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To make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you need a few simple ingredients. These help create a tasty dish that everyone will love. Here’s what you will need: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) - Olive oil spray (for baking) These ingredients come together to make tender, crispy chicken that bursts with flavor. The everything bagel seasoning adds a unique twist. You get savory notes from garlic and onion, plus that special crunch from panko. When you prepare these chicken tenders, each ingredient plays a role. The flour helps the coating stick, while the eggs bind everything together. The buttermilk gives moisture. This ensures the chicken stays juicy inside. Feel free to mix and match. You can try different spices or breadcrumbs. This recipe lets you be creative in the kitchen. Enjoy making these delicious Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will give your chicken tenders a lovely crisp. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The paper keeps the chicken from sticking and makes clean-up easy. Now, let’s set up three dishes for dredging. In the first dish, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. In the second dish, pour in the 2 beaten eggs. In the third dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. This will give your chicken a tasty crunch. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture first. Make sure to shake off any extra flour. Next, coat the tender in the beaten eggs. This helps the crumbs stick. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko-bagel mix, pressing gently so it sticks well. For extra flavor, dip each tender in 1/2 cup of buttermilk right before placing it on the baking sheet. This adds moisture and richness. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each one. This helps them cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil. This will help them crisp up nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. You want them to turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once they are done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Now, they are ready to enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce! To get that perfect crunch, follow these steps: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They give a light and crispy texture. - Spray olive oil on the chicken before baking. This helps the tenders brown well. - Bake at high heat. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for best results. - Space out the chicken tenders on the baking sheet. This allows air to circulate. Each of these tips helps create tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. Here are some tasty ideas: - Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy match. - Ranch dressing: Creamy and cool, it pairs well. - Buffalo sauce: For a spicy kick, this is perfect. - Creamy garlic dip: Rich and flavorful, it adds depth. You can mix and match these sauces to find your favorite! Want to add more flavor to your tenders? Try these quick tips: - Marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight. This makes it juicy and flavorful. - Add fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the panko mix. They bring a fresh taste. - Experiment with spices. Try smoked paprika or cayenne for heat. These enhancements can take your Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders to new heights! Pro Tips Tip Title: Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders will yield better flavor and texture. Always opt for high-quality, fresh ingredients whenever possible. Tip Title: Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the flour mixture to customize the seasoning to your taste. Tip Title: Monitor Cooking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature; check your chicken tenders a few minutes early to avoid overcooking. Tip Title: Let Them Rest: Allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain moisture and enhances the flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up your seasonings for a different taste. Try using taco seasoning for a spicy kick. Cajun seasoning adds heat and a fun flavor. If you like herbs, Italian seasoning gives a fresh twist. Each choice brings a new vibe to your chicken tenders. Instead of panko breadcrumbs, use crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. You could also try ground almonds or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option. For a cheesy touch, mix grated Parmesan into your breadcrumb coating. Each option changes the texture and taste of your tenders. Serve these chicken tenders with various dips. Honey mustard or ranch dressing pairs well with the flavors. You could also try a spicy sriracha mayo for a kick. Serve them on a bed of salad for a light meal. Feel free to add your favorite sides like fries or veggies for a full plate. To store your Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. They stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. When you're ready to enjoy leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for 10-15 minutes or until warm. This method keeps the tenders crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may turn soft. For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should bake the chicken tenders for about 15 to 20 minutes. The goal is to achieve a nice golden-brown color. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked. This baking time helps the chicken stay juicy while the coating gets crispy. Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer. Cut the breasts into strips, about the same size as tenders. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly. Thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes to cook through. If you don't have buttermilk, plain yogurt works well. You can also mix one cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor and texture for your chicken tenders. The original recipe uses all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, which contain gluten. To make these tenders gluten-free, you can swap with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, everyone can enjoy the tasty flavor of Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. You now have a complete guide to crafting delicious Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. We covered the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips for the perfect bake. You learned about storage and variations to keep meals exciting. I hope you feel ready to try this dish. Enjoy the tasty results and explore your own twists! Your kitchen adventure starts now, so have fun cooking!

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Crispy and flavorful chicken tenders coated with everything bagel seasoning.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
  • 1 spray olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Prep Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Set Up Dredging Stations: In one shallow dish, add the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, mixing well. In a second dish, pour the beaten eggs. In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the everything bagel seasoning.
  • Coat the Chicken: First, dip each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess. Next, coat the chicken in the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully covered. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko-bagel mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
  • Dairy Bath: For a delicious twist, dip each coated chicken tender into the buttermilk right before placing them on the baking sheet for added moisture.
  • Prepare for Baking: Lay the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced out. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp up.
  • Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For added moisture, dip the tenders in buttermilk before baking.
Keyword baked chicken, chicken tenders, everything bagel