When I first discovered everything bagel seasoning, I knew it was destined for great things beyond breakfast. That’s why I’m thrilled to share my Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders recipe with you! These tenders not only offer a fun twist on a classic family favorite, but they also make for a quick weeknight dinner that your loved ones will applaud. The combination of crunchy panko and savory everything seasoning creates a tantalizing bite that’s kid-friendly and endlessly customizable. Best of all, this recipe balances convenience and deliciousness, ensuring you’ll satisfy those cravings without the usual fast food guilty feeling. Are you ready to elevate your chicken tender game? Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!
Why Are These Chicken Tenders a Must-Try?
Quick Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have these delicious chicken tenders ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly Delight: Even picky eaters will love the crispy, flavorful coating that makes these tenders so appealing to kids and adults alike.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or add herbs to the breadcrumb mixture, tailoring the recipe to your family’s taste.
Crispy Perfection: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and everything seasoning creates a texture and flavor that rivals your favorite chicken joint. For more exciting chicken dishes, check out my Garlic Butter Chicken or Honey BBQ Chicken recipes.
Great for Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy crispy tenders for lunch or dinner throughout the week. You’ll never miss the drive-thru again!
Crispy Chicken Tenders Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – The main protein source; using chicken tenderloin creates perfectly sized pieces for everyone.
• Eggs – Binds the coating ingredients to the chicken; replace with a flaxseed meal mixture for a vegan alternative.
For the Coating
• Mayonnaise – Adds moisture and richness; Greek yogurt can lighten it up without sacrificing taste.
• Flour – Helps the coating adhere; for a gluten-free diet, opt for gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Onion Powder – Enhances savory depth; swap with garlic powder for a twist of flavor.
• Garlic Powder – Elevates overall flavor; fresh minced garlic offers a more robust taste.
• Coarse Kosher Salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust with table salt if that’s all you have, but use less.
• Smoked Paprika – Infuses a smoky essence; regular paprika or cayenne can introduce heat as desired.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning – Delivers a signature taste; use a homemade blend for a personalized touch.
• Panko Breadcrumbs – Provides that delightful crunch; regular breadcrumbs work too but won’t be as crispy.
Give these delicious, crispy chicken tenders a try, and watch as they become a family favorite!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing boneless skinless chicken breasts. If using whole breasts, slice them into tender strips of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Aim for about 1-inch wide pieces; this makes for perfect bite-sized Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders that are easy to handle and deliciously crispy.
Step 2: Make the Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together two eggs, a dollop of mayonnaise, and a couple of tablespoons of flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates a rich binding agent that helps the coating adhere beautifully to the chicken tenders. Set this bowl aside, ready for that crispy coating process to come.
Step 3: Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating
In a separate bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, coarse kosher salt, smoked paprika, everything bagel seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the crumbs. This step is essential to achieving the savory, crunchy topping that gives these chicken tenders their signature flavor!
Step 4: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and allow for easier cleanup. The heat should be ready for cooking those juicy, flavorful Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders as they bake to perfection.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, transfer the chicken to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the crumbs. This thorough coating ensures each tender is wonderfully crispy when baked, enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken Tenders
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for fully cooked tenders, ensuring a juicy and tender inside.
Step 7: Let Rest Before Serving
Once baked to perfection, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that your Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders are not only crispy but also tender and flavorful when served.
Make Ahead Options
These Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can marinate the chicken in the egg mixture for up to 24 hours in advance, which helps the flavors penetrate deeply and keeps the chicken moist. Additionally, you can also prep the breadcrumb mixture up to 3 days ahead; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy your crispy chicken tenders, coat the chicken and bake them straight from the fridge—there’s no need to bring them to room temperature. Trust me, this meal prep will have your family praising your culinary skills with minimal effort!
What to Serve with Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders
Creating the perfect meal experience is all about balance and flavor, and these crispy chicken tenders will delight your palate!
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Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, crisp textures of coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the hot, crispy tenders, making every bite exciting.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these breadsticks add a delightfully chewy texture to the meal, perfect for dipping into sauces.
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Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies drizzled with olive oil adds a tender, roasted flavor to complement the chicken’s savory crunch.
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Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: This sweet and tangy sauce enhances the chicken’s flavor while offering a delicious, interactive dining experience.
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French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The familiar crunch of fries elevates this meal, while sweet potato fries introduce a hint of sweetness, rounding out the flavors.
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Zesty Quinoa Salad: Packed with fresh herbs, veggies, and citrus, this salad serves as a nutritious, light side, balancing the richness of the tenders.
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Sparkling Lemonade: Refreshing and slightly tart, a fizzy drink like sparkling lemonade cleanses the palate and adds a fun touch to your meal.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: Conclude your dining experience with warm, gooey cookies that will delight both young and old, creating a perfect sweet ending.
Storage Tips for Crispy Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store your cooked crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months, ideal for quick meals!
Reheating: To enjoy those delicious tenders again, reheat from frozen or refrigerated in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they’re heated through and crispy once more.
Leftover Tips: If you know you’ll have leftovers, avoid sogginess by not stacking the tenders in storage. Layer parchment paper between them for extra protection!
Crispy Chicken Tenders Variations
Feel free to put your unique spin on these delights for a tailored dining experience your family will adore!
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives to enjoy the same crispy goodness. Gluten does not need to hold you back from tasty chicken tenders!
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Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free mayo and consider flaxseed meal mixed with water in place of eggs for a tasty vegan twist. These tenders can still be enjoyed by everyone at the table!
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or dill into the breadcrumb mixture for an aromatic and flavorful lift. A subtle touch of nature can pleasantly surprise your taste buds!
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb blend for an extra zing. If you love that heat, this variation will light up your taste buds!
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Crispy Parmesan: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the panko for a cheesy crust that will add depth and richness. It’s like a family-friendly upgrade to your favorite Italian flavors!
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Sweet Twist: Drizzle honey or maple syrup over the baked tenders just before serving for a sweet contrast to the savory coating. This surprising addition creates a delightful flavor profile that’s irresistible!
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Accompanying Dips: Serve with a variety of dressings like tangy ranch or zesty barbecue sauce for everyone to enjoy their favorite flavors. These creamy contrasts promise to elevate each bite!
For more creative chicken dishes, you’ll love my Cheesy Chicken Garlic or Peanut Chicken Savory recipes for new culinary adventures!
Expert Tips for Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders
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Even Coating: Press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure your crispy chicken tenders have an excellent coating that doesn’t fall off while baking.
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Extra Crispiness: For that coveted crunch, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking oil before baking. This helps achieve a beautifully golden finish.
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Rest for Juiciness: Don’t skip the resting time after baking! Letting the chicken tenders sit briefly ensures they remain juicy and tender inside.
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Baking Sheet Prep: Make sure to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, which helps in achieving that perfect crispiness on your tenders.
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Storage Smart: If you have leftovers, store your crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.
Everything-Seasoned Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting chicken breasts?
Absolutely! When selecting chicken breasts, look for ones that are plump, pinkish in color, and free from dark spots or blemishes. Fresh chicken should feel firm to the touch. If you’re using frozen chicken, ensure it’s stored properly without ice crystals, as this can affect flavor and texture.
How should I store leftover crispy chicken tenders?
Very! Store your cooked crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I often include a thin paper towel in the container to help absorb excess moisture, keeping the tenders as crispy as possible.
Can I freeze the chicken tenders after baking?
Absolutely! To freeze your crispy chicken tenders, let them cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat straight from frozen!
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No problem! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work too, but keep in mind that they may not provide the same level of crunch. To enhance the crispiness, consider toasting regular breadcrumbs lightly in a skillet with a bit of oil before using them to coat your chicken tenders.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Yes, absolutely! You can easily make crispy chicken tenders gluten-free by substituting regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of panko. Just be sure to check that your everything bagel seasoning is gluten-free as well!
Are these chicken tenders safe for my pets?
Take caution! While plain cooked chicken can be a healthy treat for dogs, the coating on these crispy chicken tenders contains seasonings and ingredients that may not be safe for pets. It’s best to keep these yummy tenders for your family dinner rather than share with your furry friends!
Mouthwatering Crispy Chicken Tenders Everyone Will Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare boneless skinless chicken breasts by slicing them into 1-inch wide strips.
- In a bowl, whisk together eggs, mayonnaise, and flour until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, smoked paprika, everything bagel seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
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