Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

If you thought chicken tenders were just for the kids’ menu, think again. We are elevating the humble chicken strip into a gourmet experience that hits every single taste bud. Introducing the Crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders—a dish that combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried chicken with the iconic, savory punch of everything bagel seasoning, all brought together by a sweet and tangy creamy honey mustard drizzle.

There is something undeniably addictive about the combination of salty, nutty seeds and garlic (the hallmark of “everything” seasoning) paired with the richness of fried chicken. When you add a glossy, slightly sweet sauce to the mix, you create a flavor profile that is savory, sweet, crunchy, and creamy all at once. It is the ultimate comfort food upgrade.

In this guide, we are going to walk you through exactly how to achieve that craggy, golden crust that stays crispy even under sauce. We will also whip up a homemade dipping sauce that is far superior to anything you will find in a bottle. Get your frying pan ready, because dinner is about to get exciting.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about tossing ingredients together; it’s about texture and flavor balance. Here is why this specific combination is a winner:

• The Texture Contrast: The panko breadcrumb coating ensures a light, airy crunch that doesn’t get soggy easily. The seeds in the seasoning add an extra layer of “snap” to every bite.
• The Flavor Bomb: Everything Bagel Seasoning (a mix of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and salt) provides a concentrated burst of umami. This cuts through the richness of the frying oil.
• The Sauce Factor: Chicken tenders can be dry if not cooked right. The honey mustard glaze not only adds moisture but provides the necessary acidity and sweetness to balance the salty seasoning.

The Secret to the Perfect Crust

The most common complaint with homemade chicken tenders is the breading falling off. To prevent this, we use the standard three-part dredging station: flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs. But the real secret lies in pressing the breadcrumbs firmly into the chicken. Don’t just roll it; press it down with your palm. This embeds the panko and seasoning into the meat, creating a shell that adheres perfectly during the frying process.

Furthermore, we incorporate the seasoning into the breadcrumbs and sprinkle it on top after glazing. This double-layering ensures the flavor permeates the dish, rather than just sitting on the surface.

Ingredients

Here is what you need to make these golden beauties. We have separated the list for the chicken and the signature sauce.

For the Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenderloins (1.5 lbs): You can also slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips, but tenderloins are naturally more tender.
• All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): The base layer for breading.
• Eggs (2 large): Beaten well to help the crumbs stick.
• Panko Breadcrumbs (2 cups): These Japanese-style crumbs are larger and flakier than traditional breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier crust.
• Everything Bagel Seasoning (3 tbsp): Divided use (some for the breading, some for garnish).
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Added to the flour for extra flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying (can use canola or peanut oil as well).

For the Creamy Honey Mustard Glaze

• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base. Use full-fat for the best texture.
• Dijon Mustard (3 tbsp): Provides a sharp, spicy kick.
• Yellow Mustard (1 tbsp): Adds that classic tangy flavor and bright color.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Adjust depending on how sweet you like it.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tsp): A splash of acid to cut the heaviness.
• Paprika (1/2 tsp): For a subtle smoky note and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Phase 1: The Setup

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using tenderloins, you may want to remove the white tendon sticking out of the top. Simply grip the tendon with a paper towel and scrape the meat down with a knife. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this is crucial for breading adhesion.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station: Get three shallow bowls ready.
   • Bowl 1: Whisk together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
   • Bowl 2: Beat the eggs with a splash of water until frothy.
   • Bowl 3: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of the Everything Bagel Seasoning.

Phase 2: Breading and Frying

3. Dredge: Take a piece of chicken and coat it lightly in the flour (shake off excess). Dip it fully into the egg wash, letting the drip runoff. Finally, lay it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down firmly to coat all sides. Repeat with all chicken.
4. Heat the Oil: Fill a large skillet with about an inch of oil. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test it by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.
5. Fry: Place the chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to crowd the pan (fry in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the crust is a deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Drain: Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Do not put them on paper towels, as the steam will make the bottom soggy.

Phase 3: The Glaze and Garnish

7. Make the Sauce: While the chicken cools slightly, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl until smooth and glossy.
8. Assemble: Arrange the hot chicken tenders on a serving platter. Drizzle the sauce generously over the chicken in a zigzag pattern (as seen in the photo).
9. The Final Touch: Immediately sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of Everything Bagel Seasoning over the wet sauce so it sticks. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Expert Tips for Success

• Oil Temperature Maintenance: If your oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb it and become greasy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks. Use a thermometer if you have one, or adjust the heat between batches.
• The “Wet Hand/Dry Hand” Method: To keep your fingers from becoming breaded, use one hand strictly for the dry ingredients (flour/breadcrumbs) and the other for the wet ingredients (egg).
• Oven Alternative: Prefer not to fry? You can bake these! Place breaded tenders on a wire rack on a baking sheet. Spray generously with cooking oil spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Make Your Own Seasoning: If you can’t find pre-made Everything Bagel Seasoning, mix equal parts sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and coarse sea salt.

Variations to Try

Customizing this recipe is easy. Here are a few twists:

1. Spicy “Bang Bang” Style

Swap the honey mustard for a spicy mayo sauce. Mix mayonnaise with Sriracha and sweet chili sauce. The heat pairs beautifully with the garlic in the seasoning.

2. The Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free flour and crushed gluten-free cornflakes or rice crackers instead of panko. Ensure your seasoning blend is certified GF.

3. Waffle & Chicken

Serve these tenders on top of a Belgian waffle and use the honey mustard sauce as a syrup alternative. The savory/sweet brunch vibes are unmatched.

Serving Suggestions

These tenders are rich, so they need sides that can hold their own.

• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness mirrors the honey in the sauce.
• Coleslaw: A tangy, vinegar-based slaw cuts through the fried texture perfectly.
• Garlic Green Beans: Keep the garlic theme going with some blistered green beans.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately if possible to keep the breading from getting soggy.

Freezer: Freeze the breaded, cooked tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. They last up to 2 months.

Reheating: The air fryer is your best friend here. Reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore the crunch. Oven reheating at 400°F for 10 minutes also works. Avoid the microwave.

Conclusion

These Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are proof that you don’t need to go to a restaurant to get high-quality, crave-worthy food. The visual appeal of the golden crust dripping with sauce, combined with the complex flavors of the seasoning, makes this a standout dish for any occasion. Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a midnight snack, these tenders deliver on every level.

So, skip the drive-thru and grab your skillet. Once you try the crunch of that bagel-seasoned crust, you will never go back to plain chicken strips again.