Table of Contents
The Ultimate Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Overview of the Recipe: Buffalo chicken tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make twist on classic buffalo wings. They combine the crispy texture of fried chicken tenders with the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo sauce, making them a go-to snack for any occasion.
- What Makes This Recipe the Best: The secret to making the crispiest and most flavorful buffalo chicken tenders is a combination of the right ingredients and cooking methods. From the choice of chicken tenderloin to the crispy coating and perfectly balanced buffalo sauce, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to make this recipe stand out.
Chicken is a wonderfully adaptable ingredient that shines in a variety of dishes. Whether you’re craving the bold flavors of buffalo chicken tenders or the classic combination of lettuce, chicken, and Caesar dressing in a sandwich, chicken can be transformed to suit any palate. For a refreshing twist, try the Chicken Caesar Sandwich, where tender chicken meets crisp greens and creamy dressing, all nestled between slices of hearty bread.
Why Buffalo Chicken Tenders Are the Perfect Snack
Buffalo Chicken Tenders vs. Buffalo Wings
- What’s the Difference?: Both buffalo chicken tenders and buffalo wings are coated in the same spicy buffalo sauce, but chicken tenders offer a different eating experience. While wings often require more effort to eat and can be messier, chicken tenders are easy to pick up and bite into, making them a more convenient option for parties or casual snacking.
- Why Tenders Are Great for Parties: The ease of serving and eating buffalo chicken tenders makes them the ideal finger food for gatherings. They’re less messy than wings and can be prepared in large batches, making them perfect for feeding a crowd.
Versatility of Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Appetizers and Main Courses: Buffalo chicken tenders aren’t just for snacking. They can easily transition from an appetizer to a main course. Pair them with some fries or a salad, and you’ve got a satisfying meal. They can even be used in sandwiches or wraps for a fun twist on lunch.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a game day treat, or a special party, buffalo chicken tenders are versatile enough to suit any event.
Perfect for Game Day or Tailgating
- Crowd Pleaser: When it comes to game day, buffalo chicken tenders are a surefire hit. Their crispy texture and spicy kick make them an excellent alternative to traditional wings, and they’re easy to serve in large quantities.
- Simple to Prepare: No need for deep frying wings or worrying about messy bones—chicken tenders are easy to prepare, and the buffalo sauce adds the perfect punch of flavor without overwhelming the palate.
The Key Ingredients for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo Sauce
- Choosing the Right Sauce: The buffalo sauce you use can make or break the dish. A good-quality buffalo sauce like Frank’s RedHot offers the perfect combination of tangy vinegar and spicy heat. If you prefer more heat, you can always add a few dashes of extra hot sauce or chili powder to customize the flavor.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought: While store-bought buffalo sauce is convenient, making your own sauce is easy and can offer a more personalized flavor. Homemade buffalo sauce can be as simple as combining melted butter, hot sauce, and spices.
Chicken Tenderloin
- Why Tenderloin is the Best Cut: Chicken tenderloin is naturally tender and juicy, which makes it perfect for chicken tenders. Unlike other cuts of chicken, tenderloins cook quickly and stay moist, even when fried or baked, making them the ideal choice for this recipe.
- How to Prep Chicken Tenderloins: Before cooking, make sure to trim off any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken tenderloins. If the tenders are too thick, you can slice them in half to ensure they cook evenly.
Coating
- Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust: The coating is what makes buffalo chicken tenders stand out from other fried chicken recipes. For the crispiest results, use a combination of flour, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Some recipes also include cornstarch for extra crunch.
- Flour and Breadcrumbs: Coat the chicken first in seasoned flour, then dip it in egg wash, and finish with a layer of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for maximum crunch.
- Additional Crunch: To get even crispier tenders, consider adding crushed cornflakes to the breading for an extra layer of crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Preparing the Chicken Tenderloins
- Trim and Cut: Start by trimming the chicken tenderloins to remove any unwanted bits of fat. If necessary, cut them into evenly sized pieces to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Marinate or Season: You can marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes to an hour before breading for extra tenderness, or simply season them with salt, pepper, and your choice of spices.
Creating the Perfect Crispy Coating
- Breading Process: Dredge each piece of chicken in seasoned flour, then dip in a beaten egg wash, and finally coat with breadcrumbs or panko. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even coat. This will help the chicken crisp up when fried or baked.
- Optional Double Coating: For extra crispiness, repeat the breading process—dip the chicken again in the egg wash and breadcrumbs for an additional layer of crunch.
Frying or Air Frying
- Deep Frying: If you’re deep frying, heat your oil to 375°F (190°C) and cook the tenders for 4-6 minutes until golden brown. Make sure to not overcrowd the fryer to ensure even cooking.
- Air Frying: For a healthier option, you can air fry the tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for crispy, golden tenders without the need for excess oil.
Tossing in Buffalo Sauce
- Coating the Tenders: Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden, toss them in your buffalo sauce of choice. Be sure to coat them evenly for a full flavor experience.
- Adjusting the Heat: If you like your tenders extra spicy, you can add a bit of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce before tossing.
How to Serve and Pair Your Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Dips
- Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese: The classic pairings for buffalo chicken tenders are ranch and blue cheese dressing. Both offer a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy buffalo sauce. Consider making your own homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing for a fresh, flavorful dip.
- Other Dips: If you’re looking for variety, you can serve buffalo chicken tenders with honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Side Dishes
- Celery and Carrots: Traditional accompaniments to buffalo chicken, celery sticks and carrot sticks help balance out the heat and add a refreshing crunch.
- Fries or Onion Rings: For a more indulgent meal, serve buffalo chicken tenders with a side of crispy fries or onion rings. The salty crunch complements the spicy tenders perfectly.
Finger Food Appeal
- Great for Parties: Buffalo chicken tenders are easy to serve in a party setting—just lay them out with a variety of dips and sides for guests to enjoy. They’re an ideal finger food for casual gatherings or special occasions.
Transforming Leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders into a Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Leftover buffalo chicken tenders can be repurposed into a flavorful Buffalo Chicken Wrap. Simply slice the tenders into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bit more buffalo sauce if desired. Place the chicken onto a warm tortilla and add your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Fold the tortilla to enclose the fillings, creating a satisfying wrap that’s perfect for lunch or a quick dinner.
For a detailed recipe and step-by-step instructions, you can refer to this Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe.
Can You Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders Ahead of Time?
Preparing the Tenders in Advance
- Freezing Uncooked Tenders: If you want to prep your buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time, you can freeze them after breading but before frying. Simply place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, freeze them until solid, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container.
- Storing Cooked Tenders: If you’ve already fried the tenders, you can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, reheat them in an air fryer or oven rather than the microwave.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat for Crispiness: To avoid sogginess, reheat your buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer or on a baking sheet in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-10 minutes.
- Microwave Option: If you’re in a pinch, you can microwave the tenders, but be sure to place them on a microwave-safe rack or plate with a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
Best Storage Methods
- Freezing: If you want to store the tenders for a longer period, you can freeze them after cooking. Just ensure they’re fully cooled before freezing, and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Customizing Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Adjusting the Heat Level
- Spicy Options: For a fiery kick, you can add extra hot sauce like Tabasco or Sriracha to the buffalo sauce mixture. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili flakes on top for an added burst of heat.
- Milder Versions: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of hot sauce and increase the butter content in the buffalo sauce to create a more buttery and less spicy flavor.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Healthier Alternative: For a healthier version, you can bake the buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying them. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Crispy Without the Fryer: Baked buffalo chicken tenders can still achieve a crispy coating by using a wire rack to allow air to circulate while baking.
Alternative Coatings
- Panko Breadcrumbs or Cornmeal: For a different texture, try using panko breadcrumbs or even cornmeal in the breading for a unique crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier, while cornmeal provides a grittier, crunchier texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Tips for Making the Crispiest Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Achieving the Perfect Crunch
- Coating Techniques: The key to extra crispy chicken tenders lies in the breading process. Be sure to coat the tenders evenly, pressing down on the breadcrumbs to ensure they stick. For an extra crunch, use a double breading method.
- Oil Temperature: If frying, ensure the oil is at the right temperature (375°F or 190°C). Too low and the tenders will absorb too much oil, making them soggy; too high and they may burn before fully cooking.
Avoiding Soggy Tenders
- Drain the Oil: After frying, let the tenders rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil and maintain their crispy texture. Avoid placing them directly on paper towels, as that can cause the coating to become soggy.
- Use a Paper Towel for Absorption: If you don’t have a wire rack, you can use a paper towel to absorb excess oil, but make sure the tenders don’t sit on the towel for too long.
Air Frying for Extra Crispiness
- Crisp Without the Oil: If you want to skip the deep fryer but still achieve crispy tenders, an air fryer is a great option. The circulating hot air gives the tenders a golden, crispy coating without the need for excess oil.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb about 450g boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs unseasoned
- ½ cup Frank’s RedHot® Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter for sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Neutral oil vegetable or canola, for frying
Optional Garnishes and Sides
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
Set Up the Dredging Station
- Arrange three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: ½ cup all-purpose flour.
- Bowl 2: 3 large egg whites, beaten with 2 tablespoons hot sauce.
- Bowl 3: ⅔ cup plain dried bread crumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon steak seasoning (e.g., Montreal Steak Seasoning).
Coat the Chicken Tenders
- Lightly dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, shaking off the excess.
- Dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press it into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring both sides are well-coated.
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack.
- Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
Pan-Fry the Tenders
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add half of the chicken tenders, spacing them evenly.
- Cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side, until a crispy crust forms.
- Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining tenders.
Bake the Tenders
- Place all the cooked chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and crispy.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Once melted, add ½ cup Frank’s RedHot® Buffalo Wings Hot Sauce.
- Whisk until smooth and heated through.
Coat the Tenders with Sauce
- Place the cooked tenders in a shallow bowl.
- Pour the warm buffalo sauce over the tenders, tossing gently to coat evenly.
Serve
- Transfer the sauced tenders to a serving platter.
- Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing and a side of celery sticks.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
| Calories | 125–519 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2–26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1–13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 5–51 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0–6 g |
| Sugars | 0–2 g |
| Protein | 4–50 g |
| Sodium | 450–2200 mg |
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
The Perfect Flavor and Texture Combination
- Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside: The beauty of buffalo chicken tenders is the contrast between the crispy, golden exterior and the juicy, tender chicken inside. With every bite, you get the satisfying crunch of the breading and the flavorful kick of the buffalo sauce.
- Customizable for All Tastes: Whether you like your tenders mild or extra spicy, this recipe is adaptable to suit everyone’s preferences.
Great for Any Occasion
- Casual or Special Occasions: Whether you’re serving them at a casual family dinner or a special event, buffalo chicken tenders are a crowd favorite. They’re easy to make, easy to serve, and always a hit.
A Recipe That Never Disappoints
- Guaranteed Deliciousness: No matter how you choose to prepare them—fried, baked, or air-fried—this buffalo chicken tenders recipe guarantees crispy, flavorful, and satisfying tenders every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying them?
Yes! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake your buffalo chicken tenders. Simply coat them with breadcrumbs as usual, then bake them on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method will give you crispy tenders without the need for frying.
How can I make buffalo chicken tenders spicier?
To make your buffalo chicken tenders spicier, you can increase the amount of hot sauce in your buffalo sauce. Consider adding extra hot sauces like Sriracha or Tabasco for an even hotter kick. Additionally, sprinkling some cayenne pepper or chili flakes on the tenders after tossing them in the sauce can also enhance the heat.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins. However, chicken tenderloins are naturally more tender and cook faster. If you use chicken breasts, cut them into smaller strips to mimic the size and texture of tenders. You may also need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
How do I keep buffalo chicken tenders crispy after cooking?
To keep your tenders crispy, avoid placing them directly on paper towels after frying. Instead, rest them on a wire rack so that excess oil can drain off, and air can circulate around them. If you’re reheating, use an air fryer or bake them in the oven to maintain their crispiness.
Can I make buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time. You can bread and freeze them before cooking, then fry or bake them when you’re ready. If you’ve already cooked them, store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness.
What’s the best dip for buffalo chicken tenders?
The classic dips for buffalo chicken tenders are ranch dressing and blue cheese. Both complement the spicy buffalo sauce, providing a creamy contrast. For variety, you can also try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.