Craving a deliciously spicy snack that won’t derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders, baked to perfection instead of fried, offer all the flavor and crunch you love without the guilt. In just 40 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering tenders that are perfect for game day, family dinners, or a tasty weeknight treat. With a fiery buffalo sauce coating and a golden, crispy exterior, your taste buds are in for a treat! Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, mix breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper to create the dry coating mixture.
- Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture.
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
- Arrange breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other for maximum crispiness.
- Spray or lightly brush the tenders with cooking oil to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and immediately brush with buffalo sauce, coating each tender evenly.
- Let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to set and chicken to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve hot with optional side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prepare the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. This allows the flavors to meld and makes cooking even quicker!
- Keep It Crispy: Ensure that the chicken tenders are not touching on the baking sheet. This promotes even cooking and helps them stay crispy all around.
- Use Parchment Paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Adjust the Spice: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of honey or barbecue sauce to tone down the heat without sacrificing taste.
- Don’t Skip the Oil: A light spray or brush of cooking oil on the breaded tenders before baking is key to achieving that golden, crispy finish.
- Serve with Dips: Pair your tenders with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to enhance the flavor and add a creamy contrast to the spicy chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 150mg
