These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, tender, and coated in the perfect blend of spicy buffalo sauce. They’re irresistible, easy to make, and a crowd favorite for any party, game day, or weeknight dinner. If you love a little heat, these are your new go-to appetizer!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a flavor-packed twist on classic chicken tenders. Crispy, crunchy, and tossed in a bold, tangy buffalo sauce, these tenders are a comfort food dream come true. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and will leave you coming back for more. Trust me—you’ll want to make these again and again!

Ingredients

Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make these irresistible tenders:

Chicken tenders
All-purpose flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Buffalo sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Optional: Butter for a richer buffalo sauce

(Full ingredient quantities are included below to make things super easy for you!)

Directions

Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the breading stick better.
Set Up Your Dipping Stations:
Prepare three shallow bowls for breading:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the seasoned flour first. Shake off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat it thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs.
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Bake the Chicken:
Place the breaded chicken tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for even cooking.
Make Your Buffalo Sauce:
While the tenders are baking, heat up your buffalo sauce in a small saucepan. If you want a richer, smoother sauce, melt a tablespoon of butter into the sauce as it warms.
Toss the Tenders:
Once baked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven and toss them in the warm buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Serve Immediately:
Serve these tenders hot with your choice of dipping sauce and celery or carrot sticks for the ultimate pairing.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Bake vs. Fry: Baking is a healthier option, but if you prefer frying, heat oil to 350°F and fry until golden and crispy.
Double Coat for Extra Crisp: For an ultra-crunchy coating, double-dip the tenders in flour, egg, and panko before baking.
Adjust the Heat: Not a fan of super spicy food? Adjust the buffalo sauce by adding a little extra butter or mixing it with ranch dressing to tone it down.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Here are a few tasty ways you can put your spin on this recipe:

Add Ranch Dressing: Drizzle ranch dressing over the tenders after tossing them in the buffalo sauce for a creamy flavor contrast.
Air Fryer Method: Cook the tenders in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for a faster and less messy alternative to baking.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes instead of regular breadcrumbs.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Pair these spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with classic sides and dips for the perfect combo:

Serve with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Pair them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a traditional buffalo-style appetizer.
Enjoy them with sweet potato fries or regular fries to soak up all that buffalo flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Don’t let leftovers go to waste! Here’s how to save these spicy delights:

Storage: Allow them to cool completely, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and heated through.

4 FAQs

1. Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes! Freeze them after baking but before tossing them in the buffalo sauce. When ready to eat, bake them, then toss them in warmed buffalo sauce before serving.

2. How can I make these less spicy?
You can tone down the spice by mixing the buffalo sauce with melted butter or ranch dressing.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep and bread the chicken tenders a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and baking process. Just ensure they are fully cooked to 165°F.

Conclusion

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, tender, and spicy. Whether you’re hosting a game day, gathering with friends, or just in the mood for comfort food, this recipe is a must-try.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders

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Author: Jake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer, Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious! Coated in a tangy buffalo sauce and perfectly seasoned, these tenders are a great appetizer or main dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or craving something spicy, these tenders are the perfect solution. Easy to make and full of flavor, they’ll be a hit with everyone!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs.
In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs.
Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tenders are golden and cooked through.
While the tenders are baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until combined and heated through.
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and drizzle the buffalo sauce mixture over the tenders. Toss to coat evenly.
Serve immediately with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

For extra crispy tenders, you can spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before baking.
If you like your tenders spicier, add more buffalo sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Serve with celery and carrot sticks for the perfect buffalo wing experience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 tenders)
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 24g
Cholesterol: 75mg