If you love crispy chicken with a spicy, buttery kick, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a recipe you will want to make again and again. Tender strips of chicken are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, cooked until golden and crisp, then tossed in a tangy Buffalo sauce.
This easy Buffalo chicken tenders recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, game day, family gatherings, or a casual weekend meal. Serve them with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, or crispy fries for a complete meal.
The best part is that you can make these chicken tenders at home with simple ingredients. They are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with the classic spicy Buffalo flavor.
Recipe Information
- Recipe: Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Cuisine: American
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: About 12 chicken tenders
- Difficulty: Easy
Why This Recipe Is Good
These Buffalo chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The spicy Buffalo sauce adds plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients. They are also versatile enough to serve as an appetizer, snack, lunch, or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- Cooking spray or oil, as needed
For the Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot sauce, such as Frank’s RedHot
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, optional
For Serving
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Lemon wedges, optional
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, optional
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowls
- Shallow bowls or plates for breading
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Parchment paper or cooking spray
- Small saucepan
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders
1. Prepare the Chicken
If using whole chicken tenderloins, trim away any excess fat or tough connective tissue. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Keeping the chicken dry before breading helps the coating stick better and gives you a crispier finished texture.
If the tenderloins are unusually thick, gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook evenly without drying out the thinner portions.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Place the flour in one shallow bowl.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
The seasoned breadcrumb mixture is what gives the chicken its flavorful, crunchy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken
Take one chicken tender and coat it lightly in flour. Shake off any excess.
Dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it is completely coated.
Finally, place it into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken so they adhere well.
Repeat with the remaining chicken tenders.
For an extra crispy coating, you can dip the chicken in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs a second time.
4. Cook the Chicken Tenders
You can bake, air fry, or pan fry the tenders depending on your preference.
Oven Method
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the breaded chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush them with a small amount of oil.
Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes, turning the tenders halfway through cooking.
The chicken should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part.
For extra browning, you can place the tenders under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end. Watch them closely because the breadcrumbs can brown quickly.
Air Fryer Method
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if your model requires preheating.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
Air fry for approximately 10 to 14 minutes, turning halfway through.
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Cook until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the tenders in batches.
Pan-Frying Method
Heat about 1/4 inch of neutral cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders, leaving enough space between them so they cook evenly.
Cook for approximately 3 to 5 minutes per side, depending on their thickness.
Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer before serving.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce.
Add the hot sauce and butter to a small saucepan over low to medium heat.
Stir until the butter has completely melted and the mixture is smooth.
Add the honey, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce if using. Stir well and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes.
Taste the sauce and adjust it to your preference. Add more hot sauce for extra heat or a little more honey for a sweeter flavor.
Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously, as this can cause the butter to separate.
6. Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Once the chicken tenders are fully cooked and crispy, place them in a large bowl.
Pour the warm Buffalo sauce over the chicken.
Gently toss until each tender is evenly coated.
For the crispiest texture, you can also serve the sauce on the side instead of coating the tenders completely.
7. Serve
Transfer the Buffalo chicken tenders to a serving platter.
Serve immediately with ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing. Add celery and carrot sticks on the side for a classic Buffalo-inspired meal.
You can also serve these tenders with French fries, potato wedges, coleslaw, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for Making the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter and crunchier coating than traditional fine breadcrumbs. They are especially useful when baking or air frying the chicken.
Do not overcrowd the pan or air fryer
Give each chicken tender enough space for hot air to circulate. Overcrowding can make the coating less crispy.
Dry the chicken before breading
Patting the chicken dry helps the flour adhere properly and prevents excess moisture from making the coating soggy.
Use a meat thermometer
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Checking the thickest part of the tender is the easiest way to make sure it is fully cooked without overcooking it.
Add the sauce just before serving
Buffalo sauce naturally softens a crispy coating over time. For maximum crunch, toss the chicken in sauce immediately before serving.
Adjust the heat
Use more or less hot sauce depending on your preference. You can also add extra honey to balance a particularly spicy sauce.
What to Serve With Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo chicken tenders pair well with both fresh and hearty side dishes.
For a classic combination, serve them with:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- French fries
- Potato wedges
- Coleslaw
- Garden salad
- Corn on the cob
- Roasted vegetables
For a filling meal, serve the chicken tenders with fries and a crisp salad. For a lighter option, pair them with fresh vegetables and a simple yogurt-based dip.
How to Store Leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Allow leftover chicken tenders to cool before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to 3 to 4 days.
Keep the Buffalo sauce separate when possible. This helps the chicken maintain its crispy texture during storage.
How to Reheat Buffalo Chicken Tenders
The oven or air fryer is the best way to bring back some of the original crispiness.
For the oven, heat the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 8 to 12 minutes, or until heated through.
In an air fryer, heat at 375°F (190°C) for about 4 to 7 minutes.
Avoid microwaving when possible because it can make the breading soft.
Can You Freeze Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Yes. For the best texture, freeze the cooked chicken tenders without the Buffalo sauce.
Arrange the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
They can be stored in the freezer for up to about 3 months.
When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven or air fryer until hot and crispy. Toss them with freshly prepared Buffalo sauce just before serving.
Recipe Variations
Extra Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Add cayenne pepper or a few drops of your favorite hot sauce to the Buffalo sauce for extra heat.
Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Increase the honey in the sauce for a sweeter Buffalo flavor. This is a great option if you enjoy the combination of spicy and sweet.
Garlic Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Add additional garlic powder or a small amount of minced garlic to the sauce for a stronger garlic flavor.
Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Use the oven method for a convenient option that requires less oil than traditional frying.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Air frying produces a crispy coating with relatively little oil and is an excellent choice for a quick meal.
Nutrition Information
The following nutrition information is an estimate based on 1 serving of Buffalo chicken tenders with sauce. Actual values can vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 42 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Cholesterol | 155 mg |
| Sodium | 1,150 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Buffalo chicken tenders made of?
Buffalo chicken tenders are typically made with chicken tenderloins coated in seasoned flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. The cooked chicken is then tossed in a Buffalo-style sauce made with hot sauce and butter.
Can I make Buffalo chicken tenders in an air fryer?
Yes. Air frying is a great way to make crispy Buffalo chicken tenders with less oil. Cook them at approximately 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 14 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do I make Buffalo chicken tenders less spicy?
Use a milder hot sauce and increase the amount of butter and honey in the Buffalo sauce. Serving the tenders with ranch or blue cheese dressing can also help balance the heat.
Why are my chicken tenders not crispy?
Excess moisture, overcrowding, and insufficient cooking temperature can all result in a soft coating. Pat the chicken dry, avoid overcrowding the cooking surface, and lightly spray the breading with oil before baking or air frying.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenderloins?
Yes. Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into evenly sized strips. Try to keep the pieces similar in thickness so they cook at the same rate.
Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken several hours ahead and refrigerate it until you are ready to cook. Keep the prepared chicken covered and refrigerated, then cook it according to the recipe.
Should I put Buffalo sauce on the chicken before or after cooking?
Add the Buffalo sauce after cooking. This keeps the breading crisp and allows the sauce to coat the chicken without interfering with the cooking process.
What is the best dipping sauce for Buffalo chicken tenders?
Ranch and blue cheese dressing are classic choices. Ranch provides a creamy, cooling contrast, while blue cheese adds a stronger tangy flavor.
How long do Buffalo chicken tenders last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored cooked chicken tenders can generally be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. Reheat them thoroughly before serving.
Yes. You can use a flour-based coating or another breading alternative, although the texture will be different. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended when you want a particularly crunchy coating.
Final Thoughts
These Buffalo chicken tenders are an easy way to enjoy the bold flavors of Buffalo chicken in a crispy, family-friendly meal. The combination of crunchy seasoned chicken, buttery hot sauce, and a cool creamy dip makes them perfect for dinner, parties, game days, or casual snacking.
Once you try this recipe, you can easily adjust the spice level, sweetness, and cooking method to suit your taste. Serve them hot with your favorite sides and plenty of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a satisfying homemade meal.