These Everything But The Bagel Chicken Tenders are so delicious and easy to make. Make these kid-friendly homemade chicken strips at home in less than an hour from start to finish! Easily made in the oven or the air fryer.

mini bowl of ketchup on a sheet pan with everything but the bagel chicken tenders.

Homemade Chicken Tenders

If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with chicken nuggets and chicken tenders. I’ve got a bag or two frozen in my freezer right now for nights when I just don’t want to cook.

Previously, I’ve made chicken nuggets with olive oil (both in the oven and air fryer) but I made them by dipping it in olive oil before coating. Today I decided to share a different method I’ve been using instead. Instead of dipping the chicken strips in olive oil to keep the panko coating on, I used a beaten egg.

I’m divided on which method I like best but cost wise, I think using a beaten egg is cheaper than olive oil, especially if you have an expensive olive oil.

What You’ll Need

chicken tenders – or you can cut up chicken breasts into strips. I prefer cutting my own since I always have chicken breasts on hand.
eggs
panko – this is what helps makes the chicken tenders crispy! Breadcrumbs don’t work as well so don’t substitute them.
salt
pepper
Everything But the Bagel Seasoning

For equipment, you’ll also need a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Plus cooking spray to spray the parchment paper with. (Optional: wire rack to bake on).

Spoonful of panko with everything bagel seasoning.

Don’t have Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. Here’s what you need to make your own for this homemade chicken tender recipe:

3 teaspoons white sesame seeds
2 1/2 teaspoons dried minced onion
2 1/2 teaspoons dried minced garlic
2 1/2 teaspoons black sesame seeds
2 teaspoon sea salt flakes
1 teaspoon poppy seeds

How To Make Everything But The Bagel Chicken Strips at Home

Line a baking sheet with some parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
Heat oven to 400F.
Cut your chicken breasts into 3 strips per breast.
In a bowl, combine panko, salt, pepper, and everything but the bagel seasoning and set aside.
In another bowl, beat two eggs together until well mixed.

Dip your chicken tenders into the egg mixture, then place it into your coating. Make sure your chicken is well coated and place it in your baking sheet.

Repeat for all the strips, making sure to leave some space between each chicken strip.
Bake the homemade chicken tenders for up to 15 minutes, keeping an eye on the coating for the last 3 minutes.
Serve with your choice of dip.

To Make This In An Air Fryer

Instead of baking in the oven at 400F for 15 minutes, air fry for 12 minutes and check for doneness.
You’ll have to make this in batches in the air fryer as the chicken tenders will have to be in a single layer.

Multiple pieces of homemade chicken tenders.

Tips and Notes

The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature is 165F/74C.
If you’re worried about a soggy bottom for these chicken tenders, I recommend baking them on top of a wire rack. This helps the air circulate better and keep the bottom side from getting too soggy.
If you want some extra colour on your chicken strips, you can spray the tops with a bit of cooking oil before baking.
There will be leftover coating. I prefer to have extra coating when covering the chicken as it makes the process a lot easier.
Ketchup is my go-to dip but this Easy Garlic Dip from More Than Meat and Potatoes is delish as well!

How To Freeze Homemade Chicken Tenders

This healthier homemade everything but the bagel chicken tenders can easily become a make ahead freezer meal. After baking them, let them cool and freezer flat on a sheet pan. Then use as you would with store-bought chicken strips by reheating them in your air fryer or oven for a couple of minutes until warmed through.