Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Looking for simple chicken recipes that deliver big flavor without complicated steps? These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are your answer to quick dinner ideas that satisfy even the pickiest eaters. With a crispy breaded coating, juicy interior, and that signature spicy buffalo kick, this baked chicken recipe rivals anything you’d find at your favorite sports bar.​

Whether you’re planning game day appetizers, weeknight dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead, these chicken breast recipes come together in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. The secret? A smart combination of stovetop searing and oven baking that creates the perfect texture without deep frying.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

These baked chicken tenders check all the boxes for busy home cooks. They’re healthier than traditional fried versions, incredibly flavorful, and use ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The three-step breading process creates an ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after tossing in buffalo sauce.​

Kids and adults alike go crazy for these tenders, making them perfect for family dinners, parties, or casual gatherings. Serve them with classic celery sticks and creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing for the complete buffalo experience.​

What Makes This Recipe Special

Unlike other chicken breast recipes that can turn out dry or bland, this method locks in moisture while developing a golden, crunchy exterior. The combination of pan-searing in a quality frying pan followed by oven baking ensures even cooking throughout. Plus, using a wire rack during baking allows hot air to circulate around each tender for maximum crispiness.​

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make these show-stopping buffalo chicken tenders. Most ingredients are pantry staples, making this one of the most accessible quick dinner ideas.​

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Boneless skinless chicken breast tenderloins	1 lb	Look for evenly-sized pieces for uniform cooking
All-purpose flour	½ cup	Creates the base layer for breading
Large egg whites	3	Beaten with hot sauce
Hot sauce (for eggs)	2 tablespoons	Frank’s Red Hot works perfectly
Plain dried bread crumbs	⅔ cup	Provides the crispy coating
Steak seasoning	1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon	Montreal Steak Seasoning recommended
Extra-virgin olive oil	2 tablespoons	For pan-searing
Hot sauce (for coating)	½ cup	Frank’s Red Hot is ideal

These simple ingredients transform into restaurant-quality chicken breast recipes that taste like they took hours to prepare.​

Essential Kitchen Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing these baked chicken recipes even easier. Here’s what you’ll need from your kitchen arsenal:

• Oven – Preheated to 400°F for perfect baking
• Baking sheets – Large size to accommodate all tenders
• Wire rack – Essential for crispy results on all sides
• Frying pans – Large nonstick for even browning
• Mixing bowls – Three shallow bowls for breading station
• Kitchen utensils – Tongs for flipping and coating
• Measuring cups and spoons set – For accurate ingredient portions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed steps for perfect buffalo chicken tenders every single time. This is one of those simple chicken recipes that becomes even easier once you’ve made it once or twice.​

Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spray a wire rack generously with cooking spray and position it on top of a large baking sheet. This setup is crucial for achieving that crispy texture on all sides of your tenders.​

Set Up Your Breading Station

Arrange three shallow mixing bowls in a row on your counter. Fill the first bowl with the all-purpose flour, the second with beaten egg whites mixed with 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, and the third with bread crumbs combined with the steak seasoning. This assembly line approach makes the breading process quick and efficient.​

Bread the Chicken Tenders

Working with one tenderloin at a time, lightly dredge it in flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Finally, press the tender firmly into the seasoned bread crumbs, making sure both sides are completely coated. Place each breaded tender on a clean plate and repeat with remaining chicken.​

Pan-Sear for Golden Perfection

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add half of the breaded tenders to the hot pan, spacing them evenly to avoid overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. Transfer the first batch to a plate and repeat with the remaining tenderloins and olive oil.​

Finish in the Oven

Arrange all the pan-seared chicken tenders on your prepared wire rack. Bake in your preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and the coating is extra crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.​

Coat with Buffalo Sauce

While the chicken finishes baking, pour ½ cup of hot sauce into a shallow mixing bowl. Once the tenders come out of the oven, quickly dip each one into the hot sauce just to coat. Return the sauced tenders to the wire rack until all pieces are coated. Serve immediately while hot and crispy with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.​

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Master these simple chicken recipes with insider tips that guarantee success every time. Temperature control is everything make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. Don’t skip the wire rack step, as it prevents soggy bottoms by allowing air circulation.​

For extra crispy results, let the breaded tenders rest for 10-15 minutes before pan-searing, which helps the coating adhere better. If you prefer more or less heat, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your taste preference. These baked chicken recipes are incredibly forgiving and easy to customize.​

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo chicken tenders shine as quick dinner ideas when paired with classic sides. Traditional accompaniments include celery and carrot sticks, creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing, and crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. For a lighter meal, serve over a fresh garden salad with your favorite dressing.​

They also work beautifully as appetizers for game day parties or casual gatherings. Arrange them on a platter with various dipping sauces and watch them disappear. For meal prep, these chicken breast recipes reheat wonderfully in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispy texture.​

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.​

For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using the methods above. These simple chicken recipes maintain their delicious flavor even after freezing.​

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Absolutely! Simply cut boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips about ½ inch thick for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the thickness of your strips.​

What can I substitute for steak seasoning?

A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika works beautifully as an alternative to Montreal steak seasoning. You can also use ranch seasoning mix for a different flavor profile.​

How do I make these tenders spicier?

Increase the amount of hot sauce in the egg mixture and add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat. You can also use a spicier variety of buffalo sauce for coating.​

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs in equal amounts. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll still achieve that crispy texture everyone loves in baked chicken recipes.​

Why pan-sear before baking?

Pan-searing in a frying pan creates an initial golden crust that stays crispy throughout the baking process. This two-step cooking method ensures maximum crunchiness without deep frying.​

Variations to Try

Transform these chicken breast recipes into entirely new meals with simple modifications. For BBQ chicken tenders, substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the buffalo sauce. Create honey mustard tenders by mixing honey with Dijon mustard for the final coating.​

Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an Italian twist on these quick dinner ideas. For Asian-inspired flavors, toss the finished tenders in teriyaki sauce instead of buffalo sauce. The versatility of this base recipe makes it perfect for endless experimentation.​

Why These Are Better Than Store-Bought

Homemade buffalo chicken tenders beat frozen alternatives in every category flavor, texture, and quality. You control exactly what goes into your food, avoiding preservatives and excessive sodium. These simple chicken recipes cost significantly less per serving than restaurant takeout while tasting even better.​

The satisfaction of creating restaurant-quality baked chicken recipes in your own kitchen using your trusty oven and frying pans is unbeatable. Once you master this technique, you’ll never want to buy frozen tenders again.

Print

If you found this recipe helpful, feel free to check out the kitchen equipment below. Click on any image to view and purchase the product through our Amazon affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep Deliciousavors.com running and bringing you great recipes!

Recommended Kitchen Equipment