Transform your weekly meal plan with an explosion of flavor and irresistible crunch! Our Crunchy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a healthier, less messy, and incredibly delicious alternative to traditional fried buffalo wings. Imagine tender chicken breast strips, marinated in a zesty, spicy blend, perfectly coated in a crispy breading, baked to golden perfection, and then generously drenched in a classic buffalo sauce. Ready in just about 35 minutes, these fiery chicken tenders are the ultimate weeknight dinner solution or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next game day gathering or party.
For devoted fans of spicy buffalo sauce, this Baked Buffalo Chicken Tender Recipe is a dream come true. Each succulent bite delivers juicy chicken encased in a wonderfully crispy, spicy crust, offering a delightful textural contrast that will have you reaching for more. Opting for baking over deep-frying not only makes this dish a significantly healthier choice but also eliminates the greasy mess often associated with frying, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, unlike bone-in wings, these tenders are easy to eat with your fingers or a fork, providing a more convenient experience for all ages. Serve these mouthwatering Buffalo Chicken Tenders with classic accompaniments like cool ranch or creamy blue cheese dressing and crisp vegetable sticks – a perfect homage to the beloved buffalo wing tradition, but with a fresh, baked twist.
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delectable baked chicken recipes, be sure to explore my Baked BBQ Chicken Breast, Buffalo Chicken Thighs, or Baked Crispy Chicken Tenders for more wholesome and flavorful meal ideas.
Why You’ll Adore This Baked Buffalo Chicken Tender Recipe
These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders aren’t just a meal; they’re a revelation for anyone seeking convenience, flavor, and a healthier lifestyle. Here’s why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:
- Less Mess, More Fun: Say goodbye to sticky fingers and greasy plates! Unlike traditional buffalo wings, these boneless tenders can be enjoyed with ease, whether you prefer to use your fingers or a knife and fork. This makes them ideal for kids, casual dinners, or entertaining guests without the hassle of bones.
- Authentic Buffalo Flavor: If you crave that signature tangy, spicy kick of classic buffalo sauce, this recipe delivers it in spades. We use a double dose of buffalo goodness – once in the marinade and again as a generous coating after baking – ensuring every bite is bursting with that beloved taste.
- A Healthier Alternative: By baking these tenders instead of deep-frying, you significantly reduce the amount of oil and calories, making them a much lighter option. You get all the crispy texture and bold flavor without the guilt, aligning perfectly with a health-conscious diet.
- Effortlessly Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, these crispy buffalo chicken tenders are ready in approximately 35 minutes. This makes them a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying and delicious meal on the table fast, without compromising on taste.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you’re planning a casual family dinner, a lively game day party, or simply looking for a protein-packed snack, these tenders fit every occasion. They’re fantastic served as a main course, a hearty appetizer, or even sliced into salads and wraps.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: This recipe utilizes common pantry staples, making it accessible and easy to whip up anytime. The combination of simple ingredients creates a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile that everyone will love.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Crafting the perfect Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders starts with selecting quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to achieve that ideal balance of juicy chicken, crispy coating, and fiery sauce:
For the Crispy Chicken Tenders:
- All-Purpose Flour: This forms the foundational layer of our breading, helping the egg mixture adhere better to the chicken. For a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works beautifully without compromising the texture.
- Key Seasonings: We use a simple yet effective blend of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices subtly enhance the chicken’s natural flavor, allowing the vibrant buffalo sauce to truly shine without being overpowered.
- Liquid Dredge (Egg, Milk, Hot Sauce): This wet mixture is crucial for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken. The egg acts as an emulsifier, while milk helps thin the mixture for even coating. A touch of hot sauce in the dredge infuses an initial layer of buffalo flavor right into the chicken, building depth from the inside out.
- Panko Bread Crumbs: This is the secret weapon for achieving an unbelievably crispy exterior! Japanese-style panko bread crumbs are coarser and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which prevents them from absorbing too much oil and results in a lighter, airier, and significantly crunchier crust. If panko is unavailable, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but note that the chicken won’t be as crisp. Gluten-free panko is also an excellent substitute for dietary needs.
- Chicken Tenderloins: For convenience, pre-cut chicken tenderloins are ideal as they are typically uniform in size, ensuring even cooking. Alternatively, you can easily cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips. Aim for pieces of similar size to guarantee consistent tenderness and cook time.
For the Zesty Buffalo Sauce:
- Your Favorite Hot Sauce: The heart of any buffalo dish! A classic cayenne pepper hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot, is highly recommended for its balanced heat and tangy profile. Feel free to use your preferred brand or adjust the amount to suit your desired spice level.
- Melted Unsalted Butter: Butter is essential for mellowing the hot sauce’s intensity and creating that rich, velvety texture characteristic of authentic buffalo sauce. Unsalted butter allows you to control the overall sodium content of the dish.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional Garnish): A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that beautifully complements the rich, spicy flavors of the buffalo chicken. It’s a simple touch that elevates the presentation.
How To Make Perfectly Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Making these Crunchy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps for a guaranteed delicious outcome:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment. Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). This high temperature is key to achieving that desirable crispiness without overcooking the chicken. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup, then place an oven-safe wire rack directly on top of the foil. This rack elevates the chicken, allowing air to circulate around all sides, which is crucial for a uniformly crispy crust. Set this prepared baking sheet aside.
- Step 2: Create the Flour Mixture. In a wide, shallow bowl (perfect for dredging), combine your all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined. This seasoned flour will be the first layer of your crispy coating.
- Step 3: Whisk the Wet Mixture. In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. Ensure everything is well incorporated. This “wet” dredge will act as the adhesive for your breadcrumbs, and the added hot sauce brings an extra layer of buffalo flavor directly to the chicken itself.
- Step 4: Prepare the Bread Crumbs. In a third shallow bowl, spread out the panko bread crumbs. Having separate bowls for each step of the breading process (flour, wet, panko) is crucial for an organized and efficient workflow.
- Step 5: Dredge the Chicken Tenders. Working with one chicken tender at a time, first dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the flour-coated tender into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the panko bread crumbs, making sure all sides are generously coated. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders, placing the breaded tenders on the prepared wire rack, ensuring they are not touching each other to allow for even crisping.
- Step 6: Bake the Chicken to Perfection. Carefully transfer the baking sheet with the breaded chicken tenders to your preheated oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is beautifully golden and crispy. To ensure uniform browning and crispiness, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the baking time (around the 9-10 minute mark). Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Step 7: Prepare the Classic Buffalo Sauce. While the chicken bakes, prepare your signature buffalo sauce. In a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan, combine the remaining hot sauce (¾ cup) with the melted unsalted butter (⅓ cup). Whisk these two ingredients vigorously until they are thoroughly combined and emulsified into a smooth, vibrant orange sauce.
- Step 8: Sauce the Baked Chicken. Once the crispy chicken tenders are removed from the oven, immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared buffalo sauce generously over the hot tenders. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss the chicken until each tender is evenly coated with the spicy, buttery sauce. The heat from the chicken will help the sauce adhere perfectly.
- Step 9: Garnish and Serve. Arrange the sauced buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter. For a touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing, crisp celery sticks, and carrot sticks for that authentic buffalo experience.
Expert Tips for Unbelievably Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Achieving that coveted crispy texture and maximum flavor for your Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders is simple with these expert tips:
- Uniform Chicken Size: Chicken tenderloins are typically uniform in size, which is ideal for even cooking. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them into roughly 1-inch thick strips and gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures all pieces cook at the same rate and remain juicy.
- The Wire Rack Secret: Always bake your chicken tenders on an ovenproof wire rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup allows hot air to circulate completely around each tender, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and promoting a crispy crust all around.
- Pat Dry for Crispiness: Before seasoning and breading, pat the chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, creating steam that can soften the breading. A dry surface allows the breading to adhere better and crisp up beautifully.
- A Touch of Oil for Extra Brownness: For an even deeper golden-brown color and enhanced crispiness, lightly spray the breaded chicken tenders with cooking oil (such as olive oil or avocado oil spray) just before baking. This mimics some of the browning effects of frying.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Don’t forget to flip the chicken tenders halfway through the baking time. This ensures both sides get direct exposure to the heat, resulting in a perfectly crispy and evenly cooked tender.
- Check Internal Temperature: Food safety is paramount. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone.
- Toss While Hot: For the best sauce adhesion and flavor distribution, toss the freshly baked, hot chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce immediately after they come out of the oven. The heat helps the sauce cling perfectly to the crispy breading.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give your tenders space! Arrange them on the wire rack in a single layer without crowding. Overcrowding can lead to steaming, which will make your chicken soggy instead of crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
- Freshness is Key for Parsley: While optional, a garnish of fresh chopped parsley truly brightens the dish and adds a lovely visual appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Here are some common questions to help you master this delicious Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe:
While regular breadcrumbs will certainly work and provide a flavorful crust, panko bread crumbs are highly recommended if you’re aiming for truly crispy baked buffalo tenders. Panko’s unique flakiness and larger crumb size prevent it from absorbing too much moisture and fat, resulting in a lighter, airier, and significantly crunchier texture that regular breadcrumbs simply can’t match. For the ultimate crunch, stick with panko!
Achieving that irresistible crispiness in baked chicken tenders comes down to a few key tricks. First, always use panko bread crumbs – their coarse texture provides unparalleled crunch. Second, bake the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet; this allows hot air to circulate around all sides, preventing a soggy bottom. Finally, bake at a high temperature, typically 400-425°F (200-220°C), to quickly crisp the exterior. Combine these three techniques, and you’ll have tenders so crispy, you’ll swear they were deep-fried!
Store any leftover buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best reheating results that preserve crispiness, avoid the microwave if possible. Instead, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the tenders on a wire rack for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crisp again. You can also use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for quick crisping.
Absolutely! You can freeze these tenders in two ways. For unbaked tenders, bread them as directed, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For cooked leftovers, let them cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat as described above before serving.
Dipping sauces are an absolute must with Buffalo Chicken Tenders! Creamy blue cheese dressing and cool ranch dressing are eternal favorites that perfectly complement the spicy heat. To round out the meal, serve with fresh, crisp veggie sticks like celery and carrot sticks – a classic pairing. For more substantial sides, consider Air Fryer French Fries, Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, or even Spicy Baked Zucchini Fries for a lighter option. A fresh green salad or a side of coleslaw would also be delicious!
Explore More Fiery Buffalo Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the bold flavors of buffalo, you’re in luck! Here are more exciting buffalo-inspired recipes to keep the spice alive in your kitchen:
- Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
- Easy Buffalo Shrimp
I genuinely hope you relish every single recipe I share, especially these incredibly delicious Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders. I encourage you to try this recipe, savor its fantastic flavors, rate it, and share your culinary success with your loved ones! Your feedback means the world to me and helps others discover these wonderful dishes.
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Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the chicken tenders
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 whole egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 ½ lb chicken tenderloins, 8 tenders
For the buffalo sauce
- ¾ cup hot sauce
- ⅓ cup melted unsalted butter
- Chopped parsley, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line an aluminum foil over a baking sheet and place a rack above that. Keep it aside.
- In a wide bowl, combine; flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with milk and hot sauce.
- In another bowl, spread the panko bread crumbs.
- Dredge the chicken tenders first in the flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in panko bread crumbs until well coated.
- Arrange the chicken tenders in the prepared rack over the baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly golden by flippy the chicken halfway through.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, prepare the sauce by combining hot sauce and melted butter. Whisk it until well combined.
- Once the chicken tenders are out of the oven, place the tenders in a large bowl and pour the prepared sauce over it and toss until the sauce is evenly coated.
- Garnish the chicken tenders with fresh parsley and serve with ranch on the side.
Notes
- Chicken tenders are usually pretty even in size. If using chicken breast, pound the chicken to an even thickness.
- Bake the chicken on an ovenproof rack on a baking sheet to make them extra crispy.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning and breading.
- For extra brown chicken, spray with a light oil before baking.
- Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
- Always cook chicken to 165 degrees F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Toss the chicken in the sauce before serving.
- Serve extra hot sauce on the side.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces.