Bagel Chicken Tenders Recipe

Chickpeas: Cooked and mashed to create a hearty base for the tenders.

Breadcrumbs: Vegan breadcrumbs add a crispy coating to the tenders.

Olive oil: Used to bind the mixture and add a touch of richness.

Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth of flavor.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall taste with a hint of sweetness.

Paprika: Provides a mild, smoky flavor and a bit of color.

Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and rounds out the seasoning.

When forming the tender shapes, make sure to press the mixture firmly to ensure they hold together well during baking. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to achieve the desired consistency. Additionally, for an extra crispy texture, consider lightly spraying the tenders with cooking spray before placing them in the oven.

• cooked and mashed chickpeas - Substitute with cooked and mashed lentils: Lentils provide a similar texture and protein content, making them a great alternative for creating a tender base.

• vegan breadcrumbs - Substitute with crushed cornflakes: Crushed cornflakes offer a crunchy texture and can be seasoned to match the flavor profile of breadcrumbs.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar fat content and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.

• garlic powder - Substitute with fresh minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides a more intense and aromatic garlic flavor compared to garlic powder.

• onion powder - Substitute with finely chopped onions: Finely chopped onions can add a fresh and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can elevate the taste of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a savory umami flavor while also providing the necessary saltiness.

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper can add a bit of heat and spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

• Allow the bagel chicken tenders to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• For short-term storage, place the tenders in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If you plan to freeze the tenders, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours.
• Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• To reheat from the refrigerator, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
• For reheating from frozen, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the tenders for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat the tenders in an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 5-7 minutes if refrigerated, or 10-12 minutes if frozen, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Avoid microwaving the tenders as it can make them lose their crispy texture. If you must use a microwave, place a paper towel underneath to help absorb moisture and heat in short intervals.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover bagel chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes until they are heated through and regain their crispy texture. This method ensures they stay crunchy on the outside while being warm and tender inside.

• Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the bagel chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even heating. This method is quick and keeps the tenders crispy.

• Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Place the bagel chicken tenders in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy. This method is great for a quick reheat while maintaining a nice crunch.

• Microwave Method: Place the bagel chicken tenders on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through. While this method is the fastest, it may not keep the tenders as crispy as other methods.

• Oven: Used to bake the chickpea tenders at the specified temperature to achieve a golden and crispy texture.

• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the mashed chickpeas, breadcrumbs, olive oil, and spices into a uniform mixture.

• Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface to place the formed chickpea tenders on for baking.

• Masher: Useful for mashing the cooked chickpeas to the right consistency.

• Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the chickpeas and breadcrumbs.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Spatula: Handy for flipping the chickpea tenders halfway through the baking process.

• Parchment paper: Optional but recommended to line the baking sheet for easier cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and mix breadcrumbs, spices, and mashed chickpeas ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash chickpeas and blend other ingredients using a food processor to save time and ensure a smooth mixture.

Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven while you prepare the mixture to avoid waiting later.

Shape tenders uniformly: Form tenders in similar sizes to ensure even cooking and reduce the need for flipping adjustments.

Line baking sheet with parchment: Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup faster.