Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and spicy snack perfect for game day or a casual dinner. These tender strips of chicken are fried to golden perfection and tossed in a tangy, buttery buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the chicken tenders by setting up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
3. Step 3: Make the buffalo sauce by whisking together hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl until combined.
4. Step 4: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese and celery sticks on the side.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• To make these tenders healthier, bake them at 425°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
• Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce to the buffalo sauce.
• Serve with carrot sticks or your favorite dipping sauces for a fun appetizer.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to help retain 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 use them in place of tenders. Just ensure they are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking.

Is it possible to bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 425°F for 15-20 minutes (flipping halfway through) can give you crispy chicken tenders with less oil.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 98 reviews

Crispy, flavorful Buffalo Chicken Tenders coated in a spicy homemade buffalo sauce, perfect for a snack, appetizer, or casual meal. These tenders are breaded and fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a tangy and buttery hot sauce mixture for a delicious and irresistible dish.

• Author: luca
• 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)

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 separate shallow bowls, combine 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.
2. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture ensuring an even coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumbs. Set the breaded tenders aside on a plate.
3. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, pour oil to a depth of about 1/2 inch and heat over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
4. Fry Tenders: Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders in batches to the hot oil. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked tenders and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
5. Make Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted unsalted butter, white vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
6. Coat Tenders in Sauce: Transfer the fried chicken tenders into a large bowl. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over them and toss gently to ensure each piece is evenly coated with the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch or blue cheese. Add celery sticks on the side for a classic accompaniment.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken tenders are unavailable.
• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to control the level of spiciness.
• Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature stays around 350°F (175°C) for perfect frying.
• Buffalo chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh but can be kept warm in a low oven (200°F/95°C) for up to 30 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, fried chicken, buffalo sauce, appetizer, finger foods, party snacks