Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. I remember the first time I tried these spicy, crispy delights at a local pub. The combination of heat from the buffalo sauce and the crunch of the chicken made my taste buds dance with joy. Since then, I have been on a mission to recreate that experience at home.
Over the years, I have perfected my Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just craving something delicious, these tenders are sure to please everyone.
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Tenders
To make the best Buffalo Chicken Tenders, you need a few simple ingredients. Here’s what you will need:
Chicken Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works best for extra crunch)
Buffalo Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Making Buffalo Chicken Tenders is a straightforward process. I find it helpful to prepare everything beforehand to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dipping Stations
In three separate bowls, prepare the following:
- Flour Mixture: Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Egg Wash: Beat the eggs in a bowl.
- Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and dip it first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated for that perfect crunch.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in batches. Fry them for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder. This sauce is the star of the show, adding that signature buffalo flavor.
Step 6: Toss the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently until they are well coated.
Serving Suggestions
Buffalo Chicken Tenders can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The coolness of the dressing balances the heat of the buffalo sauce.
- On a Salad: Slice the tenders and toss them over a fresh salad for a spicy twist.
- In a Wrap: Place the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a quick meal.
- As a Snack: Serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering. They are perfect for game day or movie night.
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Here are some tips I’ve learned over the years to make sure your Buffalo Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time:
- Don’t Rush the Coating: Make sure to coat the chicken well. This ensures a crispy exterior.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They give the tenders an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs can’t match.
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer less heat, mix the hot sauce with some butter before tossing the chicken. This will tone down the spice.
- Keep the Oil Temperature Steady: If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken cooks through. If it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb too much oil.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders
If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store them:
- Refrigeration: Place the tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked tenders. Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Reheating is easy, but you want to keep them crispy. Here are some methods:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.
- Air Fryer: This method is great for keeping them crispy. Heat the air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can use the microwave, but they may lose some crunch. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Variations
If you want to mix things up, here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Garlic: Add extra garlic powder to the buffalo sauce for a garlic kick.
- Honey Buffalo: Mix honey into the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Cheesy Buffalo: Top the tenders with shredded cheese before serving for a cheesy twist.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information per serving (about 4 tenders):
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 20g
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a delicious and fun dish to make at home. With their crispy coating and spicy flavor, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. I hope you enjoy making this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe as much as I do.