Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Buffalo chicken tenders are a deliciously crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a game-day snack, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders will surely become a fan favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re tossed in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce that adds an irresistible kick. With this recipe, you’ll learn how to make the best buffalo chicken tenders from scratch, including tips for achieving that perfect crunch and flavor.

Introduction

Buffalo chicken tenders are a great way to enjoy the flavors of buffalo wings in a more convenient and less messy form. Chicken tenders, also known as chicken strips or chicken fingers, are naturally tender and easy to eat, making them an ideal choice for a crowd-pleasing dish. Coated in a crispy breading and then tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, these tenders pack the perfect amount of heat and tang.

While store-bought frozen buffalo tenders are available, making them from scratch is easy and much more rewarding. This recipe offers a simple yet effective method to achieve crispy, juicy chicken tenders that are perfectly seasoned and coated with the iconic buffalo flavor. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner or hosting a party, these tenders will be a hit.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making the best buffalo chicken tenders.

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

1. Trim the Chicken:
   • Start by ensuring your chicken tenderloins are clean and trimmed. If they are large, you can cut them into smaller strips to create more tenders.
   • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides to ensure they are well-seasoned before breading.

Step 2: Breading the Chicken

1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
   • In one shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of pepper.
   • In a second shallow dish, beat 2 large eggs with a fork or whisk.
   • In a third shallow dish, place 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dredging the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken tender into the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated.
   • Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered in egg.
   • Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

   Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare for cooking.

Step 3: Making the Buffalo Sauce

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter. Once melted, add ½ cup of hot sauce, 1 tablespoon of white vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of onion powder.
   • Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well combined. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
2. Season the Sauce:
   • Taste the buffalo sauce and add salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more hot sauce or a dash of cayenne pepper.
3. Keep the Sauce Warm:
   • Once the sauce is ready, reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while you fry the chicken tenders.

Step 4: Frying the Chicken Tenders

1. Heat the Oil:
   • If you’re frying the chicken tenders, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, the oil is ready for frying.
2. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
   • Fry the breaded chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the tenders from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

   Alternatively: If you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, lightly coat the tenders with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil before baking.

Step 5: Tossing the Tenders in Buffalo Sauce

1. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
   • Once the chicken tenders are fried or baked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
2. Serve Immediately:
   • Serve the buffalo chicken tenders immediately, while they are still hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders

• Ensure the Oil is Hot Enough: If you’re frying, make sure the oil is heated to the right temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is too cool, the breading will become soggy rather than crispy. A temperature of about 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
• Crispier Tenders: To achieve an extra-crispy texture, you can double-dip the chicken. After the first dip in egg and breadcrumbs, dip the chicken back into the egg wash and then coat it with another layer of breadcrumbs.
• Balance the Spice: If you prefer a milder buffalo sauce, use less hot sauce or mix in some honey or brown sugar to balance the heat with sweetness.
• Keep the Sauce Warm: To prevent the sauce from thickening and becoming difficult to work with, keep it on low heat while tossing the tenders.

Variations and Customizations

1. Buffalo Chicken Bites: Instead of using whole chicken tenders, you can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a fun appetizer. Just follow the same breading and frying process, then toss the pieces in buffalo sauce.
2. Spicy Ranch Dip: For a milder dipping option, serve your buffalo chicken tenders with a side of creamy ranch dressing. You can also mix ranch dressing with a bit of buffalo sauce to create a tangy, spicy dip.
3. Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders: If you prefer a healthier version, bake the breaded tenders instead of frying them. Brush the tenders with a bit of olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
4. Blue Cheese Buffalo Chicken Tenders: For a more classic buffalo flavor, serve the chicken tenders with a side of blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can drizzle the blue cheese on top or use it as a dipping sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo chicken tenders are great on their own or served with a variety of sides. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

• Celery and Carrot Sticks: These crunchy veggies are a classic accompaniment to buffalo chicken, and their mildness provides a refreshing contrast to the spicy tenders.
• French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy fries are a perfect match for the tender, spicy chicken.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw helps balance out the heat of the buffalo sauce and adds a nice crunch.
• Pickles: Serve with crispy pickle slices or pickle chips for a tangy bite.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the chicken tenders.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy: The combination of a crispy exterior and tender, juicy chicken inside makes each bite irresistible.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, buffalo chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with your guests.
• Customizable Heat: You can adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce to suit your preferences, making this dish perfect for everyone.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you can make restaurant-quality buffalo chicken tenders in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Conclusion

This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the bold and spicy flavors of buffalo sauce. With crispy, golden breading and tender, juicy chicken, these tenders are tossed in a tangy, flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, a game-day party, or just satisfying a craving, these buffalo chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make these tasty treats at home anytime!

Yield: 4

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print

Buffalo chicken tenders are a deliciously crispy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a party appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a game-day snack, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders will surely become a fan favorite. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re tossed in a tangy and spicy buffalo sauce that adds an irresistible kick. With this recipe, you'll learn how to make the best buffalo chicken tenders from scratch, including tips for achieving that perfect crunch and flavor.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank's RedHot or your favorite brand)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• For Serving (Optional):
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery sticks or carrot sticks

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken Tenders:
   Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
   In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
   In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
   In a third shallow bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
   
2. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
   Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
   Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs.
   Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well.
   
3. Fry the Chicken Tenders:
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   Once the oil is hot (about 350°F or 175°C), add the breaded chicken tenders to the pan, cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding.
   Fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C).
   Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
   
4. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   While the chicken is frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   Once melted, stir in the hot sauce, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking until fully combined.
   
5. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce:
   Once the chicken tenders are done, place them in a large bowl.
   Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly.
   
6. Serve:
   Serve the Buffalo chicken tenders immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, along with celery or carrot sticks if desired.

Notes

Baking Option: To make these tenders healthier, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through. Spray them lightly with cooking spray before baking.

Adjust Spice Level: If you like your Buffalo sauce milder, use less hot sauce or add a little honey for sweetness.