Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a crispy, golden-brown treat with a perfect balance of spice and tang. The crispy exterior gives way to tender chicken on the inside, making them the ideal snack or dinner.
These tenders are not only great for a quick meal but also perfect for a game day spread or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce to match your personal taste, making them as mild or as fiery as you prefer. They are best served with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing to cool down the heat.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken tenders
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1/2 teaspoon paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 large eggs
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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1/2 cup buffalo sauce
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs.
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In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
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Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, dip it into the egg, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
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In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then stir in the buffalo sauce. Remove from heat once combined.
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Toss the baked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
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Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Buffalo Chicken Tenders: A Perfect Combination of Flavor and Crunch
Buffalo chicken tenders are a classic comfort food that’s enjoyed by many, offering the perfect combination of crispy chicken and zesty buffalo sauce. This dish brings the heat and flavor that fans of spicy food love while maintaining the tender juiciness of the chicken. Whether you’re making these for a casual weeknight dinner, a weekend snack, or as part of a bigger spread for a party, these buffalo chicken tenders are sure to impress.
A Brief History of Buffalo Wings and Its Influence on Tenders
The origins of buffalo wings date back to the 1960s in Buffalo, New York, where the famous spicy chicken wings were first created. The dish quickly gained popularity, and today, buffalo sauce is a staple in many kitchens. Buffalo chicken tenders are a variation on the classic buffalo wings, where the tender pieces of chicken are coated in the same tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that made wings famous. They offer a similar taste experience but with a different texture, making them perfect for those who prefer their chicken without bones.
These buffalo chicken tenders carry the same bold, spicy flavors, making them a popular choice for appetizer lovers and those looking to enjoy a meal with a bit of a kick. Thanks to their crisp coating and savory interior, they’re often served as a quick snack or paired with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, elevating the flavor even more.
The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
The key to perfect buffalo chicken tenders lies in the coating. A well-seasoned flour and breadcrumb mixture creates a crispy crust that locks in the juiciness of the chicken. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika adds layers of flavor to the breading, making each bite more exciting. The result is a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken inside.
The cooking method is also crucial. While deep frying is a popular method for creating crispy chicken tenders, baking them is a healthier alternative that still yields a golden-brown, crispy exterior. Baking allows the tenders to cook through evenly, while the buffalo sauce is added after baking, ensuring it doesn’t soak into the breading and makes the dish extra flavorful without becoming soggy.
Buffalo Sauce: A Bold and Tangy Addition
The star of the dish is the buffalo sauce. This tangy, spicy sauce adds a bold, flavorful kick to the chicken tenders. The sauce is made from a combination of hot sauce, butter, and a few other seasonings, which meld together to create the perfect balance of heat and richness. The spicy hot sauce adds the heat, while the butter smooths out the sauce and adds a velvety texture that coats the tenders beautifully.
Buffalo sauce is highly versatile and can be customized to suit personal tastes. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce, or even try different varieties of hot sauce for a unique flavor twist. For those who enjoy a bit of sweetness with their heat, honey or brown sugar can be added to the sauce to create a more balanced flavor.
Healthier Alternative: Baking vs. Frying
One of the main considerations when making buffalo chicken tenders is how to achieve that perfect crispy texture while keeping the dish relatively healthy. While frying the tenders in oil is a classic method for creating crispy chicken, baking is a great alternative that cuts down on the calories and fat.
Baking buffalo chicken tenders in the oven requires no extra oil, so you get the same crispy result without the greasy aftertaste that often comes with deep-fried foods. Plus, baking is much easier to manage as it frees up time to prepare the buffalo sauce or other sides while the tenders cook in the oven.
If you still prefer the crispy crunch that comes with frying, you can opt for air frying. Air fryers use hot air circulation to cook the tenders, producing a crispy exterior without the need for oil. This is a healthier option than traditional frying but still gives you that satisfying crunch.
Perfect Pairings: Sides to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a wide range of side dishes to complement their bold flavor. One classic option is to serve them with a side of celery and carrots, which help to balance out the spice and offer a refreshing crunch. These vegetables are often served with buffalo wings, and they work just as well with tenders, providing a cooling element that contrasts with the heat of the sauce.
For a more substantial meal, you can serve the tenders with sides like mashed potatoes, fries, or coleslaw. The creamy texture of mashed potatoes or the crispiness of fries provides a nice contrast to the spicy chicken tenders, while coleslaw adds a tangy, crunchy element that works well with the richness of the buffalo sauce.
If you’re looking to add a healthier touch to the meal, try pairing the buffalo chicken tenders with a fresh salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can help to balance out the spiciness of the tenders, while adding more vegetables to the dish.
Dipping Sauces: The Final Touch
No buffalo chicken tender dish is complete without a good dipping sauce. Traditionally, buffalo wings are paired with either ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, and the same goes for buffalo chicken tenders. The cool, creamy texture of these dressings offers a perfect contrast to the heat of the buffalo sauce, helping to mellow out the spiciness and adding extra flavor to each bite.
Ranch dressing is a milder option and works well for those who prefer a less tangy taste. Blue cheese, on the other hand, has a sharp, bold flavor that complements the buffalo sauce perfectly, creating a richer, more complex flavor profile. You can also get creative with other dipping sauces such as honey mustard or BBQ sauce if you’re looking for something a little different.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders for Every Occasion
Buffalo chicken tenders are perfect for any occasion. They’re great as a snack during game day, an appetizer for parties, or even as the main dish for a casual family dinner. The combination of crispy chicken and spicy buffalo sauce appeals to people of all ages, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and events.
These tenders also make an excellent choice for meal prepping. You can make a large batch in advance and store them in the fridge for later use. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, satisfying meal on the go. They’re just as delicious cold as they are hot, making them a great option for lunchboxes or picnics.
Customizing Buffalo Chicken Tenders for Your Taste
One of the best things about buffalo chicken tenders is how customizable they are. You can tweak the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a spicier kick, you can add more hot sauce or experiment with different hot sauce varieties to create a unique flavor. If you prefer a sweeter version, try adding honey or maple syrup to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy combination.
For those following a gluten-free or low-carb diet, you can easily adapt the recipe. Swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds for a nutty twist. You can also skip the breading entirely for a lighter, low-carb version, and simply toss the chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce for a straightforward, flavorful dish.
Conclusion
Buffalo chicken tenders are a flavorful, fun dish that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves a bit of heat. The crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and spicy buffalo sauce make them irresistible, whether you’re snacking on them at a party or serving them as the main event for dinner. With the ability to customize the heat and flavor to your liking, these tenders are incredibly versatile and sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Whether you’re baking them for a healthy alternative or deep-frying them for that classic crispy crunch, buffalo chicken tenders are always a winning choice. With the right dipping sauces, sides, and seasonings, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, exciting, and full of flavor. Give them a try for your next meal – they might just become your new favorite comfort food!