One of my favorite game day memories involves a kitchen filled with laughter and the smell of spicy buffalo sauce wafting through the air so I was hosting a few friends and wanted to serve something casual but exciting and that’s when I whipped up my first batch of buffalo chicken tenders. The crisp coating combined with that tangy, buttery sauce was an instant crowd-pleaser and I still remember everyone hovering around the plate until the very last piece disappeared.

Now I find myself turning to buffalo chicken tenders not just for gatherings but also for those evenings when I’m craving bold flavors without a lot of fuss and they’re so easy to make and so irresistibly crunchy and spicy that it’s hard not to keep them in regular rotation at my house.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Chicken tenders – Tender and quick-cooking, they’re the perfect base.
All-purpose flour – For the initial coating that helps everything stick.
Eggs – They act as the binder between the flour and breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs – Add that extra crunch we all crave.
Garlic powder – Gives the breading a flavorful boost.
Paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
Salt and pepper – To season the layers for full flavor.
Buffalo sauce – The star of the show, with its tangy heat.
Unsalted butter – Blends with the buffalo sauce to make it rich and smooth.
Ranch or blue cheese dressing – For that classic creamy contrast.
Fresh parsley or green onions – A fresh finishing touch.

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowls – You’ll need several to organize your dredging station.
Tongs – For dipping and coating the chicken without a mess.
Baking sheet – Ideal for laying out the tenders before and after frying.
Skillet or deep fryer – To get that perfect golden crust.
Wire rack (optional) – Helps keep the chicken crispy after frying.
Whisk – Useful for blending eggs and sauces evenly.

Instructions

Step 1:

I begin by setting up a breading station with three bowls: one for flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper; another with beaten eggs; and the last with plain breadcrumbs.

Step 2:

I coat each chicken tender in the flour first, then dip it in the egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs making sure it’s fully covered.

Step 3:

Next, I heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and once it’s hot, I fry the tenders in batches until they’re golden brown and cooked through which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes per side.

Step 4:

While the chicken is frying, I melt butter and stir it into the buffalo sauce in a separate bowl which makes it silky and perfect for coating.

Step 5:

As the tenders come out of the skillet, I place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain, then I toss them gently in the warm buffalo sauce so they’re fully coated.

Step 6:

Finally, I arrange the tenders on a plate, drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing, and sprinkle with chopped parsley or green onions for a fresh bite.

Tips

If you’re short on time, I’ve found that air frying the tenders still gives you a fantastic crunch and you can also prep the breaded chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. Sometimes I even make a double batch of the buffalo sauce to keep in the fridge for wings or wraps later in the week!

Ways to Serve

These buffalo chicken tenders are amazing served with celery sticks and extra ranch on the side. I also love tucking them into a sandwich roll with lettuce and tomato or slicing them over a salad to add some spicy protein.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, just place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes flipping once until crispy.

Can I make buffalo chicken tenders in advance?

You can bread them and refrigerate for up to a day before frying or freeze them after frying and reheat in the oven for later.

What’s the best way to make them less spicy?

Mix your buffalo sauce with a bit more melted butter or stir in some honey to mellow out the heat without losing flavor.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give these buffalo chicken tenders a try because they bring the perfect kick to any meal or gathering and they’re super fun to make too! Let me know how spicy you go and don’t forget to share your creations or pin the recipe for your next party or game night.

Happy Cooking!