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 use pork panko crumbs); 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces of choice

If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, I’ve got just the thing: my Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. These baked tenders bring all the beloved flavors of an everything bagel right onto your plate—garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds, all in one irresistible coating!

The image shows several pieces of golden-brown crispy chicken strips placed on a white marbled surface. Each chicken strip has a crunchy texture with a coating that is dotted with black and white sesame seeds and small bits of seasoning. The surface around the chicken pieces has small crumbs and a light oily sheen. In the top right corner, there is a clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, light beige dipping sauce with visible specks of seasoning on top. The 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 absolutely love how these chicken tenders take a simple classic and turn it into a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing meal or snack. They’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, and honestly—they’re good enough to eat by themselves!

Bold Flavor Boost: Everything bagel seasoning adds a savory, crunchy twist that’s impossible to resist.
Healthier Cooking Method: Baking instead of frying keeps these tenders crispy without excess oil.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need right in your pantry already.
Family-Friendly: They’re juicy on the inside and kid-approved on the outside.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, a quick shopping tip: look for a good quality everything bagel seasoning blend, or make your own using garlic flakes, onion bits, sesame, and poppy seeds. The key to success here is a nice balance of flavors in your breading to get that classic everything bagel vibe on your chicken.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breast tenders arranged neatly, one whole uncracked brown egg beside a small white ceramic bowl with creamy milk, a simple white bowl holding fine white flour, another small white bowl filled with plain golden bread crumbs, a small white bowl showcasing a colorful blend of everything bagel seasoning with visible sesame seeds, garlic flakes, and poppy seeds, a tiny white bowl with vibrant red paprika powder, a small white bowl containing golden olive oil, all placed in 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 cuts that cook evenly and stay juicy.
Egg: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
Milk: Adds moisture and ensures the egg mixture coats the chicken well.
Flour: Forms the base of the breading to give a nice crust.
Plain bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps create that crispy coating (panko is a great alternative for extra crunch).
Everything bagel seasoning blend: The star ingredient—loads of savory goodness like garlic, onions, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smoky flavor and lovely color.
Olive oil spray: Helps crisp the tenders in the oven without excess oil.
Dipping sauces of choice: Your favorite dips like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo make a great finishing touch.

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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 Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to tweak the seasoning or try different coatings, there’s plenty of room to customize these crispy tenders to suit your taste buds.

Variation: I once swapped plain bread crumbs for panko crumbs for an extra crunchy bite, and it took the texture up a notch without losing any of the bold everything bagel flavor. Give it a try if you love crispy edges!
Make it Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the flour and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives. The tenders still bake up beautifully and all the everything bagel seasoning goodness shines through.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chipotle powder to the dry mix for a subtle heat that complements the savory and nutty seasoning perfectly.
Fresh Herb Boost: Stir in some finely chopped fresh parsley or dill into the breading mixture to brighten the flavor and add a fresh note to each bite.
Seasonal Spin: During fall, I like adding a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the coating for a cozy touch that pairs surprisingly well with the savory spices.

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

A white plate holds seven golden brown crispy chicken strips, each coated with a crunchy breading speckled with black and white sesame seeds. The chicken strips are arranged in a loose pile, showing varied shapes and sizes with a textured, rough surface. To the right of the chicken pieces, a small clear glass bowl sits filled with a creamy light yellow dipping sauce that has red and black specks mixed throughout. The whole scene rests on a backdrop of white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Workspace

Start by heating your oven to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will help the tenders develop that perfect golden crust. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil — trust me, it saves you a lot of scrubbing later and keeps those tenders from sticking.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Wet Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk one large egg with ¼ cup of milk until combined. This mixture acts like a glue, helping the coating stick to each tender perfectly. Set this bowl aside as you prepare the breading mix.

Step 3: Combine the Coating Ingredients

In a separate bowl or plate, stir together ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (or panko for extra crunch), 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. This flavorful blend is what gives these tenders their irresistible savory kick.

Step 4: Double Coat the Chicken Tenders

Now for the fun part! Take each chicken tender and first roll it in the dry breading mixture. Next, dip it into the egg and milk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it again in the breading blend for an extra thick, flavorful coat. This double coating locks in juiciness and adds serious crunch.

Step 5: Arrange on the Baking Sheet and Spray

Place each double-coated chicken tender evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tenders with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray. This step is the secret behind that golden, crispy crust without adding too much extra oil.

Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish Baking

Bake the tenders for 10 minutes on the first side — you’ll start to see them turn a gorgeous golden brown. Then, carefully flip each tender over, spray again with olive oil spray, and bake for another 8 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and is beautifully crisp on the outside.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauces

Once out of the oven, let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes to keep them juicy and tender. Serve warm alongside dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo to complement the bold everything bagel flavors. Each bite will be crispy, juicy, and utterly delicious!

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the crispiest, juiciest Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders every time, while making the cooking process easier and more enjoyable.

Double Coating Delight: I found that dipping the tenders in the breading mixture, then egg, then breading again creates that perfect crunchy crust packed with everything bagel seasoning flavor.
Olive Oil Spray Magic: Lightly spraying the tenders before baking helped me get that golden crispness, without needing deep frying or excess oil.
Temperature Check is Key: Using a meat thermometer to make sure each piece hits 165˚F ensured the chicken was juicy and safe to eat every time.
Let Them Rest: I always give the tenders a few minutes to rest after baking to lock in the juices and avoid dryness.

How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

A white plate with a mixture of dry ingredients in the center, showing three main layers: a base layer of white powdery flour spread out unevenly, a middle layer of reddish-brown ground spice sprinkled thickly over the flour, and on top a small pile of mixed seeds including black sesame, white sesame, and small roasted bits, giving a rough texture; the ingredients are scattered slightly around the edges on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and freshness. A light sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning before serving can boost that signature flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice also gives a bright, zesty kick.

Side Dishes

Serve these tender bites with crisp garden salads, roasted veggies, or simple oven fries. Creamy coleslaw or a crunchy cucumber salad also complement the bold seasoning beautifully. For something heartier, mashed potatoes or a warm grain bowl work wonders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them well sealed preserves their juicy texture and seasoning punch.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the baked tenders on a parchment-lined tray and freeze until firm (about 1-2 hours). Then transfer to a freezer-safe airtight container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months frozen without loss of flavor.

Reheating

For best results, reheat tenders in a 375˚F oven on a baking sheet for about 8-10 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

You can easily make your own blend by combining garlic powder, dried onion flakes, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a bit of salt. This mix captures the iconic flavor to give your chicken tenders that same delicious punch.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before breading so the coating sticks well and bakes up crispy.

Is it better to bake or fry these tenders?

Baking at 425˚F with olive oil spray gives crispy, juicy tenders with less mess and fewer calories than frying. It’s a healthier, hands-off method that still delivers great flavor.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe has been such a joy in my kitchen — it’s quick, easy, and delivers big flavor that everyone loves. Whether it’s a casual dinner or game day snack, these tenders feel special without any fuss. Give them a try, and I’m sure they’ll become a regular favorite in your meal rotation!