Buffalo Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe

Buffalo chicken tenders: just the name conjures up images of game day gatherings, casual get-togethers, and that irresistible tangy, spicy flavor that keeps you coming back for more. But forget ordering takeout! I’m going to show you how to make the most delicious, crispy, and satisfying buffalo chicken tenders right in your own kitchen.

While the exact origins are debated, the buffalo wing, the tender’s saucy ancestor, was born in Buffalo, New York, at the Anchor Bar in 1964. Legend has it that Teressa Bellissimo created them on a whim for her son and his friends. The rest, as they say, is history! The fiery flavor quickly spread, and the buffalo sauce profile has since been adapted to countless dishes, including these delectable tenders.

What’s not to love? The combination of crispy, juicy chicken, the vinegary kick of the buffalo sauce, and the cooling effect of a creamy dipping sauce is simply divine. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect as an appetizer, a main course served with fries and coleslaw, or even chopped up in a salad. Plus, my recipe is surprisingly easy to follow, meaning you can have a batch of these flavor-packed tenders ready in no time. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Breading:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Buffalo Sauce:
• 1 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For Serving (optional):
• Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing
• Celery sticks
• Carrot sticks

Marinating the Chicken

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to marinate our chicken tenders. This is crucial for tender, flavorful chicken that’s not dry. Trust me, you don’t want dry chicken tenders!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This marinade is going to work wonders on our chicken.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. You want every single piece coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful and tender they will become. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.

Preparing the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, let’s get our breading ready. This is where we’re going to build that crispy, flavorful crust that makes these tenders so irresistible.

1. In a large, shallow dish (like a pie plate or a baking dish), whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, chili powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. The cornstarch helps create a lighter, crispier breading.
2. Set the breading mixture aside. We’ll be using it shortly!

Breading the Chicken

Now for the fun part – breading the chicken! This can get a little messy, but it’s totally worth it. I like to use one hand for the wet ingredients (the chicken) and the other for the dry ingredients (the breading) to avoid getting my hands completely coated in breading.

1. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. You don’t want them dripping wet, just nicely coated.
2. One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the breading mixture, making sure to coat it completely on all sides. Press the breading onto the chicken to help it adhere. We want a nice, thick coating.
3. Place the breaded chicken tenders on a clean plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.
4. Repeat the breading process with all the remaining chicken tenders.

Cooking the Chicken

There are a few ways to cook these buffalo chicken tenders: frying, baking, or air frying. I’ll give you instructions for all three, so you can choose your preferred method. Frying will give you the most authentic, crispy result, but baking and air frying are healthier options.

Frying Instructions:

1. Pour about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil or canola oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
2. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor the temperature. It’s crucial to maintain the correct temperature for crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
3. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
4. Fry the chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip them occasionally for even cooking.
5. Remove the fried chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help them stay crispy.

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching.
4. Spray the chicken tenders generously with cooking spray. This will help them brown and crisp up in the oven.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown. Flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

Air Frying Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching. You may need to cook them in batches.
3. Spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray.
4. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning.

Making the Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, let’s whip up our buffalo sauce. This is what gives these tenders that signature spicy, tangy flavor. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking, depending on how spicy you want them.

1. In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Heat the sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through and the butter is fully incorporated. Do not boil the sauce.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat.

Coating the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce

Now for the grand finale – coating the chicken in that delicious buffalo sauce! This is where everything comes together.

1. Once the chicken tenders are cooked, place them in a large bowl.
2. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders.
3. Toss the chicken tenders gently but thoroughly to coat them evenly in the sauce. Make sure every piece is covered in that fiery goodness.

Serving

And that’s it! Your buffalo chicken tenders are ready to be served. I like to serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy.

1. Serve the buffalo chicken tenders with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping.
2. Offer celery sticks and carrot sticks on the side for a refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken.
3. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are more than just a snack; they’re a flavor explosion waiting to happen. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves a little kick in their culinary life. The perfect balance of crispy, juicy chicken and that tangy, spicy Buffalo sauce is simply irresistible. Forget ordering takeout; you can whip up a batch of these in your own kitchen and customize them to your exact liking.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Need a crowd-pleasing appetizer for game night? Buffalo Chicken Tenders are your answer. Looking for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner? Serve them with a side of fries and a crisp salad. Want to elevate your lunch game? These tenders are perfect in a wrap or on top of a salad.

Speaking of serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! Of course, the classic pairing is with creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing. But don’t be afraid to experiment! Try a cool avocado ranch, a spicy sriracha mayo, or even a honey mustard for a touch of sweetness. For a complete meal, serve these tenders with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, creamy coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

And let’s talk variations! Want to kick up the heat even more? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading or use a hotter Buffalo sauce. Prefer a milder flavor? Opt for a mild Buffalo sauce or mix it with a little melted butter to mellow it out. You can also experiment with different types of breading. Panko breadcrumbs will give you an extra crispy coating, while crushed cornflakes add a unique texture and flavor. For a healthier option, try baking the tenders instead of frying them. Simply coat them with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

Another fun variation is to make Buffalo Chicken Tender sliders. Simply cut the tenders into smaller pieces and serve them on mini slider buns with your favorite toppings. These are perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. You could also use these tenders to make a Buffalo Chicken salad. Just chop them up and toss them with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! I know you’re going to love it. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I’m confident it will become one of your favorites too. The key to truly amazing Buffalo Chicken Tenders is to not be afraid to experiment with the sauce and breading to find your perfect flavor profile.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create some seriously delicious Buffalo Chicken Tenders. And most importantly, don’t forget to share your experience! I’d love to hear what you think of the recipe, what variations you tried, and what your favorite serving suggestions are. Leave a comment below, tag me in your photos on social media, and let’s spread the Buffalo Chicken Tender love! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear about your culinary adventures!