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- 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) The chicken tenders make a great base for this dish. They cook quickly and stay juicy. The flour gives a nice coating. The panko breadcrumbs add crunch. Everything bagel seasoning brings a unique flavor. This mix includes sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic, and onion. These spices add depth to each bite. The buttermilk creates moisture, making the tenders tender and flavorful. You can swap chicken tenders with chicken breasts if you prefer. Just cut them into strips. If you need a gluten-free option, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Instead of buttermilk, any plain yogurt works well. You can also use ranch seasoning instead of everything bagel seasoning for a twist. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy chicken. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy. Create three shallow dishes for dredging. In the first dish, mix 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir until well combined. In the second dish, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. In the third dish, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 3 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Mix well to ensure even flavor. Take each chicken tender and coat it in the seasoned flour first. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully covered. Finally, roll it in the panko-bagel mixture. Press gently to help the crumbs stick well to the chicken. For added moisture, dip each coated chicken tender in 1/2 cup of buttermilk right before placing it on the baking sheet. This step makes the chicken tender and juicy. Arrange the tenders on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil to achieve a crispy, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. To get your chicken tenders crispy, follow these tips: - Use panko breadcrumbs. They are lighter and crisp up better than regular bread crumbs. - Make sure to coat the chicken well. Each piece should have a thick layer of the panko-bagel mix. - Lightly spray the tenders with olive oil before baking. This helps them brown and crisp up. - Bake on parchment paper. It keeps the tenders from sticking and allows for even cooking. - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet. Give each tender some space for proper heat circulation. You can mix things up with these fun ideas: - Add some spice. Try mixing in cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour for heat. - Get zesty! Add lemon zest to the panko for a bright flavor. - Experiment with herbs. Fresh dill or parsley can add a nice touch to the everything bagel mix. - Try different dips. Ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha sauce can change the whole meal. Avoid these common errors for the best results: - Skipping the buttermilk step. It adds moisture and flavor, making the chicken tender. - Not preheating the oven. Always start with a hot oven for even cooking. - Dipping the chicken too quickly. Make sure each layer is thick for maximum crunch. - Forgetting to check the temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for safe eating. - Leaving no space on the baking sheet. Space is key for crispy tenders! Pro Tips Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh or high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor and texture. Organic or free-range chicken can enhance the taste significantly. Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor. Smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can give a nice kick! Experiment with Coatings: Try substituting the panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or potato chips for a unique crunch and different flavor profile. Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. {{image_4}} You can play with the seasoning to make these chicken tenders your own. Try using taco seasoning for a spicy twist. Lemon pepper adds a fresh taste. You can also use ranch seasoning for a creamy flavor. If you want something sweeter, go for a cinnamon-sugar mix. Just remember to keep the flavor balance right. The right sauce makes every bite better. For a classic choice, try honey mustard. It brings a nice sweetness. BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor that pairs well too. If you like heat, sriracha mixed with mayo makes a zesty dip. You could also mix yogurt with dill and garlic for a fresh taste. Feel free to explore and find your favorite! When serving these chicken tenders, think about what sides to pair. A simple garden salad adds freshness. Sweet potato fries give a nice crunch. You can also serve them with roasted veggies for a healthy touch. For a fun twist, try them with a bagel-themed platter. Include cream cheese, pickles, and cucumbers to keep the theme going. These ideas make your meal exciting and tasty! After enjoying your Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three to four days. Let the tenders cool down before sealing them up. This prevents moisture buildup, which can make them soggy. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the chicken tenders on the sheet and cover them loosely with foil. Bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside and warm on the inside. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for about 5 to 7 minutes for extra crunch. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the tenders. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breast instead of tenders. Just cut the chicken breast into strips. This will help them cook evenly. Keep in mind, the cooking time may be slightly longer. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety. Everything bagel seasoning includes several tasty ingredients. It typically has poppy seeds, sesame seeds, garlic flakes, onion flakes, and salt. This mix gives a great flavor to your chicken tenders. You can also find some blends with added spices like black pepper. To know when the chicken tenders are done, check their color. They should be golden brown. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. If it reads 165°F (74°C), your tenders are safe to eat and ready to enjoy! This blog post covered everything you need to know about making tasty chicken tenders. We explored the key ingredients, gave step-by-step baking instructions, and shared tips for great results. Different variations and storage tips were included to keep it fresh. Remember to experiment with flavors and avoid common mistakes. Making chicken tenders can be fun and easy. Enjoy trying out these ideas in your kitchen!

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)
  • N/A Olive oil spray (for baking)

Instructions
 

  • Prep Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
  • Set Up Dredging Stations: Create three separate shallow dishes for your dredging process. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until evenly incorporated. In the second dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the everything bagel seasoning, ensuring even distribution.
  • Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in the panko-bagel mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick well to the chicken.
  • Dairy Bath: For an extra boost of moisture and flavor, dip each coated chicken tender into the buttermilk right before placing them on the baking sheet. This step enhances the tenderness while baking.
  • Prepare for Baking: Arrange the chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil, which will help achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken tenders for approximately 15-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Serve: Once they are done baking, carefully remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them sit for a few minutes to cool slightly. Serve them warm alongside your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful treat.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, everything bagel, tenders