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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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3.9 from 39 reviews

Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and tossed in spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as a flavorful appetizer, snack, or main dish ideal for game day or casual meals.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 500g chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying (about 2 cups or enough for shallow frying)

For the Buffalo Sauce

  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry and season them evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to enhance flavor.
  2. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs or panko to create a triple coating for crispiness.
  3. Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, ensuring a light coating, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumbs to cover fully.
  4. Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a deep skillet or frying pan and heat it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), or until a breadcrumb sizzles and browns quickly.
  5. Fry the Tenders: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry them for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
  6. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried tenders and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
  7. Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While still hot, toss the chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated for that signature spicy flavor.
  8. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, bake the breaded tenders at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
  • Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce for more or less spiciness according to your taste.
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American