Buffalo Chicken Tenders are like a spicy hug for your taste buds, combining crispy perfection with a tangy kick that makes every bite sing. Imagine biting into golden, crunchy chicken tenders coated in a fiery buffalo sauce, the kind that makes you feel alive and ready to dance with joy. spicy chicken salad.
I remember the first time I made Buffalo Chicken Tenders for my friends; it was during game night. The room filled with laughter and the aroma of spicy goodness. It was a culinary moment of glory as everyone dove in, faces lighting up with delight at each crispy morsel. perfect side dish for BBQs tender chicken dish These tenders are perfect for parties, casual dinners, or just when you need to treat yourself to something spectacular. rich and creamy gravy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are not just delicious; they are incredibly easy to prepare
- Their bold flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds
- Visually appealing with a golden-brown crust, they make any meal feel special
- Perfect for game day or a fun family dinner, you’re going to love them!
I can’t forget when my cousin tried the tenders and proclaimed them “life-changing” while wiping buffalo sauce off his chin.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many hungry mouths you need to feed.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunch; opt for plain or seasoned according to your taste.
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Buffalo Sauce: The star of the show; choose your favorite brand or make homemade for the ultimate flavor.
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Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken beautifully; if you don’t have it, regular milk works too.
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Garlic Powder: A must-have for that aromatic depth; fresh garlic can be used if you’re feeling fancy.
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Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness; you may also consider using shallots if you want to switch things up.
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Cayenne Pepper: For those who like it spicy; adjust based on your heat tolerance.
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Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring everything together.
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Cooking Oil Spray: Helps achieve that crispy finish without drowning in oil.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking and crispy tenders. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Cut your boneless chicken breasts into strips, about one inch wide. Make sure they’re all roughly the same size for uniform cooking.
Create the Buttermilk Bath: In a bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Soak those chicken strips in this creamy mixture for at least 30 minutes to get them nice and tender. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken Marsala recipe.
Dredge in Panko Breadcrumbs: After soaking, remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk bath and let excess drip off. Coat generously with panko breadcrumbs until fully covered – this is where the magic happens!
Bake Until Golden Brown: Place the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Douse with Buffalo Sauce!: Once baked, toss those glorious tenders gently in buffalo sauce until they’re fully coated. Return them briefly to the oven (about 5 minutes) so they soak up even more flavor.
And voila! You’re ready to indulge in these scrumptious Buffalo Chicken Tenders that will have everyone clamoring for more! Enjoy them alone or pair them with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for an authentic experience. For more inspiration, check out this cheesy beef wraps recipe.
Now grab some napkins because things might get saucy!
You Must Know
- Buffalo chicken tenders are not just a game-day snack; they can elevate any gathering
- The irresistible aroma is sure to entice everyone, and the crispy texture paired with spicy sauce will keep your guests coming back for more
- Perfect for dipping or enjoying solo!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken in buffalo sauce for at least 30 minutes. Then, bread and fry them until golden brown for a crispy finish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out buffalo sauce for barbecue or teriyaki if you want a different flavor. Experiment with spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 375°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the crispiest buffalo chicken tenders, double-bread them and let them rest before frying
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 165°F
- Always serve with plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping!
When I first made these buffalo chicken tenders, my friends couldn’t stop raving about them. They devoured every last bite, leaving me feeling like a culinary superstar—and maybe I added just a bit too much hot sauce!
FAQ
Can I bake buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until crispy.
What can I serve with buffalo chicken tenders?
Pair them with fresh veggies, ranch dipping sauce, or creamy coleslaw.
How do I make buffalo chicken tenders less spicy?
Use mild buffalo sauce or mix it with plain yogurt to tone down the heat.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleasing favorite, offering a perfect blend of crispy texture and spicy flavor. Coated in zesty buffalo sauce, these tenders are ideal for game day, parties, or a comforting home-cooked meal. Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, they’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Soak chicken strips in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Dredge each soaked chicken piece in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Place the breaded tenders on the baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Toss baked tenders in buffalo sauce and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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