Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a delicious and healthier alternative to the classic fried version. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these spicy tenders are perfect for game day or a casual weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium-sized chicken breasts)
• 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning mix (or 1 (1 ounce) packet store-bought ranch seasoning mix)
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce (reduce for less spice)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Brush the olive oil onto a baking sheet and set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare the chicken by pounding each breast into ½-inch thick cutlets using a meat mallet. Cut each breast into 8 strips and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs until beaten. In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning mix.
4. Step 4: Set up an assembly line with the chicken strips, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture.
5. Step 5: Dip each chicken strip first into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken strips.
6. Step 6: Bake the chicken in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the strips halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness.
7. Step 7: While the chicken is baking, prepare the Buffalo sauce. Place the hot sauce in a large bowl, melt the butter in the microwave, and whisk it into the hot sauce until smooth.
8. Step 8: After baking, toss each chicken tender individually in the Buffalo sauce using tongs. Place the sauced tenders on a serving plate. Discard any leftover sauce.
9. Step 9: Serve hot with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the heat by using less hot sauce or adding a bit of honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
• Make your own ranch seasoning mix by combining dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• Try serving with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic Buffalo wing experience.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes or until heated through to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative. Just be sure to cut them into strips of similar size for even cooking.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your ranch seasoning and hot sauce are gluten-free as well.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 64 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders coated with a zesty homemade ranch seasoned breadcrumb crust and tossed in classic spicy Buffalo sauce. These oven-baked tenders make a healthier alternative to fried versions while maintaining delicious Buffalo wing taste, perfect as an appetizer or main dish.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 16 chicken tenders (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3 medium-sized chicken breasts)
• 1 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning mix (or 1 (1 ounce) packet store-bought ranch seasoning mix)
• 2 large eggs

Buffalo Sauce

• 3/4 cup Frank’s hot sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare the baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). Lightly brush olive oil onto a baking sheet to prevent sticking and promote crispiness, then set it aside.
2. Prep the chicken: Use a meat mallet to pound each chicken breast into a cutlet about ½ inch thick for even cooking. Cut each breast into 8 uniform strips. Season all pieces with salt and pepper and set them aside.
3. Prepare the coating mixtures: In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In a separate medium to large bowl, combine the unseasoned breadcrumbs with the ranch seasoning mix, stirring to combine evenly.
4. Coat the chicken: Set up a coating assembly line with the chicken strips, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture. Dip each chicken strip first into the eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off excess breadcrumbs before placing each strip on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
5. Bake the tenders: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken tenders for 20 minutes. At the 10-minute mark, flip each tender to ensure even baking and crispiness on both sides.
6. Prepare the Buffalo sauce: When the chicken has about 5 minutes left to bake, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl. Melt the butter in the microwave, then whisk it thoroughly into the hot sauce until smooth and well blended.
7. Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, use tongs to toss each piece individually in the Buffalo sauce to coat evenly. Place the sauced tenders on a serving plate. Discard any leftover sauce.
8. Serve: Enjoy the Buffalo chicken tenders hot with your choice of blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce for a classic pairing.

Notes

• Use a meat mallet to ensure even thickness for fully cooked tender strips.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your preferred spice level.
• To keep tenders crispy, do not overcrowd the baking sheet.
• Store leftover tenders in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
• Homemade ranch seasoning can be substituted with store-bought for convenience.

Keywords: Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Baked Chicken Tenders, Buffalo Sauce, Healthy Buffalo Wings, Oven-Baked Chicken, Appetizers, Party Food