Buffalo Chicken Tenders: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a true culinary delight that steps up your chicken game. These crispy, delicious tenders, coated in spicy Buffalo sauce, create an explosion of flavor with every bite. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight dinner, they never fail to impress. With their incredible taste and easy-to-follow preparation, once you serve these tenders, you’ll find everyone asking for seconds!
If you love the flavor of Buffalo wings but prefer a tidier option, these tenders are the answer. When you bite into a tender, you experience a perfect crunch followed by juicy chicken and that classic spicy kick. This combination makes Buffalo Chicken Tenders not just a dish, but a staple that enhances any meal occasion. In this guide, we will explore why you’ll fall in love with this recipe, how to prepare it, and some fabulous serving suggestions that will wow your friends and family.
With this recipe in your cooking repertoire, you’ll be able to whip up Buffalo Chicken Tenders in no time. Let’s jump into the amazing world of flavor that awaits you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Buffalo Chicken Tenders boast a unique blend of spiciness and crunch that is hard to resist. Here are several reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
1. Simple Ingredients: Most items are likely already in your home, making it easy to create this delightful dish.
2. Quick Preparation: You can have these tenders ready in under an hour, perfect for any last-minute dinner plans.
3. Versatile Serving Options: They are perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even in salad wraps.
4. Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crispy texture and zesty flavor, making mealtime enjoyable for everyone.
5. Perfect for Parties: These tenders are an excellent addition to gatherings, providing a crowd-pleasing snack that gets devoured in no time.
6. Easy Customization: You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste by using mild or hot sauces.
Each bite of Buffalo Chicken Tenders reveals layers of flavor and crispy goodness, making them irresistible!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Creating Buffalo Chicken Tenders is a time-efficient process. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan:
– Preparation Time: 20 minutes
– Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
– Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes
This timeline should make it easier to fit your cooking into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor or quality.

Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenders
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 cup Buffalo sauce
– Cooking spray (for baking)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these straightforward steps to create Buffalo Chicken Tenders that will amaze your guests:
1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly spray with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the flour, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Dip in Eggs: Next, transfer the flour-coated tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully covered.
5. Bread the Chicken: Finally, place the egg-covered tender into the panko mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
6. Place on Baking Sheet: Once all tenders are coated, arrange them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake the Tenders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
8. Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While the tenders are baking, heat the Buffalo sauce in a small saucepan. Once the tenders are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the hot Buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat.
9. Return to Oven (Optional): For extra crispiness, you can return the coated tenders to the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
10. Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
These simple steps will guide you through making Buffalo Chicken Tenders that are incredibly tasty and satisfying!

How to Serve

Serving Buffalo Chicken Tenders can enhance the overall experience. Here are some suggestions:
1. Dipping Sauces: Pair with ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic touch. A side of celery sticks can also add crunch and balance the heat.
2. Presentation: Arrange the tenders on a large platter. Drizzle some extra Buffalo sauce over the top for a vibrant presentation.
3. Accompaniments: Serve alongside fresh salads, veggies, or fries for a complete meal.
4. Perfect Portions: Consider serving them as small bites or sliders for a fun twist at parties.
5. Beverage Pairing: These tenders pair excellently with cold beer or a refreshing cocktail, making them a perfect addition to a game day spread.
With these serving ideas, your Buffalo Chicken Tenders will surely shine on any table, making your meal an extraordinary experience!

Additional Tips

– Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add more spices to the panko mixture for added depth, such as cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning.
– Make It a Meal: Serve Buffalo Chicken Tenders alongside a side of creamy coleslaw or crispy potato wedges for a complete meal.
– Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
– Try Air Frying: For a healthier twist, consider air frying the tenders. They can achieve the same crispy texture with less oil.
– Leftover Use: If you have any leftovers, slice the tenders and toss them into a salad or wrap for a quick lunch option.

Recipe Variation

There are plenty of ways to switch things up with your Buffalo Chicken Tenders. Here are a few ideas:
1. Honey Garlic Sauce: Substitute the Buffalo sauce with a honey garlic sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
2. Buffalo Cauliflower: For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with cauliflower florets tossed in the same breading mixture and Buffalo sauce.
3. Different Dips: Pair the tenders with different dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo or honey mustard for a twist.
4. Cheesy Buffalo Tenders: Add a sprinkling of shredded cheese over the tenders during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy kick.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Store any leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
– Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
– Reheating: When ready to enjoy again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through for the best texture.

Special Equipment

To prepare Buffalo Chicken Tenders successfully, you will need the following equipment:
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper or aluminum foil
– Three shallow bowls (for breading)
– Whisk
– Tongs or fork (for handling chicken)
– Meat thermometer (optional)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips to make your own tenders.
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze them for later use.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
How spicy are Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
The heat level is adjustable based on the Buffalo sauce you use. There are mild, medium, and hot versions available. Adjust it to your desired spice level.
Can I serve these tenders cold?
While they are best enjoyed warm, you can serve them cold as part of a salad or sandwich.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic flavor of Buffalo wings without the mess. Their crispy exterior and juicy interior, paired with that perfect kick of spice, make them a favorite for any occasion. Whether it’s a game day treat, a family dinner, or a casual party snack, these tenders will not disappoint. Try incorporating your personal twists and enjoy the versatility of this incredible recipe!

Print