Description
Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crunchy, golden chicken strips coated in spicy buffalo sauce. These flavorful tenders make a perfect appetizer, game day snack, or satisfying meal when paired with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Breading Stations: Set up three separate bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper for seasoning the coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour to lightly coat, then into the beaten eggs to adhere the breadcrumbs, and finally roll thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture ensuring an even coating.
- Heat the Oil: In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in, approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry each side for 3–4 minutes until the tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the tenders from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
- Coat with Buffalo Sauce: Toss the fried chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated with the spicy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the crispy buffalo chicken tenders warm alongside ranch or blue cheese dressing and optionally with celery and carrot sticks for a classic pairing.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the tenders at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Pair the tenders with celery and carrot sticks to add freshness and crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
