Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a perfect appetizer or meal for spice lovers. Crispy, golden fried chicken coated in a tangy, buttery hot sauce brings bold flavors to your table in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Oil (for frying)
• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Place on a plate.
2. Step 2: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
4. Step 4: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dip and celery sticks if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• For a healthier version, bake the breaded tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.
• Adjust the hot sauce amount to control the spice level.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same breading and cooking method.

How spicy is this recipe?

The recipe uses a classic hot sauce for a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust the amount or type of hot sauce to suit your taste.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 62 reviews

This Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe features crispy, golden fried chicken strips tossed in a tangy and spicy homemade buffalo sauce. Perfect as a flavorful appetizer or main dish, these tenders deliver the classic Buffalo wing experience in an easy-to-eat finger food form. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re ideal for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Oil (for frying, about 1/2 inch deep)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

1. Set Up Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the first bowl. Beat the eggs in the second bowl. Place the breadcrumbs in the third bowl, preparing each ingredient for the breading process.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture first, coating evenly, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Arrange the breaded tenders on a plate and set aside.
3. Heat Oil: Pour about half an inch of oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high until hot but not smoking, ideal for frying the chicken tenders to a golden crisp.
4. Fry Tenders: Carefully place the breaded tenders in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and combined, creating a classic tangy Buffalo flavor.
6. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Place the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently until each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot, accompanied by your choice of dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, and celery sticks for refreshing crunch alongside.

Notes

• For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.
• Ensure oil temperature is steady to avoid soggy tenders—too hot will burn the crust, too cool will make them greasy.
• Leftover tenders can be reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken tenders, crispy chicken, buffalo sauce, fried chicken strips, appetizer, game day food