Imagine biting into a tender piece of chicken, perfectly coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that dances on your taste buds. The crispy exterior gives way to juicy meat, releasing an aroma that makes your mouth water and your heart race. Buffalo chicken tenders are not just a dish; they’re an experience, one that can turn any ordinary day into a flavor-packed celebration. For more inspiration, check out this more main dish recipes recipe.
Let me take you back to the time I first attempted making buffalo chicken tenders for my friends’ game night. I had visions of impressing them with my culinary prowess, but let’s just say things got a bit messy. Picture me frantically trying to balance a bowl of flour and a bottle of hot sauce while dancing around my kitchen like it was my personal stage. Spoiler alert: they were a hit, and the laughter we shared became the highlight of the evening!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These buffalo chicken tenders are easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacks
- The flavor is bold, combining spice and savory goodness in each bite
- Their vibrant orange hue adds visual appeal to your plate, making them irresistible!
- Versatile enough to be served as an appetizer or main dish, they’re sure to please everyone
I remember watching my friends devour those spicy tenders with glee, their eyes widening at the first bite. It was one of those moments when cooking felt less like a chore and more like creating memories.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create that crispy coating; don’t skimp on it for best results.
Eggs: You’ll need two large eggs for binding everything together nicely.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add an extra crunch; trust me, it makes all the difference!
Buffalo Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce for an authentic kick.
Garlic Powder: A must-have for seasoning; it elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all those delicious flavors in this dish.
Cooking Oil (for frying): Use vegetable or canola oil for frying until golden brown and crispy.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they fry up nice and crispy.
Create Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls—one with seasoned flour (mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper), another with beaten eggs, and lastly one filled with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge Like a Pro: Dip each chicken strip into the flour first, shaking off excess before dipping into egg wash. Then coat thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture we love!
Heat Up That Oil!: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, pour enough oil to cover the bottom (about half an inch). Heat until shimmering but not smoking—test by dropping in a breadcrumb; it should sizzle.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place breaded chicken strips into hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Add That Buffalo Sauce!: Once cooked, transfer tenders onto paper towels to drain excess oil. Toss them in a bowl with buffalo sauce while still hot—this helps the sauce stick better!
Now you have deliciously crispy buffalo chicken tenders ready to enjoy! Serve them with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for that classic touch.
With every bite of these buffalo chicken tenders, you’ll experience layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more! Whether it’s game night or just another Tuesday at home, these tenders are sure to become your new go-to recipe!
You Must Know
- Buffalo Chicken Tenders are not just delicious; they’re incredibly versatile and can be served as appetizers, main dishes, or snacks
- The combination of spice and crunch makes every bite unforgettable
- Plus, they’re a hit at parties, guaranteed to impress your friends!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken tenders to lock in flavor, then bake them to achieve a perfect crispy texture. This two-step process ensures juicy meat with a satisfying crunch.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the spices for your favorites. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika for an extra kick. You can even dip these tenders in different sauces!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the crispiest Buffalo Chicken Tenders, use panko bread crumbs instead of regular ones
- They create a delightful crunch that elevates your dish significantly
- Remember to preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking results
Nothing beats that moment when my friends devoured these tenders at my last game night—they were gone within minutes! Their laughter and compliments made all the effort worth it.
FAQ
Can I make Buffalo Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and store them in advance; just reheat before serving.
What dipping sauces pair well with Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Ranch and blue cheese dressings complement their spicy flavor perfectly.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, but adjust cooking time according to package instructions for best results.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender chicken strips with a crispy coating and bold buffalo sauce. Perfect for game nights or weeknight dinners, these tenders are simple to make and guaranteed to impress. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a spicy kick, making them an irresistible snack or main dish.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch strips and pat dry.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with seasoned flour (mix garlic powder, salt, and pepper), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat in panko.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Toss hot tenders in buffalo sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (180g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken in the egg wash and panko breadcrumbs. Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or cayenne for added flavor. Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese.