Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 500g (1 lb) chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For Breading:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (extra crunch)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicier kick)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted (for baking)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot is the best choice)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon honey (balances the heat)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Celery and carrot sticks

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Bread the Chicken for Maximum Crunch

1. Set up a breading station:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne
2. Coat each tender in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
3. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.

3. Cook the Chicken (3 Ways!)

• Oven Method (Healthier & Crispy):
  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
  2. Place breaded tenders on a baking rack over a lined sheet pan.
  3. Lightly brush or spray with melted butter.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Air Fryer Method (Crispiest & Quickest):
  1. Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Place tenders in a single layer.
  3. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
• Deep-Fry Method (Classic & Extra Crunchy):
  1. Heat 2 inches of oil to 175°C (350°F).
  2. Fry in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  3. Drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
2. Stir in hot sauce, honey, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder.
3. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Coat & Serve

1. Toss crispy tenders in the warm Buffalo sauce until fully coated.
2. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and veggie sticks.

Tips for the Best Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

✔ Use panko breadcrumbs – They give the tenders an extra crispy texture.
✔ Chill the breaded chicken for 10 minutes before cooking – This helps the coating stick better.
✔ For extra crispiness, double-dip in egg and panko before frying.
✔ Balance the heat – Add more honey for a milder Buffalo sauce, or extra cayenne for more spice.
✔ Want them extra saucy? Brush on more Buffalo sauce right before serving!