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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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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)

Method
 

Marinate for Maximum Flavor:
  1. Place chicken strips in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Pour in buttermilk and buffalo sauce, ensuring all chicken is submerged.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours (or up to 48 hours for deeper flavor).
Prep the Crunchy Coating:
    Set out three bowls:
    1. Bowl 1: Combine flour, cornstarch, and salt.
    2. Bowl 2: Whisk eggs and water together.
    3. Bowl 3: Mix 2 cups of the flour mixture with panko bread crumbs.
    4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
    Coat for the Ultimate Crisp:
    1. Remove chicken from the marinade and let it come to room temperature.
    2. Dredge each piece through the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the panko mixture.
    3. Place coated pieces on the baking sheet.
    Heat Up the Oil:
    1. Pour about 2 inches of oil into a pot and heat over medium-low.
    2. Bring the oil to 350°F (use a thermometer or the wooden spoon/bread test).
    Fry to Golden Perfection:
    1. Fry 3-4 chicken tenders at a time for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
    2. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
    Coat in Spicy Buffalo Goodness:
    1. Toss the hot tenders in buffalo sauce, ensuring each piece is well coated.
    2. 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.