Easy to make Buffalo Chicken Tenders are always a hit on game day! Chicken tenders are breaded and deep fried to crispy perfection before being tossed in your favorite buffalo sauce. So addictive and delightfully messy!
Why we love this Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Buffalo chicken tenders are always a hit – especially when they’re homemade! Here’s why this recipe is a must make on game day:
- Crispy: Dredged in flour and fried in oil, these beauties have an amazing crunch!
- Tender: While the breading is nice and crispy, the meat itself is perfectly juicy and tender. The best of both worlds!
- Buffalo sauce: The warm buffalo sauce is mixed with butter to make it even better.
How can I make buffalo chicken tenders spicier?
To make these tenders even spicier, add â…› teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper (or more) to the flour with the other spices.
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover buffalo chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, set a wire rack in a baking sheet, place the tenders on the rack, and bake in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Toss with warmed sauce.
How to Freeze
Freeze these buffalo chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to an airtight container or Ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with french fries, onion rings, or a side salad.
- Serve on top of a salad with buffalo sauce dressing.
- Make Buffalo chicken wraps, sandwiches, or tacos.
- Chop up the tenders and add them to mac and cheese, quesadillas, pizza, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
Absolutely! Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the spices to breadcrumbs instead of flour. Dredge the chicken from the egg into the breadcrumbs and lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is 165°F internally. Toss with the sauce before serving.
You sure can! Set your air fryer to 400°F. Follow the recipe and lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. Cook the tenders for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is 165°F internally. Toss with the sauce before serving.
More Buffalo Chicken Recipes We Love
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Buffalo Chicken Enchiladas
- Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
- Stuffed Buffalo Chicken
- Buffalo Wings
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Top Reader Review
“Best chicken tender recipe ever!!! Buffalo sauce is great too!” – Leslie O.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- canola oil for frying
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter ¼ stick
- 1 cup Buffalo sauce
For Serving (Optional):
- ranch dressing
- blue cheese crumbles
Equipment
- Deep Fry Oil Thermometer Optional
Instructions
- Set out two clean plates. Line one with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, onion powder and garlic powder. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and water together.1½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons water
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour, dip them into the egg mixture, then dip them in the flour again, being sure to coat them completely. Use a fork or your fingers to press the flour into the tenders. Set the tenders aside on a plate.2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large frying pan set over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F.canola oil
- Once heated, fry the tenders, a few at a time, in the oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to the towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- Heat the butter and buffalo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 cup Buffalo sauce
- Pour the sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat.
- Serve the tenders with ranch or blue cheese dressing and blue cheese.ranch dressing, blue cheese crumbles
Notes
- To make these tenders even spicier, add â…› teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to the flour with the other spices.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
- The chicken tenders are cooked when they are 165°F internally.
- Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
How to make Buffalo Chicken Tenders Step by Step
Dredge the chicken: Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp onion powder and 1/2 tsp garlic powder in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and 2 tbsp water. Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then the eggs, then back in the flour. Set aside.
Fry the chicken: Heat 2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. It needs to reach 350°F. Fry a few chicken tenders at a time for about 3-4 minutes per side. Once fried, transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
Make it saucy: Heat 2 tbsp butter and 1 cup buffalo sauce in a pan over medium heat. Toss this mixture all over the chicken tenders to evenly coat.
Leslie Otto says
Best chicken tender recipe ever!!!
Buffalo sauce is great too!
Becky Hardin says
I’m so happy to hear you love it, Leslie!