If you are on the hunt for a flavorful, crunchy, and irresistibly savory dish that feels a little bit special but comes together quickly, look no further than this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe. Imagine tender chicken strips, coated in a crunchy almond flour crust infused with the iconic everything bagel seasoning—packed with sesame seeds, garlic, onion, and poppy seeds—that bring that perfect, well-rounded punch of flavor in every single bite. It's a dish that marries comfort food with a gourmet twist, perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or impressing guests with minimal effort. Once you try these chicken tenders, they will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Ingredients You'll Need
Keeping things simple is part of what makes this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe so fantastic. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing to that crispy texture, bold flavor, or tender juiciness you’ll love.
- ½ cup almond flour: Provides a light, crispy coating that’s gluten-free and nutty in flavor.
- ¼ cup Everything Bagel Seasoning: The star seasoning blend that delivers all the zesty, savory notes of the classic bagel top.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an extra layer of garlicky aroma enhancing the overall profile.
- 1 large egg: Acts as the perfect glue to help the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: Naturally tender and quick-cooking pieces that are the ideal size for this recipe.
- 1 tablespoon butter (melted): Brushed on for rich flavor and to help achieve the ultimate crispy finish.
How to Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture
Start by whisking together your almond flour, everything bagel seasoning, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This combination creates that irresistible crunchy crust with a punch of flavor in every bite. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until it's frothy — this will help the coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the coating adheres well. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, shaking off any excess, then dredge it in the almond flour and seasoning blend. Lay the coated tenders on a plate lined with wax paper so they don’t stick together and so each piece stays well coated.
Step 3: Preheat and Prepare Your Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 375ºF and grease the rack to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, leaving a little space between each so the air circulates nicely ensuring even cooking and crisping.
Step 4: Add Melted Butter
Lightly brush the tops of the tenders with melted butter. This step seals in moisture, adds flavor, and helps the coating turn a gorgeous golden brown. Be gentle so you don’t disturb the coating.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Cook the tenders in the air fryer for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crisping. The tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165ºF and the outside is crunchy and golden. Remove them promptly to a wire rack over a baking sheet to keep that crunch intact.
How to Serve Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can make these chicken tenders shine even more. Freshly chopped parsley or chives sprinkle nicely across the tenders to add a pop of color and fresh aroma. You can even add a few extra pinch of everything bagel seasoning on top right before serving for an extra savory kick.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair beautifully with a range of sides—from crisp green salads drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to creamy mashed potatoes, or even some freshly cut veggie sticks with ranch dip. The versatility is endless, allowing you to customize your meal to whatever mood strikes you.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tenders as sliders with mini buns or on a platter alongside an assortment of dipping sauces like honey mustard, garlic aioli, or sriracha mayo. You could also chop them and toss them into a grain bowl with quinoa, avocado, and roasted veggies for a wholesome, flavor-packed lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers from this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making them an excellent option for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first until frozen solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps maintain their crispness later. Frozen tenders will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
The best way to reheat leftovers is in the air fryer again at 350ºF for about 3–5 minutes. This method revives the crispiness without drying out the juicy chicken. Alternatively, the oven works nicely too, but avoid microwaving if you want to preserve that crunch!
FAQs
Can I use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour?
Yes, but almond flour adds a lovely nuttiness and crispiness that’s unique to this recipe. If using all-purpose flour, the texture will be different and slightly less crunchy.
Is everything bagel seasoning easy to find?
Absolutely! Most grocery stores carry it in the spice section, or you can buy it online. You can also make your own blend at home by combining sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Definitely! Bake them on a greased baking sheet at 400ºF for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer just speeds up the process and usually yields a crunchier coating.
Are these chicken tenders gluten-free?
Yes, using almond flour and everything bagel seasoning without gluten-containing ingredients makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
What dipping sauces go best with Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe?
So many options! Creamy ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo are all great choices to complement the savory, crunchy tenders.
Final Thoughts
There is something absolutely magical about this Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe—it balances ease, flavor, and texture in a way that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping, or just craving a satisfying snack, these tenders deliver every time. Don’t hesitate to try it out and make it your own; trust me, it’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds and the recipe. Happy cooking!
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Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Carb, Gluten Free
Description
Crispy and flavorful Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders coated with a savory almond flour and bagel seasoning crust, air fried to perfection for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup Everything Bagel Seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp butter (melted)
Protein
- 1 lb chicken tenders (use fresh or thawed chicken tenderloin pieces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the almond flour, Everything Bagel Seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg until frothy.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dip each tender into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the almond flour mixture until evenly coated. Place the coated tenders on a waxed paper lined plate.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC). Grease the air fryer rack lightly to prevent sticking.
- Arrange and Brush Butter: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the air fryer rack with some space between each piece to ensure even cooking. Brush the tops lightly with melted butter, being careful not to disturb the coating.
- Air Fry the Tenders: Air fry the chicken tenders for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve even crispiness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF (74ºC) and the outside is golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them crispy while serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed chicken tenders for best results; frozen should be fully thawed before cooking.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning can be store-bought or homemade with sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, onion flakes, and salt.
- Brushing melted butter on top adds richness and enhances browning but can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
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