Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Easy Crispy Recipe

Published:

September 2, 2025

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Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Easy Crispy Recipe

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders: The Easiest, Crispiest Dinner!

Craving a delicious and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love? Look no further! These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are incredibly flavorful, perfectly crispy, and surprisingly simple to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, all thanks to the magic of everything bagel seasoning! This recipe is not only a guaranteed crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to add some excitement to your usual chicken dinner routine. Get ready to ditch the boring and embrace these addictively delicious tenders!

Why You’ll Love This Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Super Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the familiar taste of chicken tenders with a fun and flavorful twist.
Easy Clean-up: Minimal dishes thanks to the simple breading process.
Versatile: Great as a main course, appetizer, or even in salads and wraps.
Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you probably already have on hand, making it a perfect choice for cheap dinners for a family.
Air Fryer Friendly: We’ve included instructions for both oven-baked and air-fried tenders, making these one of the easy air fryer meals healthy you can pull together in minutes.

Ingredients for Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

1.5 lbs Chicken Tenderloins
1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Large Eggs, beaten
1 cup Everything Bagel Seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
Olive Oil Spray (if air frying)

Substitutions:

Flour: Can be substituted with gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: If you don’t have everything bagel seasoning, you can make your own by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.

How to Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Set Up Your Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and everything bagel seasoning.
Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the chicken into the everything bagel seasoning, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides.
Choose Your Cooking Method: Decide whether you’ll bake them in the oven or use the air fry recipes to get them crispy; Follow instructions below based on your cooking preference.
Bake in the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Spray the tenders with a bit more olive oil spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Making this an air fryer meal that is super quick and tastes amazing!
Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Pro Tips & Variations

Don’t Overcrowd: Whether baking or air frying, make sure to leave some space between the tenders to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Use a Meat Thermometer: The best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the everything bagel seasoning for a little heat.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and ensure your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free.
Experiment with Dips: Try different dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy mayo.

These Easy Weeknight Dinners offer versatility to your family meals.

Serving Suggestions

These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with tasty sides!

Classic Fries: Crispy french fries are always a winner.
Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier and slightly sweeter alternative.
Coleslaw: A refreshing and crunchy side that complements the savory chicken.
Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts make a healthy and flavorful addition.
Mac and Cheese: A comforting and indulgent side dish.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating:

Air Fryer: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This is the best method for maintaining crispiness.
Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Microwave: While convenient, microwaving can make the tenders soggy. If using the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals until heated through.

FAQ about Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the breading from adhering properly. This is an easy healthy dinner option that can be made with frozen chicken!

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: You can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can save you time on busy weeknights. This makes a quick meal, allowing you to enjoy easy air fry meals in no time!

Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?

A: No problem! This recipe works great in the oven too. Follow the oven-baking instructions in the recipe.

Q: What kind of dipping sauce goes well with these tenders?

A: Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, and even a simple Greek yogurt dip are all great options. Get creative and experiment with your favorites!

Q: Can I make this recipe a crockpot meals?

A: Sorry but these are Chicken Tender’s made either in the oven or air fryer, not the crockpot!

Final Thoughts on Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for busy weeknights! They’re quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you bake them in the oven or air fry them to crispy perfection, you’re in for a treat.

If you try this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest board for later. And if you love easy and delicious recipes like this, subscribe to my blog for more culinary inspiration delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking!