Buffalo Chicken Tenders

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food. Juicy strips of chicken are marinated in seasoned buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, then coated in a buttery, fiery buffalo sauce that hits all the right flavor notes.

They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, game day gatherings, or any time you’re craving a spicy, crunchy bite. Serve with ranch or blue cheese and some fresh celery sticks for that classic wing-house feel without ever leaving your kitchen.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Vegetable oil, for frying

• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• ¼ cup melted butter

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

• Celery sticks, for serving

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).

2. In another bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper.

3. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, pressing lightly to adhere.

4. In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot (about 350°F), fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

5. In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce and melted butter. Heat until warm and smooth.

6. Toss cooked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until well coated.

7. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Irresistible Allure of Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a culinary crowd-pleaser that combines the crave-worthy crunch of fried chicken with the bold kick of buffalo sauce. Whether you’re serving them at a party, preparing a quick weeknight meal, or just indulging your spicy food cravings, these tenders deliver satisfaction with every bite. Inspired by classic Buffalo wings, this dish takes all the best elements—spice, crisp, tang, and richness—and wraps them around juicy strips of chicken that are far easier to eat than traditional wings.

What makes this dish such a hit isn’t just the flavor. It’s the versatility. Buffalo Chicken Tenders can be served in a wide range of settings, from casual get-togethers and potlucks to dinner parties or family meals. Pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese, some crunchy celery sticks, and you’ve got a dish that feels indulgent, familiar, and satisfying all at once.

Origins of Buffalo Chicken Flavor

The original buffalo sauce was born in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar. Traditionally, it’s made with hot sauce (usually Frank’s RedHot) and melted butter—a combo that brings together heat, tang, and richness. This iconic flavor quickly became a staple in American kitchens, especially for game-day snacks and pub food. The sauce was originally used to coat chicken wings, but its application has expanded to pizzas, wraps, dips, and, of course, tenders.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders offer all the flavor of wings but with greater ease of eating. Unlike wings, tenders are boneless and more kid-friendly, while still delivering that satisfying spicy experience adults love.

Why Buffalo Chicken Tenders Are So Popular

One word: texture. The combination of a crunchy, seasoned exterior and a juicy interior creates the perfect bite. When those golden tenders are tossed in buffalo sauce, you get a mouthful of spicy, buttery heat with every chew. It’s a sensory experience that many find addictive.

They also appeal to a wide demographic. Children love the crunch and simplicity, while adults enjoy the spice and depth of flavor. They’re also a comfort food classic—satisfying in the same way as pizza or mac and cheese, but with a spicy twist.

In terms of preparation, the use of a buttermilk marinade adds an extra layer of tenderness and flavor. Buttermilk not only tenderizes the meat but helps the flour coating stick better, creating that beloved crunchy exterior. When paired with the right hot sauce and butter blend, the result is absolutely mouthwatering.

How to Customize Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Though the classic recipe calls for frying, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

• Baked Buffalo Tenders: If you want a lighter version, you can bake the tenders in the oven. Coat them with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture and bake until golden brown.

• Air-Fried Buffalo Tenders: For a healthier but still crispy option, air-frying is an excellent method. It reduces the amount of oil but still delivers great crunch.

• Grilled Buffalo Chicken: For summer barbecues or a leaner dish, grilling marinated chicken tenders and brushing them with buffalo sauce can provide smoky, spicy goodness without the fry.

• Gluten-Free Options: Use a gluten-free flour blend or crushed gluten-free cornflakes to make the dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.

The sauce itself can be adjusted as well. Want it milder? Add more butter or a splash of honey. Craving more heat? Choose a spicier hot sauce or add cayenne. The balance of spicy and buttery is up to you, and it can be tweaked depending on your audience.

Perfect Pairings for Buffalo Chicken Tenders

The beauty of Buffalo Chicken Tenders lies in how well they pair with other dishes and sides. Here are some classic and creative ideas:

• Cooling Dips: Ranch or blue cheese dressing are the traditional go-tos. Their creaminess complements the spice and brings balance to the plate.

• Fresh Vegetables: Celery and carrot sticks not only provide a refreshing crunch but also help mellow out the heat.

• Potato Sides: Whether it’s fries, wedges, or mashed potatoes, the mild flavor of potatoes makes an ideal pairing.

• Mac and Cheese: The creamy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese contrasts wonderfully with spicy tenders.

• Slaw or Salad: A tangy coleslaw or simple green salad with vinaigrette can offer a lighter counterpoint to the richness of the tenders.

You can even serve them in wraps or sandwiches for a satisfying buffalo chicken sandwich, complete with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of dressing.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders for Every Occasion

This dish is a favorite for a reason—it’s convenient, adaptable, and always a hit. Whether you’re preparing food for a casual gathering or just want something fast and flavorful for dinner, buffalo chicken tenders deliver every time.

They’re great for:

• Game Day: Serve them on a platter with multiple sauces and let guests go wild.

• Family Dinners: Kids love chicken tenders, and you can adjust the spice level as needed.

• Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge. They reheat well and taste great cold, too.

• Potlucks: Portable and easy to share, they’re a great choice for any communal meal.

Health Considerations

While delicious, buffalo chicken tenders are generally considered indulgent, especially when fried. However, as mentioned earlier, there are ways to make them more nutritious:

• Choose baking or air-frying instead of deep frying.

• Opt for a lean chicken breast cut or even turkey tenders.

• Serve with vegetable sides to add fiber and balance out the richness.

And of course, moderation is key. As part of a balanced diet, buffalo chicken tenders can be enjoyed guilt-free and often become part of a weekly rotation due to their convenience and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’ve made a big batch or have leftovers, storage is simple. Let the tenders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.

To reheat, use the oven or an air fryer for best results. This helps maintain the crispy texture, unlike microwaving which can make the coating soggy. If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider storing the tenders and sauce separately, then toss them together just before serving for the freshest result.

Conclusion

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are more than just a spicy snack—they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and comfort. Whether you’re hosting friends, feeding your family, or simply treating yourself, they bring joy to any table. With endless ways to customize and pair them, this dish continues to win hearts—and taste buds—across generations.

Crave-worthy, crispy, and always satisfying, Buffalo Chicken Tenders deserve a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Once you master the balance of heat and crunch, you’ll find yourself coming back to this dish again and again. Don’t be surprised if they become the most requested meal in your home.