Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

4 servings
These Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the perfect healthier alternative to fried spicy Buffalo chicken fingers! Baked in the oven until juicy and crispy, then tossed in a delicious hot buffalo sauce, these buffalo tenders are better than take-out! They’re easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or to serve on game-day.

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 packet of store-bought ranch seasoning mix)

    can substitute 1 (1 ounce

  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup Frank's hot sauce

    reduce the amount of hot sauce for less spice

  • 2 tablespoons salted butter

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees, brush the olive oil onto a baking sheet and set it aside.

  2. 2

    Next, prep the chicken. You want the chicken breasts to be even, so using a meat mallet,  pound each out into cutlets about ½ inch thickness. Then cut the chicken into 8 strips. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Get the eggs and breadcrumbs mixture ready. In a shallow dish, whisk the eggs until beaten. In a medium to a large bowl, mix the breadcrumb and ranch seasoning.

  4. 4

    Create an assembly line with the chicken, eggs, and breadcrumb mixture.

  5. 5

    Dip the chicken into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Shake off any excess breadcrumbs and then place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Continue with the rest of the chicken.

  6. 6

    Place the chicken into the oven for 20 minutes, flip the chicken halfway through.

  7. 7

    When the chicken has about 5 minutes left in the oven, get the Buffalo sauce ready. Place the hot sauce into a large bowl. Then melt butter in the microwave and whisk it into the hot sauce.

  8. 8

    After the chicken is done cooking, toss each piece of chicken into the sauce mixture and place it on a plate. It’s easier to sauce the chicken one at a time and to use tongs to do this. Discard any leftover sauce.

  9. 9

    Serve hot with blue cheese or ranch dipping sauce.

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

35 min4 servings

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About this Recipe

Craving that irresistible spicy kick of Buffalo chicken tenders but want a healthier option than deep-frying? These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders are your answer, delivering all the flavor and crispness you love, right from your oven.

What makes these Buffalo chicken tenders truly stand out is the baking method. Instead of a greasy fry, you achieve a wonderfully crispy exterior and a juicy interior, all while being tossed in that iconic hot buffalo sauce. The addition of homemade ranch seasoning mix to the breading creates an extra layer of savory depth, elevating them beyond typical game-day fare.

Get ready for a burst of classic Buffalo flavor with every bite. You'll experience the satisfying crunch of the breading, followed by tender chicken, all coated in a tangy, spicy sauce that warms you from the inside out. These tenders strike a perfect balance, offering robust flavor without being overwhelmingly hot, making them incredibly enjoyable for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They're surprisingly easy to prepare, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.

Customization & Variations

You can easily tailor these spicy chicken tenders to your liking. For those who prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of Frank's hot sauce used in the coating. If you're short on time, a store-bought ranch seasoning mix works perfectly in place of the homemade version. While this recipe uses chicken breasts cut into tender-sized pieces, chicken tenderloins would also work well.

Serve these baked buffalo chicken tenders as the star of your next game-day spread, or alongside a simple salad for a satisfying weeknight meal. They pair wonderfully with a cooling dip like blue cheese dressing or extra ranch.

Frequently Asked Questions