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Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crispy, spicy snack or appetizer. With a golden crust, juicy chicken inside, and a zesty Buffalo sauce coating, these tenders are a bold crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting game night, making a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something crunchy and fiery, this easy recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite—especially when dipped in ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Breading:

½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika or cayenne pepper
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons Frank’s RedHot Sauce
2 cups panko breadcrumbs

For the Buffalo Sauce:

¾ cup Frank’s RedHot Sauce
¼ cup unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Other:

2–4 tablespoons olive oil (for pan-frying)
Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

Directions

Prep Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment and set a wire rack on top. Spray rack with cooking spray.
Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: Mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with hot sauce.
- Bowl 3: Add panko breadcrumbs.
Bread Chicken: Dredge chicken in flour, then egg mixture, then panko. Press breadcrumbs to adhere. Let coated tenders rest 15–20 minutes.
Pan Fry: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Fry tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Add more oil as needed.
Bake to Finish: Transfer fried tenders to rack and bake for 10–12 minutes until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
Make Buffalo Sauce: Warm hot sauce, butter, and garlic powder in a saucepan until smooth.
Toss and Serve: Immediately toss hot tenders in sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrients (Estimated Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Calories: ~420 kcal
Protein: ~30g
Carbohydrates: ~25g
Fat: ~24g
Saturated Fat: ~7g
Cholesterol: ~150mg
Sodium: ~800mg

What Makes These Buffalo Tenders Stand Out

There are countless chicken tender recipes out there, but this one stands above the rest thanks to three key elements: seasoned breading, crisp texture, and a buttery Buffalo sauce that clings to every bite. The use of cornstarch alongside flour creates a lighter, crisper crust, while panko breadcrumbs give the coating that signature crunch.

Eggs mixed with hot sauce create a flavorful binding layer that locks in the seasoning and helps the breading adhere. The tenders are pan-fried for color and crispness, then baked to ensure they’re fully cooked inside and retain their juiciness. This two-step method delivers restaurant-quality results with no deep fryer required.

The final step—tossing the hot tenders in a velvety Buffalo sauce made with butter and Frank’s RedHot—elevates the whole experience. Each piece is generously coated in the tangy, spicy glaze that defines Buffalo wings but adapted for chicken tenders, offering a bold and satisfying twist.

Perfect for Game Night and Casual Gatherings

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are tailor-made for entertaining. Their handheld size and bold flavor make them ideal for serving as party appetizers, snack platters, or even as a main course with your favorite sides. They’re the kind of dish that disappears quickly—so plan to make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd.

They also work great for build-your-own sliders or wraps. Simply tuck them into a toasted bun or tortilla with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a drizzle of dressing for a fun, spicy meal that’s easy to customize.

Because they’re oven-finished, they also retain heat well, making them great for potlucks and tailgates. You can even keep them warm in a low oven while you finish preparing other dishes.

Customizable Heat and Flavor

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. Want it milder? Use less hot sauce in the breading and toss. Prefer it hotter? Add cayenne pepper, hot chili flakes, or use an extra-spicy sauce variant for the Buffalo coating. You can also mix in a touch of honey for a sweet-and-spicy glaze.

For more texture and flavor, try adding grated Parmesan to the panko crumbs or a pinch of smoked paprika to the flour mixture. You can even experiment with different sauces—like honey mustard, barbecue, or sriracha-mayo—for variations that keep this dish exciting every time you make it.

Juicy Chicken with a Crispy Crunch

The key to perfectly cooked chicken tenders lies in using the right technique. These tenders start with chicken tenderloins, which are naturally tender and cook quickly. Patting them dry and seasoning them before breading ensures flavor in every layer.

Pan-frying gives the coating a crispy start while locking in moisture, and baking finishes the cooking process gently, ensuring the inside is tender and fully cooked without over-drying. This combination yields tenders that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—everything a chicken tender should be.

Nutritional Value with Indulgent Flavor

With around 420 calories per serving, these tenders strike a satisfying balance between indulgent and manageable. They deliver about 30 grams of protein per serving, making them a high-protein choice that satisfies hunger and helps with muscle repair and energy.

The fat content, especially from the butter and oil, adds richness and mouthfeel. You can reduce this by using less Buffalo sauce or air frying the tenders instead of pan-frying. Using a light ranch dressing or Greek yogurt-based dip can also trim calories while maintaining flavor.

Thanks to the panko coating and oven finish, these tenders feel lighter than deep-fried alternatives but still pack serious crunch and boldness.

Serving Suggestions to Complete the Meal

While these tenders are fantastic on their own, they pair well with a variety of sides and dips. Serve them alongside crispy fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or celery and carrot sticks for a complete meal. For a low-carb option, plate them with a green salad or roasted veggies.

Dipping is essential—classic ranch or blue cheese dressing cools the heat and enhances the flavor. You can also serve them with honey mustard, chipotle aioli, or even a yogurt-based herb dip for something a little different.

Turn leftovers into a Buffalo chicken wrap, salad topping, or sandwich filling. Chopped tenders can also be used to top baked potatoes, nachos, or flatbreads for a fun second-day twist.

Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders

To get the crispiest coating, let the breaded chicken rest for 15–20 minutes before frying. This allows the layers to set and reduces the chance of breading falling off during cooking.

Use a wire rack when baking after frying—it allows air to circulate and keeps the tenders crisp on all sides. Spraying the rack lightly with cooking oil ensures easy removal and even browning.

If you want to avoid frying altogether, you can bake the tenders directly or cook them in an air fryer. Just be sure to lightly oil them and rotate once during cooking to get an even golden crust.

Why You’ll Crave These Again and Again

Buffalo Chicken Tenders offer everything you could want in a comfort food snack or appetizer. They’re crunchy, juicy, spicy, and perfectly satisfying. Whether you’re making them for kids, friends, or just yourself, they’re a surefire hit. The recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and scalable—so it works for solo meals or big gatherings alike.

They’re also a great alternative to traditional wings—less messy, easier to portion, and just as flavorful. Once you’ve tasted that buttery Buffalo sauce coating a crisp, hot tender, you’ll understand why this recipe is destined for repeat appearances in your meal rotation.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate spicy snack that combines bold flavor with comforting crunch. With their golden panko crust, tender chicken center, and mouthwatering Buffalo sauce glaze, these tenders are an irresistible addition to any menu. Whether served as a party appetizer, game-day favorite, or indulgent weeknight dinner, they deliver on flavor, texture, and satisfaction.

Simple, adaptable, and always a hit, this recipe proves that you don’t need a deep fryer—or a restaurant—to enjoy top-tier tenders at home. Whip up a batch today and serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a meal that’s guaranteed to impress.

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