Buffalo Chicken Tendersrn

a close up shot of a Buffalo Chicken Tenders dipped into ranch

These delicious buffalo chicken tenders are an easy-to-make combination of juicy chicken with a spicy buffalo sauce that's sure to please the whole family.

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Table of Contents

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
How To Serve
Storage
Why We Love This Recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
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These bold and spicy buffalo chicken tenders feature juicy breaded chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce. Whether you’re hosting a game night, enjoying a casual gathering, or simply craving a satisfying snack, this recipe will surely become a favorite.

overhead shot of Buffalo Chicken Tenders with a side of ranch

Buffalo Chicken Tenders Ingredients

Buffalo Chicken Tenders raw ingredients that are labeled

Buffalo chicken tenders are made with a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create an explosion of flavor.

The star of the show is pre-breaded chicken tenders that provide a delicious base for the buffalo sauce.

The tangy hot sauce adds a delightful level of heat and a distinct flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.

To create these mouthwatering buffalo tenders, you’ll need the following ingredients:

24-ounce bag of frozen breaded chicken tenders, cooked according to package directions
¾ cup of unsalted butter
¾ cup of Frank’s Original hot sauce
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of salt

Substitutions and Additions

SPICE: If you like your buffalo chicken tenders extra spicy, you can add a little bit more hot sauce or even some cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly become too hot for some people.

VEGETARIAN: If you prefer to make this easy recipe vegetarian, you can use cauliflower instead of chicken tenders.

Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces, coat them in the buffalo sauce, and bake them in the oven until tender.

HOT SAUCE: Instead of Frank’s Original hot sauce, you can use any hot sauce you prefer.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR: If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, you can use white vinegar or lemon juice instead. However, this will change the flavor of the sauce.

Both will give it a more acidic taste, while the lemon juice will also add a citrus tanginess to the sauce.

WORCESTERSHIRE: Instead of Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or teriyaki sauce.

How To Make This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making these crispy buffalo chicken tenders:

OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS

Different brands may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided. This ensures that the chicken tenders are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

STEP ONE: Cook the frozen breaded chicken tenders according to your brand’s package directions. Many brands differ in time and temperature.

PRO TIP:

After baking, let the chicken tenders rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps to retain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.

STEP TWO: While the chicken tenders are cooking, you will make the buffalo sauce in a medium saucepan on medium heat.

STEP THREE: Add the unsalted butter, Frank’s Original hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt to the saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously, cooking the buffalo sauce for five to six minutes.

This gives the flavors time to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

mixtures whisked cooking the buffalo sauce

STEP FOUR: Turn the heat down to low to keep the buffalo sauce warm while your chicken tenders finish cooking.

PRO TIP:

Reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm. This ensures the buffalo sauce maintains its ideal consistency and can be easily poured over the chicken tenders without cooling down too quickly.

STEP FIVE: Add the cooked chicken tenders to a large bowl, and slowly pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken tenders.

Toss to coat the chicken tenders completely with the buffalo sauce.

PRO TIP:

You can reserve ¼ cup of the buffalo sauce for drizzling over the buffalo chicken tenders once they have been plated if you like your chicken tenders extra saucy.

The breading on the chicken tenders tends to absorb the warm buffalo sauce as it sits. I like reserving some buffalo sauce to add at the last minute just before serving.

Buffalo sauce poured over the chicken tender

STEP SIX: Transfer the buffalo chicken tenders to a serving platter while hot.

buffalo chicken transferred to a serving platter

How To Serve

To enjoy these tangy buffalo chicken tenders, pair them with dipping sauces to add even more flavor and variety.

Classic options include blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, honey mustard, and barbecue sauce. Add a serving of carrot and celery sticks for a fresh side dish.

Buffalo chicken tenders can be more than just a standalone dish. Get creative and incorporate them into different meals.

Slice the buffalo chicken tenders and place them on a bed of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and other favorite salad ingredients. Drizzle with your choice of dressing for a hearty and flavorful salad.

Load up a sandwich or wrap it with sliced buffalo chicken tenders, lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite condiments. The spicy tenders bring a delicious kick to your handheld creation.

For even more delicious recipes that feature the zingy buffalo flavor, try our buffalo chicken dip and buffalo chicken mac and cheese.

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Storage

Proper storage ensures that you can enjoy these spicy chicken tenders later or save leftovers for future meals. Here’s how to store them:

MAKE AHEAD: If you wish to prepare these homemade buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time, it’s best to cook the chicken tenders and store them separately from the buffalo sauce.

This prevents the breading from getting soggy. When ready to serve, gently reheat the chicken tenders and toss them in the warmed buffalo sauce for optimal flavor.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store any leftover buffalo chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will remain delicious for up to three days.

However, keep in mind that the breading may lose some of its crispness upon refrigeration. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the tenders on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.

IN THE FREEZER: We don’t recommend freezing the tenders. Since they were previously frozen, it is best to enjoy them within a couple of days.

REHEATING: In the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake until heated through and the breading is crispy.

For a quicker reheating method, you can microwave tenders. Place a single layer of tenders on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for one to two minutes or until heated through.

Rotate the tenders halfway through the cooking time for even heating. Microwaving may result in slightly less crispy breading compared to using the oven.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why we love this buffalo chicken tenders recipe:

FLAVORFUL AND BOLD: The tangy and spicy sauce perfectly complements the juicy and tender chicken, making each bite delicious.

VERSATILE: Buffalo chicken tenders can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a main dish, a perfect appetizer, or a snack. They’re perfect for game nights, parties, family gatherings, and even picnics. Their versatility makes them a go-to recipe for any occasion.

EASY TO MAKE: This recipe requires simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps. They’re perfect for a flavorful dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

CUSTOMIZABLE HEAT LEVEL: You can adjust the buffalo sauce’s spiciness to suit your preference. Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you love a fiery kick, or reduce the amount for a milder version.

With their bold and tangy flavor, these buffalo chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines juicy chicken with a zesty buffalo sauce. They’re versatile, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I serve with buffalo chicken tenders?

Buffalo chicken tenders pair well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or salad. For something extra special, try serving them alongside french fries with ranch dressing!

Can I grill the buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Grilling the chicken tenders is a healthier option. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I make the buffalo sauce milder or spicier?

To make the buffalo sauce milder, reduce the amount of hot sauce and add some melted butter. For a spicier kick, increase the hot sauce quantity or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

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