Name: Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 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 perfect crunch and savory pop of flavor, you're going to adore this Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. Trust me, it’s like your favorite everything bagel got cozy with juicy chicken tenders—and it’s all baked to crispy, golden perfection.

The image shows a close-up of seven pieces of golden brown, crispy fried chicken tenders arranged scattered on a white marbled surface. The chicken has a crunchy textured coating sprinkled with black and white sesame seeds and small bits of seasoning evenly covering each piece. The tenders have an irregular shape and a rough, crisp outer layer with some softer white chicken meat visible through the coating. In the upper right corner, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy beige dipping sauce that has light specks throughout. The scene is brightly lit, highlighting the crunchy texture and warm color of the chicken. 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 Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m pretty obsessed with these tenders—they're my go-to when I want a snack or meal that feels indulgent but isn’t drowning in oil. Plus, the everything bagel seasoning blends all those garlic, onion, and seed flavors into every bite, making them seriously addictive.

Crispy without frying: Baking gets you that crunch without the mess or calories of deep frying.
Flavor-packed coating: Everything bagel seasoning adds a brilliant savory twist that’s anything but boring.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Perfect for dipping: Pair with your favorite sauces and you’re all set for a fun meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at the ingredients that make these tenders shine. I recommend fresh chicken tenders for juiciness and using a good quality everything bagel seasoning blend for that authentic flavor punch.

Flat lay of raw chicken breast tenders arranged neatly, one large brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with plain flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing golden bread crumbs, a small white ceramic bowl holding a coarse everything bagel seasoning blend with visible sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and dried onion flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red paprika powder, placed 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 perfect for quick cooking with a juicy inside.
Egg: Acts as a binder so the coating sticks beautifully.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps the egg coat evenly.
Flour: Provides a base layer to help the breadcrumb mix stick and create texture.
Plain bread crumbs: Adds crunch and body; you can swap for panko crumbs for a lighter texture.
Everything bagel seasoning blend: The star here—it brings garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed magic to every bite.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and color to the crust.
Olive oil spray: Keeps the tenders crispy in the oven without excess oil.
Dipping sauces: Because what’s a tender without your favorite dip? Think ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli.

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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

The beauty of this Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easily you can customize it to make it your own. Whether you want to amp up the spice, swap breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option, or add herbs for a fresh twist, it’s all about making this dish fit your taste buds perfectly.

Gluten-Free Variation: I love swapping out the plain bread crumbs for gluten-free panko crumbs. It keeps that wonderful crunch without any gluten concerns, and the seasoning still shines through perfectly.
Spicy Kick: For a little heat, I sometimes add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the dry coating mix. It adds a subtle warmth without overwhelming the everything bagel flavor.
Herby Twist: Adding a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley or dill into the breading mixture gives the tenders a bright, fresh note that pairs beautifully with creamy dips.
Air Fryer Swap: If you have an air fryer, you can crisp the tenders there for about 12 minutes at 400˚F, turning halfway through—for an extra crispy finish with less oil!

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

The image shows five pieces of raw chicken coated in a crunchy, golden-brown crumb mix with visible black and white sesame seeds. The pieces are arranged on a white tray with some crumbs scattered around. The crumb layer is thick and textured, covering the chicken evenly but with some patches of the raw meat peeking through. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat Things Up

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temp is key—it helps the coating crisp up beautifully without overcooking the chicken inside. While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Your Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together one large egg and ¼ cup of milk until fully combined. This mixture will help the breading stick to the chicken and create that golden, juicy finish. Set it aside while you prepare your dry mix.

Step 3: Combine the Flavor-Packed Dry Ingredients

In another bowl or a shallow plate, stir together ½ cup flour, ¼ cup plain bread crumbs (or your preferred alternative), 1½ tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, and 1 teaspoon paprika. This zesty blend is what gives the tenders their signature crunch and flavor.

Step 4: Double Coat for Crunch

Grab each chicken tender and first dredge it in the breading mixture. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it back into the breading mixture for a second coating. Trust me, this double coating step creates a crunchy crust that’s incredibly satisfying!

Step 5: Prep for Baking

Arrange the coated tenders evenly on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching. Then, give them a light spray of olive oil — about 1 to 2 teaspoons spread evenly. This little step is what helps the crust turn golden and crispy without frying.

Step 6: Bake and Flip

Pop the baking sheet into your 425˚F oven and bake for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully flip each tender over, spray the other side with olive oil spray, and bake for another 8 minutes. You’re looking for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and an internal temp of 165˚F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute inside the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo all make excellent partners.

Top Tip

These tips come from plenty of kitchen experiments and are here to help you get the crispiest, most flavorful Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders every time.

Double Coating Magic: Dredge the chicken tenders twice—once before the egg wash and once after—to lock in an extra crispy crust bursting with everything bagel flavor.
Perfect Oven Temp: Baking at 425°F is key. It crisps the coating quickly without drying out the juicy chicken inside.
Olive Oil Spray Trick: Lightly spritz both sides of the tenders with olive oil spray. This simple step helps get that golden, crunchy finish without deep frying.
Temperature Check: Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F; this keeps them juicy and perfectly cooked without guesswork.

How to Serve Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

On a white plate with a white marbled background, there are six pieces of golden brown fried chicken tenders arranged in a casual pile, each piece showing a crispy, textured coating with visible pepper and sesame seed seasoning sprinkled over them. On the right side of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy light yellow dipping sauce that has black and white sesame seeds on top. Fresh green herbs are scattered lightly around the chicken for garnish, enhancing the visual appeal. The 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. You can also sprinkle a little extra everything bagel seasoning over the tenders right before serving for a flavor boost. A squeeze of lemon over the top really brightens everything up!

Side Dishes

Serve these tenders with crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrot, creamy coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad. Don't forget your favorite dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo are all winners.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.

Freezing

To freeze, lay the cooked and cooled tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they last up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy texture intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders for this recipe?

Yes! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken thighs into strips similar in size to tenders. They’ll be a bit juicier but require the same baking time at 425°F.

Is there a gluten-free option for the coating?

Absolutely! Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

What dipping sauces pair best with Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders?

Classic choices like ranch and honey mustard work beautifully, but creamy dill sauce, garlic aioli, or even a spicy sriracha mayo add exciting dimension to the flavor.

Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time and bake later?

Yes! Coat the tenders and arrange them on the baking sheet, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This helps save time on busy days.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about a homemade crispy chicken tender that’s bursting with flavor—and this Baked Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s straightforward, quick, and a crowd-pleaser whether you’re serving weeknight dinner or snacks for friends. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these tenders as much as I do. Happy baking and bon appétit!