If you’re craving a dish that combines crispy, tender chicken with the fiery tang of buffalo sauce, then this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. These tenders are perfectly breaded, baked to golden perfection, and tossed in a rich, buttery buffalo wing sauce that brings the perfect balance of heat and flavor. Whether you’re whipping up an easy weeknight dinner or planning to impress guests at your next game day gathering, this recipe delivers mouthwatering results every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward and essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the crispy panko breadcrumbs that provide a satisfying crunch, to the bold spices that elevate the chicken’s flavor profile.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy bites perfect for coating and baking.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the seasonings stick to the chicken and creates a light base for breading.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth that complements the buffalo sauce beautifully.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
- Paprika: Gives a lovely color and slight earthiness to the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Eggs: Bind the coating ingredients to each tender, ensuring a perfect crust.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that irresistible crispy exterior everyone loves.
- Buffalo wing sauce: Delivers the signature spicy, tangy flavor that defines the dish.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and mellows the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
- Cooking spray or oil: Helps achieve a golden, crunchy finish during baking.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace and Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and lightly greasing a wire rack positioned over a baking sheet. This setup allows the chicken tenders to cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without the need for deep frying.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoned Flour
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This dry seasoning mix is not just about flavor—it helps form a tasty barrier that locks in moisture during baking.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash and Breadcrumbs
Whisk the eggs in a second bowl to create an egg wash, perfect for binding the breadcrumbs. In a third bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs which will give your tenders their signature crunch.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders
One tender at a time, dredge the chicken through the seasoned flour, then dip into the egg wash, and coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs. This three-step coating process ensures each bite is crispy and flavorful.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the breaded tenders on your prepared rack and lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through to get an even crispiness. You’ll notice their color turn beautifully golden and the texture become satisfyingly crunchy.
Step 6: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the tenders bake, stir together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. As soon as the chicken is out of the oven, toss or brush the tenders generously in this luscious sauce. The buttery buffalo coating is what takes these tenders from good to unforgettable.
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes like freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds add a pop of color and a fresh bite that contrasts beautifully with the spicy buffalo coating. A drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing can cool down the heat and balance the flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
Buffalo chicken tenders pair wonderfully with crunchy celery sticks and creamy carrot batons, echoing the classic wing experience. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or even a crisp garden salad for a lighter contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe to the next level by serving the tenders on a platter with individual dipping bowls of ranch, blue cheese, or extra buffalo sauce. You can even stuff them into slider buns with pickles and lettuce for irresistibly spicy mini sandwiches perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the Buffalo Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keeping the tenders separate from the sauce will help maintain crispiness; toss them in the buffalo sauce just before reheating or serving.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked buffalo tenders by laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually for about an hour, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to two months and make a convenient quick meal anytime the craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat and retain maximum crispiness, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can, as it tends to soften the coating, but if you’re in a rush, zap them in short bursts and finish in a hot skillet.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs, and you’ll still get a delicious, crispy result.
What if I don’t have buffalo wing sauce on hand?
If you’re missing buffalo wing sauce, you can easily make a quick substitute by mixing hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot) with melted butter until well combined, giving you that classic buffalo flavor.
Can these tenders be made in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fryer enthusiasts will love this recipe’s adaptability. Cook the tenders at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness, and follow the same buffalo sauce tossing afterward.
How spicy is this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe?
The heat level is adjustable to your preference. This recipe offers a balanced spicy kick, but if you want more fire, add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a hotter buffalo sauce variation.
Is it possible to bake these without a wire rack?
Definitely. If you don’t have a wire rack, bake the tenders directly on a greased baking sheet, just keep in mind they might not be quite as crispy on the bottom without that airflow.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is a dazzling crowd-pleaser that guarantees crispy, saucy, and flavorful bites every time you make it. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends, it’s bound to become a go-to favorite. So gather your ingredients, fire up your oven, and get ready to fall in love with this classic, spicy delight all over again!
Print
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders coated in a flavorful seasoned breadcrumb crust and tossed in a classic spicy buffalo wing sauce. This easy-to-make, game day favorite is perfect for a satisfying main course with a kick of heat.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Sauce and Finishing
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing and spraying
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking sheet or use a large baking pan to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Mix the dry coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a well-seasoned flour mixture.
- Prepare egg and breadcrumbs: Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl, setting up a dredging station.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crispy crust.
- Arrange and bake: Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack or baking pan in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance browning. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the tenders are cooked through and golden brown.
- Prepare buffalo sauce: While the chicken cooks, stir together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a small bowl to create a luscious, spicy glaze.
- Toss and serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and immediately toss or brush them with the buffalo sauce mixture to coat them evenly. Serve hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture before dredging.
- These tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through for a quicker alternative.
