The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Tenders Guide
These Spicy Crunch Buffalo Tenders deliver the ultimate crispy, spicy bite! Marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and buffalo sauce blend, coated in a crunchy panko crust, and fried to golden perfection, they’re then tossed in fiery buffalo sauce for the perfect game-day or comfort food indulgence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes (excluding marination)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into vertical strips
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups buttermilk
- ¼ cup buffalo sauce
For the Crispy Coating:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon water
For Frying & Tossing:
- 2 cups buffalo sauce
- Oil, for frying (canola or vegetable)
Instructions
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
- Place chicken strips in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in buttermilk and buffalo sauce, ensuring all chicken is submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 48 hours for deeper flavor).
- Prep the Crunchy Coating:
- Set out three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
- Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and water together.
- Bowl 3: Mix 2 cups of the flour mixture with panko bread crumbs.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Set out three bowls:
- Coat for the Ultimate Crisp:
- Remove chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature.
- Dredge each piece through the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko mixture.
- Place coated pieces on the baking sheet.
- Heat Up the Oil:
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a pot and heat over medium-low.
- Bring the oil to 350°F (use a thermometer or the wooden spoon/bread test).
- Fry to Golden Perfection:
- Fry 3-4 chicken tenders at a time for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Coat in Spicy Buffalo Goodness:
- Toss the hot tenders in buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Notes
- Letting the chicken marinate overnight enhances the tenderness and flavor.
- Adjust the buffalo sauce amount to control the heat level.
- Serve with celery sticks and carrots for a classic touch.