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- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs - 4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Vegetable oil for frying Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. Here’s what you need: First, the star of the dish is 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. They are juicy and cook quickly. Next, you’ll need 1 cup of buttermilk. This helps make the chicken super tender. For the breading, you will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1 cup of breadcrumbs. The flour helps the coating stick. The breadcrumbs give it a nice crunch. Now, let's add flavor! You need 4 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. This seasoning is what makes these tenders special. You will also need 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. These spices add more depth to the taste. Lastly, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. You will also need some vegetable oil for frying. This helps achieve that crispy texture we all love. With these ingredients ready, you are one step closer to crispy and flavorful chicken tenders! {{ingredient_image_1}} For juicy chicken tenders, marinate in buttermilk. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over 1 pound of chicken tenderloins in a bowl. Make sure all the chicken is covered. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor. Next, prepare the coatings. In one shallow dish, mix 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a teaspoon of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well so there are no lumps. In another shallow dish, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with 4 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. This mix will give your chicken a great crunch and flavor. Now, let’s bread the chicken. Take the marinated chicken out of the buttermilk. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. First, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, coating it well. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure that the coating sticks well. This will give you a crispy outside. It’s time to fry the chicken! Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Fry them until they turn golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This step is key to ensuring your chicken is safe to eat. After frying, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps drain any extra oil. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces. You can also try plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Enjoy your crispy and flavorful everything bagel chicken tenders! Marinating the chicken is key. Buttermilk makes the meat tender and juicy. I suggest marinating for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it sit longer for better flavor. Frying the chicken requires careful attention. Heat the oil enough to sizzle when you add the tenders. Fry in small batches to avoid crowding. This helps them cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C) for safety and taste. If you prefer a healthier option, consider air frying. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the chicken with oil before cooking. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Baking is another great method. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping once. This gives you crispy chicken without all the oil. Feel free to customize the seasoning! If you love more spice, add cayenne or paprika. For a milder flavor, use less everything bagel seasoning. You can also mix in your favorite herbs, like thyme or oregano. This way, you can make the dish your own. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken tenderloins to marinate in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor and tenderness. Double Dipping Technique: For extra crunch, double dip the chicken tenders in buttermilk after the flour coating before rolling them in breadcrumbs. Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Drain Properly: Let the fried chicken tenders rest on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil, keeping them crispy. {{image_2}} You can make this dish gluten-free or low-carb. For a gluten-free option, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating. For low-carb, try crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. They add crunch and flavor! You can also experiment with different seasoning blends. Instead of everything bagel seasoning, try ranch seasoning or chili powder. This gives your chicken tenders a new taste. To take your chicken tenders to the next level, add spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These will give a nice kick! You can also mix in some fresh herbs, like dill or parsley, for a burst of freshness. Another option is to add lemon zest for a bright flavor. Serving chicken tenders can be fun! Try making wraps with lettuce or tortillas. Fill them with veggies and your favorite sauces. You can also slice the tenders and toss them into a salad. This makes a tasty, crunchy topping. For a snack, serve them with dips like ranch, barbecue sauce, or hummus. The options are endless! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can refrigerate them for up to three days. If you want to store them longer, freeze the tenders. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. To reheat your chicken tenders and keep them crispy, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. If using an air fryer, set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-8 minutes. Avoid using a microwave, as it can make the tenders soggy. In the fridge, your chicken tenders will stay fresh for about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. For best taste, enjoy them within the first month. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. However, you should thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick thaw. This ensures even cooking and better texture. When cooking, make sure they reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. You can replace buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. To make a quick substitute, add one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes before using. This will create a similar tangy flavor and help tenderize the chicken. To know if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). You can also check for a golden brown color on the outside. The juices should run clear when you cut into the chicken. Yes, you can prep the chicken ahead of time. Marinate the chicken, coat it, and store it in the fridge for a few hours. You can also freeze the breaded chicken. Just fry them when you're ready to eat. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go! This blog post showed how to make tasty chicken tenders from scratch. You learned about the key ingredients, from chicken to everything bagel seasoning. I walked you through each step: marinating, coating, frying, and serving. You now have tips for perfecting your tenders and storage methods to enjoy later. Remember, cooking is fun and simple. With a few tweaks, you can customize these tenders to your taste. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking!

Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Crispy chicken tenders coated with everything bagel seasoning for a flavorful twist.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for frying oil vegetable oil

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, add the chicken tenderloins and pour the buttermilk over them. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken.
  • In one shallow dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a second shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning.
  • Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour mixture, then dip in the buttermilk again, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well.
  • Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauces or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
Keyword chicken, everything bagel, fried, tenders