Buffalo chicken tenders will be the ideal combination of crispy crunch with a spicy hot taste. Fried or baked to the golden crunchy breading, and then tossed in the traditional Buffalo sauce, these tenders are sure to be a hit at game nights, family dinners, and other informal get-togethers. As an appetizer, snack or even a main course, the Buffalo chicken tenders are restaurant quality delivered directly to your kitchen.
The popularity of Buffalo chicken tenders is that they are versatile. They are simple to snack, entirely delicious and go well with cooling dips such as ranch or blue cheese. Here, we are going to tour you around all you need to know, including the history of Buffalo flavor, and simple step-by-step instructions on how to make perfectly crispy tenders back home.
What Are Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Buffalo chicken tenders consist of strips of chicken breast that have been breaded, cooked and crisp then dipped in Buffalo sauce. Butter and hot sauce are normally used in preparing the signature Buffalo sauce whereby they form a tangy, spicy and slightly rich coating that binds well with the chicken.
Tenders unlike Buffalo wings are boneless and richer hence simpler to prepare and filling. This renders them perfect either as a main meal with side-dishes or a common starter platter.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
This recipe serves 4 people.
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tender (or chicken breast cut to strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Breading:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is better to use because it has a lot of crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (may be omitted)
For Frying:
- 3-4 cups vegetable oil (deep frying)
For Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup red hot sauce (Frank Redhot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey (may add a tiny bit of sweetness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Serving:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Add buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika into a large bowl. Add the chicken tenders and stir until covered. Refrigerate and cover at least 30 minutes or 4 hours to be more flavored and tender.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
Combine flour, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl. Blend thoroughly so as to mix the seasoning evenly.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take the chicken tenders out of the buttermilk letting the excess run off. Wet all the pieces in the breading mixture, by pressing lightly, to aid in adhering the coating. Put the breaded tenders in a dish and allow them to rest within the period of 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat the heavy oil in a deep pan or pot until it reaches 350degF (175degC). Cook the chicken tenders in batches, making each side take 4-6 minutes to cook until it is golden brown and cooked. The inside temperature must be 165 deg F (74degC). Place on wire rack to dry up excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce
Melt the butter in a small saucepan under low heat. Add hot sauce, honey (as desired) and garlic powder. Bring to a boil stirring until smooth.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Put the fried chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the Buffalo sauce on it. Shake until uniformly covered. Serve upon the spot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrots.
Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The breadcrumbs form a lighter and crispier meal than the normal breadcrumbs.
Don’t Overload the Pan: Frying in batches will maintain a hot temperature of the oil and will be crispy.
Toss Before Serving: This will ensure that the coating does not get soft.
Add Butter: Add additional butter to make the sauce bland or more hot sauce to make the sauce spicier.
Baked and Air Fryer Options
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Baked
Preheat oven to 425degF (220degC). Breaded tenders are placed in a wire rack placed on a baking dish. Lightly sprayed and baked 18- 22 minutes turning halfway. Add in Buffalo sauce and serve.
Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Strips
Warm air fryer to 400deg F (200deg C). Cook takes 10-12 minutes turning it upside down until it becomes crispy and cooked. Add buffalo sauce and serve.
Why Buffalo Chicken Tenders Are So Popular?
Buffalo chicken tenders bring all the benefits of comfort food, crispness, spiciness, and boldness. They are simple to adapt, fast to prepare and both children and adults love them. You need a game night, you need to have a casual dinner, you need to have something rich, then, buffalo chicken tenders will never fail you.
They also take a great photograph, and thus they are ideal food blogs, pin on Pinterest and to share on social media. Their exuberant color and shiny sauce are an immediate attention getters.
Final Thoughts
Buffalo chicken tenders are recipes that cannot be ignored by a home cook. Fried on the outside and being juicy on the inside and being coated with delicious Buffalo sauce, they are at the right level of comfort and excitement. Prepared in a variety of ways: fried, baked, or air-fried, this meal is appropriate in every cooking environment and on every occasion.
Cook them and serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce and you will never be disappointed in the end result. Homemade buffalo chicken tenders can make you never go to a takeout restaurant again.
Happy Baking!