Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender chicken and the bold, tangy heat of classic Buffalo sauce. This dish is a great option for a quick meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer that delivers the right amount of spice, flavor, and crunch. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or just craving a flavorful, comfort food-inspired dish, Buffalo Chicken Tenders are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The tender chicken is coated in a crispy breading and cooked to perfection, then tossed in a zesty Buffalo sauce that adds just the right amount of heat and flavor. Paired with a side of cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, this dish offers the perfect balance of spicy and savory, making it a favorite among chicken lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or as part of a larger meal, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Buffalo Chicken Tenders

• Crispy and Tender: The combination of a crispy, golden-brown breading and tender, juicy chicken makes each bite of Buffalo Chicken Tenders irresistible. The coating stays crunchy, while the chicken remains moist and flavorful.
• Bold Buffalo Flavor: The tangy and spicy Buffalo sauce is the star of this dish, giving each tender a perfect kick of heat. The flavor is both rich and vibrant, making these tenders addictive from the first bite.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a main course, or an appetizer for a party, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders can be easily customized to suit any occasion. They’re perfect for game day, family dinners, or just a fun treat for yourself.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires just a few basic ingredients. The tenders are coated with a seasoned breadcrumb mixture, fried or baked to perfection, and then tossed in the Buffalo sauce, making them a breeze to prepare.
• Dipping Sauce Options: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese, to add an extra layer of flavor and coolness to balance out the spice.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on portion size and cooking method.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Protein: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3-5g

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ cup Buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for frying, optional)

For the Dipping Sauces:

• Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (optional, for dipping)
• Celery sticks (optional, for serving)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by preparing your chicken tenders. If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips, about 1 to 1 ½ inches wide, to make your own chicken tenders. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help the coating adhere better.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

In three separate shallow bowls, set up your breading station:

• In the first bowl, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In the second bowl, beat the two eggs.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). This will be the flavorful coating for the tenders.

3. Bread the Chicken

Coat each piece of chicken in the flour mixture first, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour. Then, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.

4. Cook the Chicken Tenders

You can cook the chicken tenders either by frying them or baking them.

• Frying: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the breaded chicken tenders to the pan, cooking them in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Baking: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the Buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of Buffalo sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and fully blended. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of Buffalo sauce or add more butter.

6. Toss the Tenders in the Buffalo Sauce

Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Be sure to toss them while they’re still hot, so the sauce sticks to the crispy coating.

7. Serve the Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Serve the Buffalo Chicken Tenders immediately while they’re hot and crispy. Arrange them on a platter with your choice of dipping sauce, such as ranch or blue cheese dressing, and serve with a side of crunchy celery sticks for a traditional touch. You can also serve them with carrot sticks or cucumber slices if you prefer.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders

• For Extra Crispiness: If you’re baking the tenders, try spraying them lightly with cooking spray before baking. This will help them achieve a crispier texture without frying. You can also broil them for the last 2-3 minutes of baking to get them extra crispy.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. This is a great option if you’re prepping for a party or meal prep. You can also freeze the breaded chicken for up to 1 month and cook them directly from frozen.
• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer your tenders to be spicier, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or Buffalo sauce in the recipe. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne and use a mild Buffalo sauce or add more butter to tame the heat.
• Double Coating: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-coat the chicken tenders. After the first round of breading, dip the chicken in the egg again and then coat it in breadcrumbs for a thicker, crunchier crust.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer more flavorful, juicy chicken, you can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the tenders. Chicken thighs are naturally more tender and flavorful than breasts, which can help ensure your tenders are moist and delicious.

Variations of Buffalo Chicken Tenders

• Buffalo Chicken Tenders Wrap: For a delicious twist, wrap the Buffalo Chicken Tenders in a warm tortilla with some lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing. This makes a great lunch or handheld meal that’s easy to eat on the go.
• Spicy Garlic Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Add some minced garlic to the Buffalo sauce mixture for a garlic-flavored kick that pairs perfectly with the heat of the Buffalo sauce. The garlic will add depth and extra savory notes to the tenders.
• Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders: For a sweet and spicy variation, mix some honey into the Buffalo sauce. The sweetness of the honey will balance out the heat, creating a deliciously addictive flavor combination.
• Parmesan Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the Buffalo Chicken Tenders right before serving for a cheesy, salty twist. The cheese will melt slightly into the sauce, adding richness to the dish.
• Buffalo Chicken Tender Salad: For a healthier take, serve the Buffalo Chicken Tenders on a bed of mixed greens with sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Drizzle your favorite dressing over the top for a light, refreshing meal.

Storage and Shelf Life

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later if necessary. Allow the tenders to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.

If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze the cooked tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the frozen tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Tenders

While Buffalo Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, pairing them with complementary side dishes can make for a more complete meal:

• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw is a perfect side dish to balance out the spice of the Buffalo sauce. The crunch and creaminess of the coleslaw contrast nicely with the heat and flavor of the tenders.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Serve your Buffalo Chicken Tenders with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries for a classic comfort food pairing. The fries are perfect for dipping in ranch or blue cheese dressing.
• Mac and Cheese: For a comforting side dish, serve Buffalo Chicken Tenders with creamy mac and cheese. The richness of the cheese complements the spiciness of the tenders perfectly.
• Pickles: Serve the tenders with a side of pickles for an extra tangy and crunchy contrast. The acidity from the pickles helps cut through the richness of the chicken and the sauce.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob with a sprinkle of paprika or chili powder is a great side dish that pairs well with the smoky, spicy Buffalo flavor.

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Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines crispy chicken, spicy Buffalo sauce, and cool dipping sauces to create a meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, appetizer, or party snack, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit. They’re easy to prepare, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make your own Buffalo Chicken Tenders that are crispy, tender, and packed with bold flavor. Add your favorite dipping sauces, try different variations, and enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to impress.