Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food you can make at home, delivering spicy, crispy, and juicy bites that are sure to impress. Whether you’re preparing them for game night, a family dinner, or as a party snack, this recipe guarantees crowd-pleasing results. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make the best Buffalo Chicken Tenders, share personal tips, variations, and serving ideas, and provide step-by-step instructions for perfect results every time.
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Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Easy Homemade Crispy Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delicious, crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders made at home, coated in spicy buffalo sauce and perfect for appetizers, family dinners, or party platters.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
½ cup (60 g) flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
¼ cup (60 g) melted butter
1 tbsp vinegar (optional)
Instructions
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Dredge in flour, shake off excess.
Dip into beaten eggs.
Press into panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Repeat egg and breadcrumb steps for extra crunch.
Let rest in fridge 10-15 minutes.
Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3-4 minutes per side OR bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, and vinegar.
Toss cooked tenders in sauce and serve with dips and veggies.
Notes
For a lighter version, bake or air fry the tenders. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. Chill breaded chicken before cooking for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Table of Contents
The Story & Introduction
My Love for Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Hi, I’m Emma, the creator behind easymealstodo.com, and Buffalo Chicken Tenders have been one of my lifelong favorites. As a child, I remember coming home after school and smelling the spicy aroma in the kitchen as my mom prepared them. She’d coat the chicken in crispy breadcrumbs, fry them to golden perfection, and toss them in a buttery, tangy buffalo sauce. I’ve carried on that tradition, refining the recipe over the years to make sure it’s simple, quick, and achievable, even for beginner cooks.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are special because they combine everything we love: crunch, spice, and comfort. On easymealstodo.com, I always share recipes that are approachable yet flavorful, designed for busy home cooks who want delicious results without stress. Whether you want a classic version, a lighter baked option, or a gluten-free twist, this article has you covered.
Why You Need This Recipe
Buffalo Chicken Tenders aren’t just tasty — they’re also super versatile. You can serve them as appetizers, main courses, or even on a game-day platter alongside dips and veggies. Plus, they’re customizable: adjust the heat level, change up the coating, or play with different dipping sauces. I’ll also point you to related recipes on easymealstodo.com, like homemade chicken nuggets and party dips, so you can build a full spread your guests will love.
Making Buffalo Chicken Tenders at Home
Essential Ingredients
For the best Buffalo Chicken Tenders, gather the following:
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or sliced chicken breasts
- ½ cup (60 g) flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup (120 ml) buffalo sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- ¼ cup (60 g) melted butter
- 1 tbsp vinegar (optional, for tang)
If you want a homemade buffalo sauce, mix Frank’s RedHot with melted butter and a splash of vinegar — it’s easy and lets you control the spice level. You can find my full buffalo sauce recipe on easymealstodo.com for even more tips.
Perfecting the Breading
For ultra-crispy tenders, the breading process matters:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each piece in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the beaten eggs.
- Press into the panko breadcrumb mixture (mixed with paprika, salt, and pepper).
- For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps a second time.
A little trick: let the breaded chicken rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
On easymealstodo.com, I also share breading hacks for other dishes, like crispy chicken nuggets and Italian cutlets — check them out!
Cooking Methods & Variations
Fried vs. Baked Tenders
The traditional method is frying: heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and cook the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
For a lighter option, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Spritz the tenders with oil before baking to enhance the crisp. Air fryers also work beautifully, delivering crispy results with minimal oil.
Variations You’ll Love
Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix. Prefer a gluten-free version? Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs — easy swaps for the same great texture.
At easymealstodo.com, you’ll find plenty of sauce recipes to pair with these tenders, including ranch, blue cheese dip, and honey mustard. I recommend offering a few dipping options to make your platter extra exciting.
Serving Ideas & Accompaniments
The Best Sides for Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Buffalo Chicken Tenders shine when paired with fresh, crunchy sides: celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a creamy dip balance the heat. You can also serve them with French fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh coleslaw for a full meal.
Planning a party? Build a game-day platter with tenders, mozzarella sticks, sliders, and onion rings. On easymealstodo.com, you’ll find detailed guides on creating show-stopping appetizer boards that will wow your guests.
Presentation Tips for Maximum Impact
Even casual dishes deserve a little extra love. Arrange the tenders on a rustic platter, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve with dipping sauces in small ramekins. Garnish with lemon wedges or sliced jalapeños for a pop of color and flavor.
For more ideas on creating beautiful and inviting food presentations, visit easymealstodo.com — I share all my favorite tips for making your meals look as good as they taste.
Pro Tips for Success
Three Essential Tips for Perfect Tenders
- Season generously before breading — salt and pepper on the chicken help build layers of flavor.
- Let the breading rest (chilling is key!) before cooking to prevent it from falling off.
- Watch your cooking temperature: too hot, and the outside burns; too low, and the tenders get soggy.
On my blog, you can also find articles on mastering chicken cooking techniques, so you’ll always get juicy, flavorful results.
FAQs
What’s the best buffalo sauce for tenders?
Frank’s RedHot is the classic choice, mixed with melted butter for richness.
Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to 4 hours. Cook fresh for the best crunch.
How do I make gluten-free Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Check your buffalo sauce label to ensure it’s gluten-free, too.
What can I serve with Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Celery, carrots, ranch or blue cheese dip, fries, or a fresh salad all pair beautifully.
Conclusion
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate homemade comfort food, combining crispy breading, juicy chicken, and spicy, tangy sauce into every bite. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, they’re sure to be a hit at your next gathering. On easymealstodo.com, I share even more delicious chicken recipes, dipping sauces, and party platter ideas so you can keep impressing your family and friends.
Get ready to make Buffalo Chicken Tenders your new go-to — simple, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors. Visit easymealstodo.com for the full recipe and plenty of tips to make your cooking journey easy and fun!