Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Flavorful

If you’re in the mood for a dish that perfectly balances crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with the zesty heat of Buffalo sauce, this Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try. Perfectly breaded and fried tenders are coated in a tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce, making them an irresistible treat for any meal. Whether you’re hosting a game day, looking for a new dinner idea, or just craving something spicy, these tenders will hit the spot.

For more amazing chicken recipes, check out these crispy chicken tenders or explore how to make Buffalo Wings.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crispy, Spicy, and Flavorful

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 10-20 minutes (if tenders are already cooked)
• Yield: 10 chicken tenders 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and smothered in a deliciously spicy buffalo sauce. With the perfect combination of tender chicken and a tangy, buttery sauce, these tenders make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or main dish for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 10 prepared chicken tenders (you can use store-bought or make your own using buttermilk chicken tenders)

• ¼ cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
   If you’re making your own chicken tenders, you can follow a buttermilk chicken tender recipe for crispy, juicy tenders. Once the chicken tenders are prepared and cooked, set them aside.

2. Make the Buffalo Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the Frank’s RedHot Sauce and melted butter. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.

3. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
   Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl or shallow dish. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders and toss them gently to coat each tender evenly in the sauce.

4. Serve:
   Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, and perhaps a few celery or carrot sticks for a true Buffalo experience.

Notes

For extra heat, you can add a little more Frank’s RedHot Sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.

These tenders can be baked, fried, or air-fried, depending on your preference.

If you’re looking to make these tenders ahead of time, prepare them and store them in the refrigerator until ready to coat with the buffalo sauce and serve.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes (if using pre-made chicken tenders)
• Cook Time: Varies (depending on how you prepare your chicken tenders)
• Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
• Method: Coating, Tossing, Cooking (depending on the tenders)
• Cuisine: American, Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 Serving
• Calories: 200 kcal (for 2 tenders)
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 17g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

• Season the Chicken: If using fresh chicken tenders, pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Then, season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken before breading it.

2. Set Up the Dredging Station:

• Flour Coating: Place the all-purpose flour in a shallow dish. This will be your first coating for the chicken tenders.
• Egg Wash: In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs together until fully combined. This will help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Breadcrumb Coating: In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder. Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs, making them perfect for this recipe.

3. Dredge the Chicken Tenders:

• Coat with Flour: Take each seasoned chicken tenderloin and dip it into the flour, making sure it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
• Dip in Egg: Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
• Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. The breadcrumbs will give the chicken its signature crispy texture.

4. Fry the Chicken Tenders:

• Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a large skillet to cover the bottom by about 1-2 inches. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
• Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If the tenders are browning too quickly, lower the heat slightly to ensure they cook all the way through.

5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:

• While the chicken is frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, add the Frank’s RedHot Sauce to the butter and stir well. Allow the sauce to simmer for a minute to meld the flavors together. Adjust the sauce’s spice level by adding more hot sauce for extra heat or more butter for a milder flavor.

6. Coat the Chicken Tenders:

• Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Be careful not to break the crispy coating.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

• Arrange the Buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve them immediately with dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a fresh touch, garnish with finely chopped parsley or green onions.

Advanced Techniques for Perfecting Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Double-Dip for Extra Crunch:

For an ultra-crispy finish, consider double-dipping your chicken tenders. After the first layer of breadcrumb coating, dip the tenders back into the egg wash and coat them again with breadcrumbs. This extra layer of breadcrumbs will enhance the crunchiness, giving you an even more satisfying bite.

Use the Air Fryer for a Healthier Option:

If you want to reduce the amount of oil in the recipe, you can use an air fryer instead. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Once done, toss the tenders in the Buffalo sauce as directed.

Spice it Up:

If you love a fiery kick, you can adjust the heat level of your Buffalo sauce. Add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to turn up the heat. For a sweeter Buffalo sauce, you can incorporate a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to balance the flavors.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover Buffalo chicken tenders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to allow them to cool completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.

Reheating:

To keep the tenders crispy, it’s best to reheat them in the oven or air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes, or until heated through and the coating crisps back up. In an air fryer, reheat the tenders at 375°F for 5-7 minutes.

Freezing for Later:

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked (but uncoated) chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Gluten-Free Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

If you’re following a gluten-free diet, simply replace the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. There are many gluten-free breadcrumbs available, or you can make your own by grinding gluten-free crackers or rice cakes. Just be sure to check the ingredients in the hot sauce to confirm it’s gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option:

For a dairy-free version of Buffalo chicken tenders, substitute the butter in the sauce with a dairy-free butter or olive oil. Additionally, use a plant-based milk for any buttermilk substitute when preparing your chicken tenders.

Low-Carb/Keto Adaptations:

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the breadcrumbs altogether or use crushed almonds, coconut flakes, or a combination of almond flour and grated Parmesan to coat the tenders. Make sure the hot sauce you’re using has no added sugar, or make your own version of Buffalo sauce to control the ingredients.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe. Just cook them according to the package instructions, then toss them in the Buffalo sauce. This is a great time-saving option when you’re in a rush.

How do I make the Buffalo sauce milder?

To make the Buffalo sauce less spicy, simply reduce the amount of hot sauce and increase the butter in the sauce. You can also mix in a small amount of honey or brown sugar to balance out the heat.

What can I serve with Buffalo chicken tenders?

Buffalo chicken tenders pair well with classic sides such as celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a cool ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce. You can also serve them alongside French fries, onion rings, or a simple green salad.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, flavorful chicken and zesty Buffalo sauce. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, party appetizers, or a family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients, easy instructions, and customizable spice levels, you can make these tenders just the way you like them. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces and sides, and watch them disappear in no time!