Crunchy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

$- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/3 cup everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Cooking spray or oil for frying Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference. Fresh chicken tastes better and stays juicy. Buttermilk enhances the flavor and keeps the tenders moist. Panko breadcrumbs add that delightful crunch. When everything is fresh, your meal shines. You can switch up some ingredients if you want. Try using Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk for a tangy twist. For a gluten-free version, use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can even mix in different spices like paprika or cayenne for extra kick. Get creative with what you have! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by pouring the buttermilk over the chicken tenders in a medium bowl. Make sure the chicken is fully covered. This step helps make the chicken soft and adds flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the better the taste! Next, we will set up our breading stations. You need three bowls for this process: - Bowl 1: Mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt, ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Stir well to combine. - Bowl 2: Beat 2 large eggs in the second bowl. This will help the coating stick to the chicken. - Bowl 3: In the last bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 1/3 cup of everything bagel seasoning. This will give your chicken tenders that delicious crunch. Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to bread and cook it. First, remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Let any extra buttermilk drip off. 1. Coat each tender in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour. 2. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off. 3. Finally, roll the chicken in the panko and everything bagel mix. Press lightly to stick the coating well. Now, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough cooking spray or oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Carefully place the chicken tenders into the hot pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, transfer the tenders to a plate with paper towels to soak up extra oil. Let them cool slightly before enjoying your crunchy everything bagel chicken tenders! To get that perfect crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, crispy texture. Mix in everything bagel seasoning for added flavor. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken. This helps them stick better during cooking. Make sure your oil is hot before adding the chicken. A hot pan seals in the juices and keeps the tenders crispy. Choose oils with a high smoke point for frying. Canola oil and vegetable oil are great options. They won't burn at high heat. If you want a richer flavor, try avocado oil. It adds a nice depth without overpowering the dish. Always add enough oil to coat the pan. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. Dipping sauces can elevate your chicken tenders. I recommend honey mustard for a sweet touch. Ranch dressing adds a creamy contrast. You can also try spicy ketchup for a kick. If you prefer something fresh, a yogurt dip with herbs works well too. Serve alongside your tenders for a fun and tasty meal. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the tenders for a few hours or overnight in the buttermilk. This enhances tenderness and infuses more flavor. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the everything bagel seasoning by adding other spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for a kick, or even fresh herbs for a unique twist. Ensure Proper Oil Temperature: To achieve the perfect crispy texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Test by dropping a small piece of bread – it should sizzle immediately. Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps retain juices and results in a more succulent bite. {{image_4}} You can make these chicken tenders gluten-free easily. Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs too. Many brands offer great options. This way, everyone can enjoy the crunch! If you like a kick, add spices like cayenne or paprika to your flour mix. This gives the chicken a nice heat. For milder flavors, skip the spices. You can also try different everything bagel seasonings. Some have added spices, giving you more flavor choices. You don’t have to use just chicken tenders. Try this recipe with chicken breasts, pork, or even tofu. Adjust cooking times as needed. For tofu, press it first to remove excess water. This helps the coating stick better. Each protein brings its own taste, making this dish versatile. After enjoying these crunchy everything bagel chicken tenders, you may have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them. This keeps moisture at bay and prevents sogginess. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, the goal is to keep them crunchy. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they are warm and crispy again. Avoid the microwave; it makes them soft and chewy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour. Once they are solid, transfer the tenders to a freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible. They will stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven for the best crunch. The chicken tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. To keep them fresh, let them cool completely before sealing. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. Yes, you can use chicken breast. If you do, cut the chicken into strips. This helps them cook evenly like tenders. The texture might change slightly, but the flavor will still be great. Just follow the same marinating and breading steps. Many sides go well with everything bagel chicken tenders. Here are a few tasty ideas: - French fries: Classic and loved by all. - Coleslaw: Adds crunch and a fresh taste. - Sweet potato fries: A sweet alternative to regular fries. - Salad: A light, refreshing side. Try serving with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard, for a fun twist! This blog post covered how to make tasty chicken tenders from start to finish. We explored important ingredients and why fresh ones matter. I shared step-by-step instructions for marinating, breading, and cooking. You also learned tips for that perfect crunch and great sauces. Variations include gluten-free options and spice adjustments. Finally, we discussed storing and reheating your leftovers. I hope you feel ready to cook and enjoy these chicken tenders. Dive in, have fun, and make them your own!$

Crunchy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Delicious chicken tenders coated in a crunchy everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful twist.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 third cup everything bagel seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
as needed cooking spray or oil for frying

Instructions

In a medium bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Create a three-part dredging station by placing each ingredient in a separate bowl: combine the all-purpose flour with a generous pinch of salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in Bowl 1; place the beaten eggs in Bowl 2; mix the panko breadcrumbs with the everything bagel seasoning in Bowl 3.
Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Coat each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, dip into the beaten eggs, and then roll in the panko and everything bagel seasoning mixture.
Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough cooking spray or oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly. In batches, carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot pan, cooking for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Keyword chicken tenders, crispy, everything bagel