Name: Crispy 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; 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning blend; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 to 2 teaspoons olive oil spray; Dipping sauces, for serving

If you love that irresistible crunch and savory punch you get from an everything bagel, wait until you try this Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. These baked tenders are packed with flavor, super easy to make, and perfect for any night of the week.

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 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 can honestly say this is one of my go-to recipes when I want a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal without standing over the stove all evening. The crispy coating brings all those everything bagel flavors to life in the most delicious way!

Flavor-Packed Crunch: The everything bagel seasoning adds garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds for a mouthwatering crisp.
Simple & Baked: No frying here — just a quick bake at 425°F for crispy, healthier chicken tenders.
Quick Prep: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute snacks.
Versatile Serving: Pair them with any dipping sauce you love — ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha all work great!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the star ingredients. When you shop for these, look for fresh chicken tenders and a good-quality everything bagel seasoning—store-bought works great, but you can also make your own blend if you’re feeling adventurous.

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: Tender, lean, and cooks quickly, making them perfect for baking crisp.
Egg: Helps the coating stick nicely and adds moisture for a tender inside.
Milk: Combined with egg to create a smooth wash that binds the coating.
Flour: Lightly coats the chicken to start building that crunchy crust.
Plain bread crumbs: Adds texture and crunch to the coating; pork panko crumbs are a great swap for extra crispiness.
Everything bagel seasoning blend: The magic mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt that elevates these tenders.
Paprika: Adds mild warmth and a beautiful golden color.
Olive oil spray: Helps the tenders crisp up beautifully in the oven without frying.
Dipping sauces: Whatever you love to dunk your tenders in — ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or something spicy!

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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 this Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you're tweaking the coating or switching up the dipping sauces, these tenders are a fantastic canvas for creativity.

Crunch Boost: For an extra crispy texture, I often swap the plain bread crumbs for pork panko crumbs. That little change sends the crunch factor through the roof without overpowering the savory seasoning.
Butter Swap: Instead of olive oil spray, try brushing the tenders with melted butter. It adds a rich, golden flavor that really elevates the dish for a more indulgent treat.
Seasoning Mix-Up: Feel free to experiment with your everything bagel seasoning. If you like a little more garlic or onion punch, increase those components or add a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Dietary Friendly: To make these gluten-free, replace the flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko alternatives. The tenders still come out beautifully crispy!
Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the cooked tenders before serving for an added fresh flavor and a pop of color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy 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: Get Your Oven Ready and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit—this high heat is key to getting the tenders nice and crispy. While it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep things tidy and prevent sticking. Setting this up early keeps your workflow smooth and mess-free.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Egg and Milk

In a medium bowl, whisk one large egg with ¼ cup of milk until well combined and slightly frothy. This mixture helps the coating stick beautifully to the chicken. Set it aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Breading Ingredients

In a separate bowl or a large plate, combine ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs, 1½ tablespoons of your everything bagel seasoning blend, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Give it a good stir so that the flavors are evenly distributed—this is what will give the tenders their signature crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Coat Each Tender with Love

Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the dry breading mixture, making sure to coat it well. Then, dip the coated tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, roll it again in the breading mixture to ensure a double layer of that irresistible crunchy coating. One tender at a time works best here to keep the coating even and delicious.

Step 5: Arrange and Oil for Crispiness

Place the breaded chicken tenders on your lined baking sheet, spacing them out so air can circulate around each piece for even cooking. Spray the tenders evenly with 1 to 2 teaspoons of olive oil spray—this helps the coating develop that perfect golden crunch while baking.

Step 6: Bake, Flip, and Finish Baking

Bake the tenders in the oven for 10 minutes. After that, carefully flip each tender over, spray lightly again with olive oil, and bake for another 8 minutes. This two-stage bake ensures the coating crisps up beautifully on all sides and the chicken cooks through to a juicy finish. Don’t forget to check they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safety.

Step 7: Rest and Serve with Your Favorite Dips

Once baked, let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet. This short rest helps the juices settle and keeps the tenders tender inside. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauces—whether it’s classic honey mustard, tangy ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo, these tenders are ready to be devoured.

Top Tip

These tips will help you nail the perfect crispy coating and juicy chicken every single time with the Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Double Dredge Technique: Coating the chicken in the breading, then the egg, and again in the breading ensures a thick, crunchy crust that holds up beautifully when baked.
Olive Oil Spray: Spraying the tenders with olive oil instead of drizzling keeps the coating crisp without becoming soggy - I learned this by trial to get that perfect golden crunch.
Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Giving each tender space on the baking sheet allows hot air to circulate around them, which is key for even crisping throughout.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid drying out your tenders by checking they’re perfectly cooked at an internal temperature of 165˚F – juicy center, crispy outside every time.

How to Serve Crispy 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 some extra everything bagel seasoning on top just before serving for a flavor boost. Fresh chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and freshness that complements the crunchy coating wonderfully.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or classic shoestring fries. For a heartier meal, creamy coleslaw or garlic mashed potatoes work perfectly alongside. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces — honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy sriracha mayo elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing to maintain the crunch.

Freezing

To freeze, place the cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tenders keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in a 375˚F oven for about 10 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating as it can make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders and follow the same coating and baking process.

Is everything bagel seasoning store-bought or homemade?

You can find everything bagel seasoning pre-made in most grocery stores, or easily mix your own using sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.

Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free bread crumbs to swap in without losing that satisfying crunch.

How do I know when the tenders are fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 165˚F to ensure safe and perfectly cooked chicken.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about biting into golden, crispy chicken tenders with a punchy everything bagel crust. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, this Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe brings that perfect harmony of texture and bold flavors to your table in just 30 minutes. I hope you love making and sharing them as much as I do!