Buffalo chicken tenders are a game-day favorite and a crowd-pleaser that combines juicy chicken with a spicy, tangy buffalo sauce. If you’ve ever wondered how to make buffalo chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, you’re in the right place. This guide will walk you through a foolproof recipe and tips to make your buffalo chicken tenders irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Marinade
– 2 to 3 pounds of chicken tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced into strips)
– 2 cups buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
– ½ cup buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Garlic powder and onion powder for seasoning
For the Breading
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– ½ cup cornstarch
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tablespoon water
– 2 teaspoons salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Buffalo Sauce Coating
– ½ cup unsalted butter
– ½ cup buffalo sauce
– 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
For Cooking
– Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil works well)
Optional for Serving
– Ranch or blue cheese dressing
– Celery and carrot sticks
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating your chicken tenders to infuse them with flavor and keep them juicy. In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and buffalo sauce. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the marinade, making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48 hours for maximum flavor penetration.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:
– One with the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder mixed together.
– One with the eggs beaten together with water.
– A clean plate to place the coated chicken tenders.
3. Bread the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dip each tender first into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and flour dip for a double coating. Let the coated tenders rest for about 20 minutes at room temperature to help the breading adhere better during cooking.
4. Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 5-6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is frying, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the buffalo sauce and brown sugar until well combined and heated through. This sauce will coat your crispy tenders with that signature spicy flavor.
6. Toss and Serve
Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the warm buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and crunchy celery or carrot sticks for a classic buffalo experience.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders
– Marinate longer for deeper flavor: The longer you marinate the chicken in the buttermilk and buffalo sauce mixture, the more tender and flavorful the tenders will be.
– Double breading is key: Dipping the tenders twice in egg and flour mixture creates a thick, crispy crust that holds up well to the sauce.
– Use a thermometer: To ensure safety and juiciness, cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F.
– Try baking or air frying: For a healthier option, bake the breaded tenders on a wire rack at 450°F or use an air fryer to get crispy tenders without deep frying.
– Adjust the heat: Customize the buffalo sauce by adding more or less hot sauce or balancing it with a little honey or brown sugar for sweetness.
Variations to Explore
– Oven-baked buffalo tenders: Coat and bake the tenders on a wire rack for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway, then toss in buffalo sauce for a lighter version.
– Spicy dry rub: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to your flour mixture for an extra kick.
– Dipping sauces: Besides ranch and blue cheese, try a creamy garlic dip or a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce.
Buffalo chicken tenders are easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether for a party, game day, or a tasty weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers crispy, juicy, and spicy chicken that everyone will love.
Enjoy your homemade buffalo chicken tenders!