Okay, picture this: It’s game day. The energy’s high, everyone’s yelling at the TV, and the aroma of, well, *amazingness* is wafting from the kitchen. That’s usually my cue to bust out these Buffalo Chicken Tenders! Seriously, forget greasy takeout – these are crispy, spicy, and totally addictive. Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a staple at my house, and honestly, I can’t imagine a party (or even a regular Tuesday night) without ’em.
I remember the first time I made these. My friend Sarah was coming over, and she’s a *huge* Buffalo wing fan. I wanted to impress her, but also didn’t want to spend all day frying. These baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders were the answer! She devoured them. Said they were even better than her favorite sports bar’s wings! That’s when I knew I had a winner. So, ditch the delivery and get ready to make the best Buffalo Chicken Tenders you’ve ever tasted!
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Okay, so why *these* Buffalo Chicken Tenders and not some other recipe? Trust me, I’ve tried ’em all! Here’s the deal: they’re crazy easy to make, they’re baked (not fried!), you can totally control the spice level, and everyone – I mean *everyone* – loves ’em. What’s not to love, right?
Quick and Easy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Seriously, who has time to spend hours in the kitchen? Not me! That’s why I love this recipe. From start to finish, you’re looking at maybe 40 minutes, tops. Most of that is just waiting for the oven to do its thing. You can even prep everything ahead of time!
Healthier Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Let’s be real, fried food is delicious, but… not always the best choice. Baking these Buffalo Chicken Tenders gives you that crispy, satisfying crunch without all the extra grease and guilt. Plus, you’re skipping all those unhealthy oils. Win-win!
Customizable Spice Level in Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Are you a spice wimp? No problem! Love to breathe fire? I got you! This recipe is totally customizable. You can dial up the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce – or go wild and use a super-hot one! It’s all about making these Buffalo Chicken Tenders *perfect* for you.
What You’ll Need to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s gather our supplies! You’ll need about 1 lb of chicken tenders (the fresher, the better!), 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and these spices: 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your liking!), 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Don’t forget 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup of hot sauce (I’m a Frank’s RedHot kinda gal!), and 1/2 cup of melted butter. Got it all? Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, people, listen up! This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have the most amazing, crave-worthy Buffalo Chicken Tenders EVER. Don’t skip steps, pay attention to the details, and get ready to be blown away!
Preparing the Buffalo Chicken Tenders
First things first: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Seriously, don’t forget! While that’s heating up, grab a bowl and whisk together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, mix together your buttermilk and half a cup of that glorious hot sauce. Trust me, your tastebuds are gonna thank you.
Coating the Chicken for Buffalo Chicken Tenders
This is key for maximum crispiness, folks! We’re doing a double-dredge. Take a chicken tender, dip it in the flour mixture, then dunk it in the buttermilk mixture, and THEN – this is important – back into the flour. Make sure it’s fully coated! That second trip to the flour is what gives you that amazing crunch. Repeat for all the tenders. It can get a little messy, but hey, that’s part of the fun!
Baking Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Now, lay those beautiful, coated tenders onto a baking sheet. Make sure they aren’t touching each other! We want crispy, not steamed, chicken. Pop them in the oven for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want them golden brown and cooked all the way through. If you’re unsure, the best way to tell is to cut into one – no pink should be visible. Or use a meat thermometer, 165F is your target temp!
The Buffalo Sauce Finish
While those tenders are baking, let’s make that amazing Buffalo sauce! In a bowl, whisk together your melted butter and the remaining hot sauce. Once the tenders are cooked, take them straight from the baking sheet and toss them in that hot sauce mixture. Make sure every inch of those babies is covered in that spicy goodness. Serve immediately, and prepare for deliciousness!
Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Want to take your Buffalo Chicken Tenders from “good” to “OMG AMAZING!”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. First, don’t overcrowd that baking sheet! Seriously, give those tenders some breathing room, so they crisp up instead of steaming. Speaking of “done-ness” – if you’re even a *little* unsure, use a meat thermometer! You’re aiming for 165°F (74°C). And hey, if your tenders are on the smaller side, you might need to shave off a few minutes of cooking time. Keep an eye on ’em! Trust me, a little extra attention makes ALL the difference.
Serving Suggestions for Your Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Okay, so you’ve got these amazing Buffalo Chicken Tenders… now what? My absolute *favorite* is a side of creamy blue cheese dressing. Ooh, and ranch dressing is a close second! Don’t forget the crunchy celery and carrot sticks for dipping. It’s the perfect cool-down to all that spicy goodness. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Got questions about these Buffalo Chicken Tenders? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! I get asked these all the time, so let’s clear things up. From substitutions to spice levels, I’m here to help you make the *perfect* batch!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders for Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Yep, you totally can! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips that are about the same size as tenders. Keep in mind that they might need a little extra cooking time, so keep an eye on them and make sure they’re cooked all the way through!
Can I air fry these Buffalo Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! Air frying is a great option. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you might have to do this in batches). Cook for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. So easy!
How do I make the Buffalo Chicken Tenders spicier or milder?
Spice it up or tone it down – it’s all good! For extra heat, add a pinch more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture, or use a hotter hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or use a milder hot sauce. You could even mix a little butter into the hot sauce to mellow it out. Experiment and find your perfect level of zing!
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Nutritional Information
Okay, a quick note: Nutrition info can vary a *lot* depending on the brands you use and how big your tenders are, so this is just a rough estimate. Don’t take it as gospel!
Enjoy Your Homemade Buffalo Chicken Tenders!
Alright, that’s it! Go make these Buffalo Chicken Tenders and tell me what you think! Seriously, leave a comment and let me know how they turned out. And don’t forget to rate the recipe!
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Buffalo Chicken Tenders: 40-Minute Irresistible Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Crispy and spicy buffalo chicken tenders, perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken tenders
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Hot sauce
- 1/2 cup Melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, combine buttermilk and 1/2 cup hot sauce.
- Dip chicken tenders in flour mixture, then buttermilk mixture, then back in flour mixture.
- Place tenders on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- In a bowl, whisk together melted butter and remaining hot sauce.
- Toss baked chicken tenders in hot sauce mixture.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice preference.
- Serve with blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
