If you love that perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken with a spicy kick, then this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. These chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, coated in a zesty buffalo sauce that’s rich, buttery, and vibrant. Whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing an irresistible appetizer for game day, this recipe brings all the bold flavors and comforting textures you crave in a simple, satisfying package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that perfect reddish-orange hue. From the crispy panko coating to the punchy buffalo sauce, every component is essential for an authentic taste experience.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and perfect for quick cooking, ensuring juicy results every time.
- All-purpose flour: Adds a light base layer for the coating to stick and helps create a crispy crust.
- Garlic powder: Brings a subtle, savory depth to the flour mixture.
- Onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the seasoning.
- Paprika: Offers a mild smokiness and enhances the color of the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Eggs: Act as a glue to help the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly for that satisfying crunch.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to extra-crispy, airy coating that bakes beautifully instead of frying.
- Buffalo wing sauce: The heart of the flavor, delivering that iconic spicy, tangy bite we all love.
- Unsalted butter: Blended with the buffalo sauce to mellow heat and add a rich, velvety finish.
- Cooking spray or oil: Helps crisp up the tenders evenly in the oven without any mess.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Coating Stations
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F. Lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking sheet — this setup lets air circulate for perfectly crispy tenders all around. Then, set up three shallow bowls: one for the seasoned flour mix, one for the beaten eggs, and one for the panko breadcrumbs. This assembly line makes the coating process quick and mess-free.
Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken
Now, take each chicken tender and dredge it through the flour mixture, ensuring every inch is dusted. Next, dip the tender into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Lay each coated tender on the prepared rack for even baking.
Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Give your coated tenders a light spray of cooking oil to promote that gorgeous browning. Slide them into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through — this ensures each side crisps evenly while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
Step 4: Toss in Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken crisps up, mix together your buffalo wing sauce and melted unsalted butter in a bowl. Once the tenders are out of the oven, toss them gently in this luscious sauce until every bite is coated in spicy, buttery goodness. Get ready for irresistible eats!
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates your Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe not only visually but also in flavor contrast. Bright, crunchy celery sticks and crisp carrot batons are classic accompaniments that cool the heat and add freshness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives can also add a lovely pop of green and subtle herbal notes.
Side Dishes
The best Buffalo Chicken Tenders carry stadium vibes when paired with creamy ranch or blue cheese dip for dunking. For something heartier, serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or a cool coleslaw that balances the spicy kick with creamy, tangy textures. A crisp garden salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette complements the bold flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual entertaining, arrange the tenders in a festive platter surrounded by colorful veggies and dipping sauces. If you want to get fancy, try serving them stacked on mini slider buns with a dollop of buffalo ranch for tasty buffalo sliders. Alternatively, chop the tenders and toss into a salad or wrap to create an exciting buffalo chicken wrap that carries all the flavors in an easy-to-eat form.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay delicious for up to three days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze any extras by laying the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing them solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. This method keeps them from sticking together and preserves their crispy texture. Freeze for up to two months for best quality.
Reheating
To reheat, skip the microwave if you want to keep that crispy crust intact. Instead, pop the tenders into a 375°F oven or toaster oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. If frozen, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy and delicious.
How spicy is the buffalo sauce in this recipe?
The buffalo sauce provides a medium heat level—spicy enough to tingle your taste buds but balanced by the butter. For more heat, try adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a hotter buffalo sauce variety.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
You can, but be sure to cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size for even cooking. Just keep a close eye on baking time, as thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes.
Is it possible to make these tenders in an air fryer?
Yes, baking isn’t your only option! Arrange the coated tenders in a preheated air fryer at 400°F and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through. This method yields fantastic crunch with less oil.
What dips go best with Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Classic pairings include creamy ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a cooling cucumber-yogurt dip to mellow the heat. Feel free to get creative with honey mustard or a smoky chipotle mayo!
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about bold flavors, simple ingredients, and that perfect crispy texture every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and delightful to eat. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making these tenders over and 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 and flavorful Buffalo Chicken Tenders baked to perfection and tossed in a tangy buffalo wing sauce. Perfect for game day or a spicy main course, these tenders are coated in a seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb mixture, then baked until golden and tender. A delightful dish that combines the satisfying crunch of baking with the classic heat of buffalo sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 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
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F and lightly grease a wire rack set over a baking sheet or a large baking pan to ensure even cooking and crispy tenders.
- Prepare Breading Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a second bowl. Put the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. This triple coating ensures a crispy, flavorful exterior.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared rack or pan in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness. Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden crisp.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken bakes, stir together the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter in a small bowl, creating the signature spicy and buttery flavor.
- Toss and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and either toss them in the buffalo sauce or brush the sauce generously over each piece. Serve hot immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture before coating the chicken.
- These tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.
