The Ultimate Guide to Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders: A Flavorful Delight
If you’re craving a crispy, spicy treat that combines the best of both worlds—tender, juicy chicken paired with a spicy kick—look no further than crispy Buffalo chicken tenders. Whether you’re preparing them for a cozy family dinner, a game day snack, or just because you’re in the mood for something irresistible, these tenders are a go-to dish you’ll love. With the right balance of heat and crunch, they’re bound to become your new favorite comfort food.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best crispy Buffalo chicken tenders from scratch. Get ready for a culinary experience that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
What Are Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s start with a quick definition. Crispy Buffalo chicken tenders are chicken strips coated in a flavorful, crunchy breading and tossed in a spicy Buffalo sauce. The result is a crispy outer layer with juicy, tender chicken inside, complemented by the heat of the Buffalo sauce.
A Quick History of Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York, and it quickly gained popularity for its bold, tangy, and spicy flavor. Traditionally, Buffalo sauce is made by mixing hot sauce and melted butter, creating the perfect balance between heat and creaminess. The sauce is often paired with fried chicken wings, but it works equally well with tenders.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
To make your own crispy Buffalo chicken tenders at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 large eggs (for dipping)
- 1 tablespoon of water (to mix with eggs)
- 1 cup of breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil works best)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice)
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
Optional Sides and Garnishes:
- Blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for dipping
- Fresh celery sticks
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
These ingredients combine to create the perfect crispy tenders with a spicy, buttery Buffalo sauce that will have you coming back for more!
How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Making crispy Buffalo chicken tenders from scratch is surprisingly easy! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading stick better and result in a crispier texture.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken in Breading
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch).
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally into the breadcrumbs, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken Tenders
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover about half of the chicken tenders. Once the oil is hot (about 350°F), carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the skillet. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo Sauce
While the chicken is frying, prepare the Buffalo sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine the hot sauce, butter, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
Step 5: Toss the Chicken in Buffalo Sauce
Once the chicken tenders are crispy and golden brown, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders and toss to coat evenly. Be sure to coat every tender with the sauce, so each piece is packed with flavor.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Double Coat for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier texture, you can double coat the chicken tenders by dipping them in the flour mixture, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then repeating the process. This will give you an extra thick, crunchy coating.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your tenders a crunchier, crispier texture.
- Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of chicken tenders, be sure to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. This ensures each piece cooks evenly and stays crispy.
- Spice It Up: Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less hot sauce or cayenne pepper. If you like extra heat, don’t be afraid to crank it up!
Serving Suggestions for Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Now that your crispy Buffalo chicken tenders are ready, it’s time to serve them up! Here are a few ideas for serving these tasty tenders:
Classic Dipping Sauces
Serve your crispy tenders with blue cheese dressing or ranch dressing for the perfect cooling contrast to the spicy Buffalo sauce. A side of celery sticks is also a traditional pairing, adding a refreshing crunch.
On a Salad
For a lighter twist, slice the crispy tenders and add them to a fresh salad. Top the salad with your favorite veggies, some crumbled blue cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Wrap Them Up
For a fun variation, place the Buffalo chicken tenders in a soft tortilla wrap, adding lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. Wrap it up and enjoy a tasty Buffalo chicken wrap!
Serve with Fries
Pair your tenders with crispy fries or sweet potato fries for a complete comfort food meal. You can even toss the fries in a little bit of Buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
FAQs About Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
1. Can I make these tenders in the oven instead of frying?
Yes! You can bake the tenders instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but be sure to cut them into strips or bite-sized pieces before breading and frying. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
3. Can I make the Buffalo sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the Buffalo sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before using it.
4. How do I make the sauce less spicy?
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper. You can also add a little honey or ketchup to balance out the heat with sweetness.
Conclusion
Crispy Buffalo chicken tenders are a perfect blend of heat, crunch, and flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Whether served as a snack, main course, or appetizer, these tenders will have everyone coming back for more.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy these crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying tenders today!