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The Ultimate Buffalo Chicken Tenders Guide

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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
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings

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)

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.

    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.