Introduction
Crispy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a fantastic way to add excitement to your dinner table. With their crunchy coating and fiery sauce, they provide a satisfying meal that delights the senses. Whether you're serving them with a side of celery sticks and blue cheese or tossing them into a salad, these tenders are sure to impress.
Making homemade chicken tenders allows you to control the flavors and spice levels to suit your taste. The combination of crispy breading and spicy buffalo sauce creates a perfect harmony that can appeal to both adults and kids alike. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to prepare, making them an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the tenders are baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
FAQs
What if the chicken tenders are not crispy enough?
Make sure to use panko breadcrumbs for added crunch. Also, ensure they are baked at the right temperature and not crowded on the baking sheet.
Can I make these tenders spicier?
Yes, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or use a hotter buffalo sauce.
What if my buffalo sauce is too thick?
You can thin out buffalo sauce by mixing in a bit of melted butter or some hot water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, just ensure they are cut into similar-sized pieces.
How can I scale this recipe for a larger group?
Simply double or triple the amount of chicken and adjust the quantities of the other ingredients accordingly.
What should I do if my chicken tenders are overcooked?
If they become overcooked, they may be dry. Serve with extra buffalo sauce to help moisten them.
Can I bake these tenders instead of frying?
Yes, this recipe is designed for baking, and they will still turn out crispy when prepared as instructed.
Conclusion
Crispy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also a fun way to spice up your dinner routine. Their versatility allows you to pair them with various sides and sauces, making each meal unique.
Whether enjoyed as a hearty main dish or as part of a casual gathering, these tenders are sure to become a favorite in your home. Dive in and savor the crunch and heat that make them a standout dinner choice.
Recipe Card
Crispy Spicy Buffalo Chicken Tenders for Dinner
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced into tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs preferably panko
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buffalo sauce
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off, and finally coat it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the tenders are baking, mix the buffalo sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Once the tenders are done, toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
