Looking for the perfect game-day snack or a quick dinner idea with a spicy twist? These Buffalo Chicken Tenders deliver bold flavor, crispy texture, and that signature buffalo kick you crave. This recipe is easy, fast, and guaranteed to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Packed with that classic buffalo heat
- Quick to make – only 20 minutes of cooking time
- Perfect for parties, lunch, or weeknight dinners
Craving something with a little heat and a whole lot of flavor? These tenders hit the spot every time.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
- 1 packet seasoned chicken fry mix (like @lafishfry or your preferred brand)
- ¾ cup water (for batter)
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola works best)
For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter
- 1 cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot recommended)
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- ½ tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Buffalo Sauce
Get the sauce ready before frying so you can toss the tenders while they’re hot.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in hot sauce, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and garlic powder.
- Mix until smooth.
- Set aside on low heat to keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken Coating
Follow the package directions on your seasoned fry mix. Most mixes work with a wet batter and dry coating combo.
- In a bowl, mix about half of the seasoned fry mix with water to make a smooth batter.
- In another bowl, place the remaining dry mix for coating.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the wet batter.
- Roll it in the dry mix until fully coated.
- Make sure every side is covered for the ultimate crunch.
4. Heat the Oil
- Pour oil into a heavy skillet or deep fryer.
- Heat to 350°F.
- Check with a thermometer for accuracy—too hot and they’ll burn, too cool and they’ll absorb too much oil.
5. Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add tenders to the hot oil.
- Fry in batches for 5–6 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove and let rest on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce
- Add hot, crispy tenders to a large bowl.
- Pour in the warm buffalo sauce.
- Toss until each piece is evenly coated.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Use fresh oil for best results.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – fry in small batches.
- Dry your chicken with a paper towel before coating to help the batter stick better.
- Toss quickly while the chicken is hot to soak up the sauce perfectly.
What to Serve with Buffalo Chicken Tenders
You’ve got the heat—now add the cool.
Try these sides:
- Celery and carrot sticks
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- French fries or tater tots
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
Want to turn them into a meal?
Wrap them in a tortilla, toss them on a salad, or serve on a sandwich roll with lettuce and tomato.
Can You Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! If you’re looking for a lighter option:
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Place coated tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with oil.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Toss in buffalo sauce as usual.
Air Fryer Method
Want crispy tenders without the mess of frying?
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray chicken lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Toss in buffalo sauce and serve hot.
Storage and Reheating
Got leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat:
- Oven: 350°F for 10–12 minutes
- Air fryer: 375°F for 5 minutes
- Microwave: Not recommended (gets soggy)
Always toss with extra buffalo sauce after reheating to refresh the flavor.
Common Questions
Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just slice them into strips about 1 inch thick for even cooking.
Is it too spicy for kids?
You can tone it down by using a mild hot sauce and skipping the cayenne pepper.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Just make sure to fry in batches and keep the cooked tenders warm in a 200°F oven.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders are more than just a snack—they’re a guaranteed hit.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal-prepping, or satisfying a craving, this recipe gives you everything you need: crunch, heat, and bold flavor.
Ready to make your own?
Get that fryer going and bring the flavor home.
If you found this recipe helpful, don’t forget to share it with your fellow buffalo chicken lovers. Hungry for more spicy, crispy goodness? Stick around—we’ve got more recipes coming your way.
