Description
These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and coated in a tangy buffalo wing sauce, making them the perfect game day snack or a spicy main course. Baked to golden perfection with a seasoned breadcrumb coating, they offer a healthier twist on classic fried chicken tenders without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko
Sauce
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Other
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients for coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Set up dredging stations: Place the beaten eggs in a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, add the seasoned breadcrumbs or panko.
- Coat chicken tenders: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat completely with the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
- Bake the tenders: Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Prepare buffalo sauce: While the tenders bake, whisk together the buffalo wing sauce and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Toss tenders in sauce: Once the tenders are hot out of the oven, transfer them to a large bowl and toss gently but thoroughly with the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately: Serve the buffalo chicken tenders right away, optionally with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular seasoned breadcrumbs.
- These tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve with classic sides such as celery sticks and either ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spice.
