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Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Flavorful and Easy

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Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with my Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! These golden bites combine the savory flavor of everything bagels with the juicy crunch of chicken. Best of all, they are quick and easy to make. In this post, I’ll walk you through simple steps, share tasty variations, and give tips for perfecting this beloved dish. Let’s dive in and bring the bagel shop to your kitchen!

To make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you need these main items: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup breadcrumbs - ¼ cup sesame seeds - ¼ cup poppy seeds - 2 tablespoons garlic powder - 2 tablespoons onion powder - 2 teaspoons dried dill - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Olive oil spray These ingredients bring rich taste and texture to the dish. The chicken tends to soak up the buttermilk well. This step makes the meat juicy and flavorful. The everything bagel mixture adds a crispy crust that is hard to resist. For more flavor, consider adding these optional items: - Fresh herbs like parsley or chives - Grated Parmesan cheese - A squeeze of lemon juice Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Parmesan adds a savory kick. Lemon juice gives a nice zing to balance the richness. These sauces pair well with your chicken tenders: - Ranch dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Spicy mayo Each sauce adds a unique twist. Ranch is creamy and cool, while honey mustard is sweet and tangy. BBQ sauce brings a smoky flavor, and spicy mayo adds heat. Choose your favorite or mix them up for fun! Start by marinating the chicken. Take a medium bowl and mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This blend adds great flavor. Next, add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to prepare the coating. In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is key for that everything bagel taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure there are no clumps. Your coating should be ready to use when the chicken is marinated. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil. This keeps the tenders from sticking. Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating. Press lightly so it sticks well. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Once done, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To get the best texture, marinate the chicken well. Use buttermilk to tenderize the meat. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the taste. When coating the chicken, press firmly to help the mixture stick. This makes the tenders crispy and full of flavor. You can make these tenders your own. Try adding more spices to the coating. Cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick. For a sweeter touch, mix in some brown sugar. Use different seeds too. Swap poppy seeds for flax seeds if you prefer. You can even add cheese for a richer taste. Parmesan or cheddar can work great. Get creative and find your favorite mix! Using the right tools can help. A shallow dish is perfect for the coating. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. An oven thermometer helps to check the heat. Lastly, a meat thermometer is key. It tells you when the chicken is safe to eat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy cooking with these handy tools! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by swapping out the spices. Try using Italian seasoning for a new twist. Cajun seasoning adds heat and a kick. For a fresh taste, mix in lemon zest. You can also use a blend of your favorite herbs. Experimenting lets you find what you love best. You can fry these chicken tenders if you want a crispy outside. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry each tender for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. Both methods give you tasty options. You can make this dish fit your diet. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of buttermilk. If you want to make it gluten-free, swap the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can also use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for crunch. These swaps keep the flavors while meeting your needs. To store leftover chicken tenders, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not too warm before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat your chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Set it to 350°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, remove them from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty tenders! Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This way, they will cook evenly. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thicker pieces may take longer. If you don't have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Just combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will create a nice sour cream-like texture. You can store the chicken tenders in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later meals. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. These swaps will keep the dish delicious and safe for those who need to avoid gluten. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Some good options include: - Fresh salad - Roasted vegetables - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Mashed potatoes These sides will balance the flavors and enhance your meal. Enjoy! You learned how to make tasty Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, including marinating and coating. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor. You also explored variations and how to store leftovers. I hope you try these tips and make this dish your own. Simple cooking can lead to amazing meals. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

To make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you need these main items:

  1. 1 pound chicken tenders
  2. 1 cup buttermilk
  3. 1 cup all-purpose flour
  4. ½ cup breadcrumbs
  5. ¼ cup sesame seeds
  6. ¼ cup poppy seeds
  7. 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  8. 2 tablespoons onion powder
  9. 2 teaspoons dried dill
  10. 2 teaspoons salt
  11. 1 teaspoon black pepper
  12. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  13. Olive oil spray

These ingredients bring rich taste and texture to the dish. The chicken tends to soak up the buttermilk well. This step makes the meat juicy and flavorful. The everything bagel mixture adds a crispy crust that is hard to resist.

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

For more flavor, consider adding these optional items:

  1. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives
  2. Grated Parmesan cheese
  3. A squeeze of lemon juice

Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Parmesan adds a savory kick. Lemon juice gives a nice zing to balance the richness.

Suggested Dipping Sauces

These sauces pair well with your chicken tenders:

  1. Ranch dressing
  2. Honey mustard
  3. BBQ sauce
  4. Spicy mayo

Each sauce adds a unique twist. Ranch is creamy and cool, while honey mustard is sweet and tangy. BBQ sauce brings a smoky flavor, and spicy mayo adds heat. Choose your favorite or mix them up for fun!

Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Marinate the Chicken

Start by marinating the chicken. Take a medium bowl and mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This blend adds great flavor. Next, add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours.

Preparing the Everything Bagel Coating

Now, it’s time to prepare the coating. In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is key for that everything bagel taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure there are no clumps. Your coating should be ready to use when the chicken is marinated.

Baking the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil. This keeps the tenders from sticking. Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating. Press lightly so it sticks well. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Once done, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Best Texture

To get the best texture, marinate the chicken well. Use buttermilk to tenderize the meat. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the taste. When coating the chicken, press firmly to help the mixture stick. This makes the tenders crispy and full of flavor.

Flavor Enhancements and Personalization

You can make these tenders your own. Try adding more spices to the coating. Cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick. For a sweeter touch, mix in some brown sugar. Use different seeds too. Swap poppy seeds for flax seeds if you prefer. You can even add cheese for a richer taste. Parmesan or cheddar can work great. Get creative and find your favorite mix!

Recommended Cooking Tools

Using the right tools can help. A shallow dish is perfect for the coating. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. An oven thermometer helps to check the heat. Lastly, a meat thermometer is key. It tells you when the chicken is safe to eat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy cooking with these handy tools!

Variations

Alternative Seasoning Options

You can change the flavor by swapping out the spices. Try using Italian seasoning for a new twist. Cajun seasoning adds heat and a kick. For a fresh taste, mix in lemon zest. You can also use a blend of your favorite herbs. Experimenting lets you find what you love best.

Cooking Method Alternatives (Frying, Air Frying)

You can fry these chicken tenders if you want a crispy outside. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry each tender for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. Both methods give you tasty options.

Ingredient Swaps for Dietary Preferences

You can make this dish fit your diet. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of buttermilk. If you want to make it gluten-free, swap the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can also use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for crunch. These swaps keep the flavors while meeting your needs.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Chicken Tenders

To store leftover chicken tenders, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not too warm before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating Instructions for Best Results

To reheat your chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Set it to 350°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes.

Freezing Tips and Thawing Guide

If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, remove them from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty tenders!

FAQs

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This way, they will cook evenly. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thicker pieces may take longer.

What can I substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Just combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will create a nice sour cream-like texture.

How long do the chicken tenders last in the fridge?

You can store the chicken tenders in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later meals.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. These swaps will keep the dish delicious and safe for those who need to avoid gluten.

What are some good sides to serve with Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Some good options include:

  1. Fresh salad
  2. Roasted vegetables
  3. Sweet potato fries
  4. Coleslaw
  5. Mashed potatoes

These sides will balance the flavors and enhance your meal. Enjoy!

You learned how to make tasty Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, including marinating and coating. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor. You also explored variations and how to store leftovers. I hope you try these tips and make this dish your own. Simple cooking can lead to amazing meals. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

To make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, you need these main items: - 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - ½ cup breadcrumbs - ¼ cup sesame seeds - ¼ cup poppy seeds - 2 tablespoons garlic powder - 2 tablespoons onion powder - 2 teaspoons dried dill - 2 teaspoons salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Olive oil spray These ingredients bring rich taste and texture to the dish. The chicken tends to soak up the buttermilk well. This step makes the meat juicy and flavorful. The everything bagel mixture adds a crispy crust that is hard to resist. For more flavor, consider adding these optional items: - Fresh herbs like parsley or chives - Grated Parmesan cheese - A squeeze of lemon juice Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Parmesan adds a savory kick. Lemon juice gives a nice zing to balance the richness. These sauces pair well with your chicken tenders: - Ranch dressing - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Spicy mayo Each sauce adds a unique twist. Ranch is creamy and cool, while honey mustard is sweet and tangy. BBQ sauce brings a smoky flavor, and spicy mayo adds heat. Choose your favorite or mix them up for fun! Start by marinating the chicken. Take a medium bowl and mix together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. This blend adds great flavor. Next, add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Make sure every piece is covered. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours. Now, it’s time to prepare the coating. In a large shallow dish, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. This mixture is key for that everything bagel taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Make sure there are no clumps. Your coating should be ready to use when the chicken is marinated. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil. This keeps the tenders from sticking. Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating. Press lightly so it sticks well. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet. Once done, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders! To get the best texture, marinate the chicken well. Use buttermilk to tenderize the meat. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, go for 2 hours. The longer it sits, the better the taste. When coating the chicken, press firmly to help the mixture stick. This makes the tenders crispy and full of flavor. You can make these tenders your own. Try adding more spices to the coating. Cumin or chili powder can add a nice kick. For a sweeter touch, mix in some brown sugar. Use different seeds too. Swap poppy seeds for flax seeds if you prefer. You can even add cheese for a richer taste. Parmesan or cheddar can work great. Get creative and find your favorite mix! Using the right tools can help. A shallow dish is perfect for the coating. A baking sheet lined with parchment paper ensures easy cleanup. An oven thermometer helps to check the heat. Lastly, a meat thermometer is key. It tells you when the chicken is safe to eat. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy cooking with these handy tools! {{image_2}} You can change the flavor by swapping out the spices. Try using Italian seasoning for a new twist. Cajun seasoning adds heat and a kick. For a fresh taste, mix in lemon zest. You can also use a blend of your favorite herbs. Experimenting lets you find what you love best. You can fry these chicken tenders if you want a crispy outside. Heat oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry each tender for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 400°F and cook for 10-12 minutes. Both methods give you tasty options. You can make this dish fit your diet. For a dairy-free option, use almond milk instead of buttermilk. If you want to make it gluten-free, swap the flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. You can also use crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for crunch. These swaps keep the flavors while meeting your needs. To store leftover chicken tenders, first let them cool. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they are not too warm before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. To reheat your chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. Set it to 350°F and cook for about 5-7 minutes. If you want to freeze the chicken tenders, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap first. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, remove them from the freezer. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your tasty tenders! Yes, you can use regular chicken breasts. Just cut them into strips. This way, they will cook evenly. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as thicker pieces may take longer. If you don't have buttermilk, you can use milk mixed with vinegar or lemon juice. Just combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about five minutes. This will create a nice sour cream-like texture. You can store the chicken tenders in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty for later meals. Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free. Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. These swaps will keep the dish delicious and safe for those who need to avoid gluten. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Some good options include: - Fresh salad - Roasted vegetables - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Mashed potatoes These sides will balance the flavors and enhance your meal. Enjoy! You learned how to make tasty Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders, including marinating and coating. I shared tips for the best texture and flavor. You also explored variations and how to store leftovers. I hope you try these tips and make this dish your own. Simple cooking can lead to amazing meals. Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Get ready to impress your taste buds with everything bagel chicken tenders! This unique twist on a classic favorite is perfect for a family dinner or a fun snack. Marinated in flavorful buttermilk and coated with a delicious everything bagel mixture, these tenders are baked to golden perfection. Follow these simple steps for a meal that's both tasty and easy to make. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup breadcrumbs

¼ cup sesame seeds

¼ cup poppy seeds

2 tablespoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons onion powder

2 teaspoons dried dill

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Olive oil spray

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Add the chicken tenders and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).

    Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow dish, mix together the flour, breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried dill, and a pinch of salt. This will be your everything bagel mixture.

      Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with olive oil.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the everything bagel coating, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres. Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet.

          Bake: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

            Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. These tenders pair exceptionally well with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.

              Prep Time: 30 mins | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

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