Savory Everything Chicken Tenders Recipe

There’s something about crispy, tender chicken strips that just makes everyone in my house light up—especially when they’re coated in that irresistible everything bagel topping. I first discovered this gem when I was hunting for a fun twist on my go-to chicken tenders, and let me tell you, it was a total game-changer. These tenders are the perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and addictive, and trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a regular in your rotation. I always do this when I want something savory but simple—no fancy ingredients, just flavors that hit all the right notes. Plus, my kids ask for these all the time—they definitely disappear faster than I can blink. They’re great for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for friends, or even a little snack when that craving hits late at night. Basically, they’re my secret weapon when I want to serve up something truly flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. Ready to make your own crispy, flavor-packed everything bagel chicken tenders? Let’s dive in!

What is Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders?

Think of these as your classic chicken tenders, but jazzed up with the bold, toasty flavors of everything bagel seasoning. It’s essentially a crunchy coating that includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, onion, and salt—kind of like a savory, seed-studded crust that elevates plain chicken into something really special. The name comes from the popular bagel topping that’s become a staple on brunch tables, yet here it’s turned into a flavor-packed coating. The process is simple: breaded chicken strips get coated in this magic seasoning blend, baked or fried to golden perfection, and served with your favorite dipping sauces. They’re almost like a little party for your taste buds, and the best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps. It’s honest, homey comfort food with a modern twist—perfect for those nights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to fuss too much.

How do I make Bagel Chicken Tenders?

Quick Overview

This recipe is all about coating juicy chicken tenders in a flavorful everything bagel seasoning, then baking or frying them until crispy. The trick is to get that perfect golden crunch while keeping the inside moist and tender—trust me, once you get the coating right, these tenders disappear faster than you’d expect. I like to prep everything in steps: set up your breading station, season your chicken, and get your coating ready. A quick dunk in egg wash helps the seasoning stick, and baking at a high heat ensures that crunch. The best part? It’s straightforward, with no weird ingredients or complicated techniques. You can make them ahead and even freeze leftovers for another busy night. This is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough for friends but simple enough to make on a weeknight when you’re exhausted. Once baked, they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with savory flavor. A true win in my kitchen!

Ingredients

For the Main Batter:
– 1 pound of chicken tenders or cut chicken breasts into strips
– 2 large eggs (or unsweetened almond milk for dairy-free)
– ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (super crunchy and light)
– 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning (store-bought or homemade: sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, salt)
– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional but adds a cheesy twist)
For the Glaze or Drizzle (optional):
– 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for a sweet glaze)
– 1 teaspoon chili flakes (for a spicy kick)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—trust me, cleanup is so much easier, and nothing sticks. If you prefer frying, get a deep skillet filled with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F. Either way, you want that hot temperature to get that crunch fast and even.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, Parmesan cheese (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly. I always do this first so I can get a good, even coating on my chicken later. The seasoning blend is what makes these so addictive—trust me, don’t skimp on it!

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and a splash of water or milk. This will help the coating stick beautifully. If you’re using almond milk, it makes the tenders even a tad creamier—I love experimenting with this battle-tested trick.

Step 4: Combine

Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the egg wash, then press into the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated. Don’t rush this step; it’s the secret to that perfect crunch that sticks well.

Step 5: Prepare Filling (if applicable)

If you want to get fancy or add a filling, you can stuff cheese or herbs inside the chicken before coating. I’ve tested this with mozzarella, and it works great. For simplicity, I stick with plain chicken, but the options are endless — make it yours!

Step 6: Layer & Swirl

Arrange your coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Feel free to drizzle a tiny bit of honey or sprinkle extra seasoning on top before baking—this helps caramelize the outside just enough and adds another dimension of flavor. For a beautiful swirl pattern, you can also brush melted butter mixed with extra seasoning on the tenders before the last 5 minutes of baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway if frying. If frying, cook in batches for about 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on them—nothing worse than overcooked tenders that turn dry. When they’re golden brown and the coating looks crisp, they’re ready!

Step 8: Cool & Glaze

Let the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking—this helps lock in the juices. If you want a sweet and spicy glaze, mix honey and chili flakes and brush it on while they’re still warm. The warmth helps the glaze set and gives you that beautiful sticky finish.

Step 9: Slice & Serve

Serve these tenders hot with your preferred dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or a simple squeeze of lemon. For an extra presentation touch, sprinkle some fresh herbs or extra sesame seeds on top. I like to cut into one to check for juicy insides, and honestly, they look as good as they taste.

What to Serve It With

Oh, you’re going to love the endless pairing possibilities for these everything bagel chicken tenders. For breakfast, serve them alongside scrambled eggs or fluffy pancakes—trust me, it’s a fun twist on your usual morning. Brunch is perfect too; think about a platter with citrusy salads and a mimosa or sparkling water infused with lemon and herbs. As a dinner centerpiece, pair these tenders with roasted veggies or a simple green salad—add some avocado or cherry tomatoes for color and freshness. If you’re craving a cozy snack, serve them with a warm honey mustard dip or even some creamy ranch. My family loves to dip these into warm cheese sauce or serve with coleslaw on the side. They’re also fantastic in wraps or nestled inside a soft roll for a quick sandwich that’s way better than takeout. These tenders really shine when served with a bit of love and creativity, so don’t be shy to experiment a little!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to making these tenders absolutely perfect every time. First, when preparing the chicken, I always pat it dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness; it can make the coating soggy. If your chicken tends to be a bit large or thick, I recommend pounding it slightly to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Don’t overmix your coating mixture—just enough to evenly distribute the seasoning and breadcrumbs, but avoid pressing too hard or compacting everything; otherwise, you’ll lose that lightness.

When it comes to swirling or swirling the tenders for a prettier look, I sometimes use a small spoon or fork to gently coat the chicken, then press it into the breadcrumb mixture. For visual appeal, I suggest arranging them in a single layer on the baking sheet without overcrowding. If you prefer frying for that extra crunch, remember to keep the oil temperature steady at around 350°F—using a thermometer is a game-changer.

Feel free to experiment with ingredient swaps. I’ve tested adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika for smoky flavor or a dash of nutritional yeast for added oomph. The key is to keep the seasoning balanced—too much salt or spice can overpower the delicate chicken flavor. I’ve also tried using gluten-free panko and it still gets nice and crispy, so don’t hesitate to tweak based on your diet.

Finally, don’t skip the cooling step after baking; this lets that crust set beautifully. And when applying your glaze, do it while the tenders are still warm—this helps that sticky, savory coating cling perfectly. My biggest lesson? Trust your senses—look for that golden hue, listen for the crispy crackle when you bite in, and smell that irresistible savory aroma. Once you’ve nailed these little tricks, the perfect everything bagel chicken tenders are yours to enjoy anytime.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep that crispy crunch, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes—avoid microwaving, as it tends to make the coating soggy. If you prefer to freeze them, place cooled tenders in a freezer bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking; they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on a baking sheet. For the glaze, add it fresh after reheating if you want that sticky shine. A quick tip: if you love that crispy bite, toss the tenders in a little oil before reheating—they crisp right back up. Ultimately, these tenders are surprisingly forgiving, and with proper storage, they taste just as good the next day, with that tempting crunch still intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Honestly, once you make these everything bagel chicken tenders, they’re hard to beat. They’re savory, crispy, and just so much fun to eat—my kids ask for them on repeat, and I won’t lie, I sneak a few bites myself. What I love most is how easy they are to customize; you can play with the seasoning, add cheese, turn up the spice, or keep it simple. They remind me of the brunch bagel toppings we all love, but now it’s turned into a crispy, satisfyingly addictive meal or snack. Plus, they’re practical—freeze some for those busy nights or unexpected guests, and you’ve got a winner every time. I hope you love making and eating these as much as I do. Drop a comment below if you try them out or give your own twists—I’d love to hear! Happy baking, friends, and enjoy every crunchy, flavorful bite.

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Crispy baked chicken tenders coated with everything bagel seasoning, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal.

Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Rate Pin Share Recipe Print Recipe

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning
• 1 large egg
• 1.25 pounds boneless skinless chicken tenders
• ranch dressing (blue cheese dressing, ketchup, etc. for serving if desired)

Instructions

 

Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup; set aside.
• To a large ziptop storage bag, add the panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, and stir to combine; set bag aside.
• In a medium bowl, beat the egg lightly with a fork, add the chicken tenders, and toss to coat evenly.
• Remove chicken from the bowl using a fork, discard excess egg, and place into the plastic bag. Seal and toss to coat in seasoning.
• Arrange chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet, evenly spaced. Use fingers to press additional panko mixture onto sparsely coated areas.
• Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking. Serve immediately with desired dip. Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 5 days in fridge or 4 months frozen.

Notes

Enjoy these crispy bagel-seasoned chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce.