fails to impress. Plus, baking instead of frying means you get that satisfying crispiness with less mess and guilt. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as I do—it’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or even a fun snack. Happy cooking and bon appétit!