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Transform boring chicken into a flavor explosion with these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders! Coated in that iconic bagel seasoning blend and baked until golden and crispy, these tenders deliver all the taste of your favorite breakfast bagel in a protein-packed dinner that's naturally keto and gluten-free. Paired with a sweet and tangy sugar-free maple mustard sauce, these easy chicken tenders will have everyone reaching for seconds - whether they're following a low-carb diet or not!
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In This Post
- 🥘Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Ingredient Notes
- 🔪How to Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
- Storing and Reheating Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
- 💭My Recipe Tips
- FAQ about Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
- 🍽️Serving Suggestions
- More Delicious Chicken Recipes...
- Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
- Food safety
Why You'll Love These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor Made Simple: Transform ordinary chicken tenders into a crave-worthy meal with that iconic everything bagel seasoning! The ground pork rind coating creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping everything low-carb and gluten-free. Paired with sweet and tangy sugar-free maple mustard sauce, these tenders rival any restaurant version.
- Family-Friendly Winner: Finally, a chicken tender recipe that makes both kids and adults happy! The grandkids get their favorite meal while grown-ups enjoy sophisticated bagel-inspired flavors. Perfect for picky eaters and food enthusiasts alike - no one will guess these crispy tenders are actually healthy!
- Quick and Meal-Prep Friendly: Ready in under 30 minutes, these tenders are perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. They reheat beautifully, pair with any side dish, and can even be prepped ahead and frozen. From weeknight dinners to lunch box additions, these versatile tenders make mealtime easier.
Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders: Where Comfort Food Meets Bagel Shop Flavor! 🥯🍗
Ready to transform boring chicken tenders into something spectacular? These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders deliver all your favorite bagel shop flavors in a crispy, crave-worthy dinner that just happens to be gluten-free and low-carb! Perfect for both picky eaters and food enthusiasts, this easy recipe proves chicken tenders aren't just kid food anymore.
Y'all know the debate about everything bagel seasoning - some folks say it's overrated, right up there with avocado toast and cauliflower pizza. But trust your girl here, this seasoning is about to revolutionize your chicken tender game!
As a Nana to three precious grandkids (two who would happily exist on chicken tenders alone, and one who's still too tiny to weigh in), I needed to find a way to make chicken tenders that satisfied both the little ones AND the grown-ups. That's where my surplus of everything bagel seasoning came into play!
See, I'd originally bought this seasoning to make low-carb bagels at home - you know how it goes, that "buy one get one free" deal that leaves you wondering what to do with all that extra seasoning! After some kitchen experimenting, inspired by a recipe I found on Recipe Runner, I created these tenders that had even my skeptical husband impressed. His exact words? "I didn't think you could make me want to eat chicken tenders!" 😂
These crispy, flavorful tenders have become our go-to weeknight dinner for so many reasons. They're quick to make, incredibly versatile, and taste amazing even as leftovers (though honestly, leftovers are rare in our house - they disappear that fast!). Plus, they're perfect for meal prep - just make a big batch, freeze them individually, and you've got an easy dinner solution ready to go!
Paired with our sugar-free maple mustard dipping sauce, these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders prove that simple ingredients and a little creativity can turn an everyday dinner into something special. Whether you're following a keto lifestyle, eating gluten-free, or just looking for a delicious twist on chicken tenders, this recipe is about to become your new favorite!
🍽️✨ Don't forget to share your delightful creations with us on Instagram using #BobbisKozyKitchen for a chance to be featured in our newsletter! 📸
🥘Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders Ingredient Notes
Here, I explain the best ingredients for my Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For the exact measurements, see the recipe card below.
- Chicken Tenders: This creates the perfect portion size and cooks quickly and evenly. Substitution: Chicken breast cut into strips works well too.
- Ground Pork Rinds: Provides a crispy, gluten-free coating that's naturally low-carb. Substitution: Keto breadcrumbs if not gluten-free, or regular breadcrumbs if not following keto/low-carb.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: Delivers that classic bagel shop flavor. Substitution: Make your own blend with poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt.
- Egg: Acts as the binder for the coating. Substitution: No good substitution for proper coating adhesion.
- Dijon Mustard: Creates a tangy base for the dipping sauce. Substitution: Stone ground mustard for more texture.
- Keto Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness to the sauce without sugar. Substitution: Regular maple syrup if not following keto.
- Pink Salt: Enhances flavors while providing essential minerals for keto/low-carb diets. Substitution: Regular sea salt works but lacks the mineral benefits.
The printable recipe card at the bottom of the page contains a detailed list of measurements and instructions.
🔪How to Make Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
I have included a few step-by-step photos to help you visualize the recipe. The recipe card below provides the full instructions, including amounts and temperatures.
In a shallow bowl, beat the egg lightly.
In another shallow bowl combine the pork rinds, everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Dip the chicken tenders in the egg wash.
Then, press them into the pork rind mixture, making sure to coat both sides well.
Storing and Reheating Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
Storage Instructions:
- Cooling:
- Allow chicken tenders to cool completely before storing
- Don't leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours
- Refrigerator Storage:
- Store in an airtight container
- Keeps fresh for 3-4 days
- Store sauce separately
- Layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking
- Freezer Storage:
- To freeze uncooked tenders:
- Place prepared (but uncooked) tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet
- Freeze until solid (about 2 hours)
- Transfer to a freezer bag or container
- Keeps for up to 3 months
- To freeze cooked tenders:
- Cool completely
- Wrap individually or separate layers with parchment
- Store in a freezer-safe container
- Keeps for up to 2 months
- To freeze uncooked tenders:
Reheating Instructions:
- From Refrigerated:
- Oven Method (Best):
- Preheat oven to 375°F
- Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet
- Heat 8-10 minutes until crispy and warm
- Air Fryer Method:
- Heat at 375°F for 3-4 minutes
- Flip halfway through
- Microwave (Quick but less crispy):
- Heat in 30-second intervals
- Place a paper towel underneath to absorb moisture
- Oven Method (Best):
- From Frozen:
- Thaw in refrigerator overnight
- Reheat using the methods above
- For uncooked frozen tenders:
- Add 3-5 minutes to the original cooking time
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Pro Tips:
- Always reheat on a rack to maintain crispiness
- Make fresh sauce when reheating
- For best results, don't stack tenders when reheating
💭My Recipe Tips
1. Perfect Your Coating: Ground pork rinds create the crispiest crust, but if you're not gluten-sensitive, you can use keto bread crumbs (made from toasted keto bread processed into crumbs). Both options work great - choose based on your dietary needs! Regular bread crumbs can be used if you are not on a low-carb diet.
2. Temperature Matters: Let chicken tenders sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before coating. Cold chicken can cause the coating to fall off during cooking. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before the tenders go in.
3. Don't Skip the Rack: Using a metal cooking rack on your baking sheet is crucial! This allows air to circulate around the tenders, ensuring they get crispy on all sides without turning them.
4. Coating Technique: Use one hand for wet ingredients (egg wash) and one for dry (coating mixture). This prevents your fingers from getting coated and makes the process much cleaner and more efficient.
5. Space is Important: Don't overcrowd your tenders on the rack. Leaving space between each piece ensures they crisp up properly instead of steaming.
6. Sauce Strategy: Make extra sauce! It's great for dipping vegetables or using as a salad dressing. If making ahead, store separately from tenders to maintain crispiness.
7. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness - 165°F is perfect. Different-sized tenders might need different cooking times, so temperature is your best guide.
FAQ about Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
Yes! You can use keto bread crumbs (made from toasted keto bread processed into crumbs) or regular bread crumbs. Just note that if using keto bread crumbs, the recipe won't be gluten-free or regular bread crumbs; the recipe won't be low-carb. The pork rinds do give the best coating, though!
This usually happens if your chicken is too cold or the coating isn't pressed on firmly enough. Let chicken come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes, and really press the coating mixture onto each tender. Also, spray your rack well with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Yes! Cut chicken breasts into uniform strips about 1-inch wide. Try to make them all similar in size so they cook evenly. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly for thicker pieces.
🍽️Serving Suggestions
Fresh and Light Sides
These crispy tenders pair beautifully with light, fresh sides. Try them with a crisp garden salad, roasted asparagus, or lemon garlic zucchini noodles. The bright flavors complement the savory everything bagel seasoning perfectly.
Low-Carb Comfort Sides
Create a comfort food feast by serving these tenders with cauliflower mac and cheese, rutabaga french fries, or mashed turnips. The creamy sides balance the crispy coating wonderfully.
Veggie-Forward Options
Add color and nutrition with roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed garlic mushrooms, or a rainbow coleslaw. The Everything Bagel Seasoning works great with any roasted or fresh vegetables.
Easy Weeknight Pairings
Keep it simple but delicious with quick sides like steamed broccoli with butter, cauliflower rice, or a creamy cucumber salad. Perfect for busy evenings when time is tight.
Dipping Sauce Variations
While the maple mustard sauce is amazing, try these tenders with:
Meal Prep Solutions
Turn these tenders into complete meal prep by pairing them with:
- Pre-portioned roasted vegetables
- Mason jar salads
- Cauliflower rice bowls
- Fresh veggie sticks
More Delicious Chicken Recipes...
Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- shallow bowls
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lbs chicken tenders can use sliced boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ground pork rinds
- 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning
- Pink sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Keto Maple Syrup
- 1/2 tsp sriracha sauce optional
- pink salt
- fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Place a metal cooking rack on a sheet pan and spray it with keto-friendly cooking spray.
- In a shallow bowl, beat the egg lightly.
- In another shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the pork rinds, everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the eggs wash then press them into the pork rind mixture, making sure to coat both sides well. Shake off the excess and carefully lay each chicken tender onto the rack on the sheet pan making sure to leave room between each tender.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes depending on their size. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature is 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken bakes whisk together the ingredients for the dipping sauce.
- Serve with the on the side or drizzle over the chicken tenders.
Disclaimer
Most of my recipes are low-carb (or keto) and gluten-free, but some are not. Please verify that a recipe fits your needs before using it. Recommended and linked products are not guaranteed to be gluten-free. Recipes may contain errors, so please use your common sense when following them. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs will not be included as it has a glycemic index of 0 (meaning it does not spike blood sugar) and it’s not metabolized. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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