These crispy buffalo chicken tenders are packed with bold flavor and perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 30 minutes, they’re a quick and easy crowd-pleaser!

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe
Recipe FAQ
Serving FAQ
Storage FAQ
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Table of Contents

These crispy buffalo chicken tenders pack a flavorful punch with just the right amount of heat! Perfect for game days, parties, or family dinners, these tenders will be your new favorite snack. The crunchy coating and spicy sauce make them irresistible and oh-so-delicious. Whip them up in no time and enjoy every bite!

This recipe is easy to make, and you can follow the guide below for perfect results. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, along with pro tips and tricks. Plus, we answer the most frequently asked questions to make sure your tenders turn out amazing!

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This buffalo chicken is perfect for any occasion, from game day snacks to weeknight dinners. Ready in under thirty minutes, they deliver crispy, spicy perfection in every bite.

The flavorful coating and bold buffalo sauce make these tenders a crowd-pleaser at parties and potlucks. Try them at home for an easy, irresistible dish that will become a family favorite!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make these Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

24-ounce bag of frozen breaded chicken tenders, cooked according to package directions
¾ cup of unsalted butter
¾ cup of Frank’s Original hot sauce
2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
¼ teaspoon of salt

Substitutions and Additions

Personalize your buffalo chicken by swapping out ingredients and adding tasty extras! These simple changes make the recipe uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:

Add Cheese: Top your buffalo tenders with melted mozzarella or blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor. These additions can easily be made while still maintaining the deliciousness of this chicken tender recipe.

Substitute Chicken: Use turkey or boneless pork chops for a different twist on your buffalo chicken.

Substitute Buffalo Sauce: Swap the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or honey mustard for a milder flavor.

How to Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started on making these delicious chicken tenders! You’ll love how easy and fun they are to make!

Pro Tip

Different brands may have varying cooking times and temperatures, so it’s essential to follow the specific guidelines provided. This ensures that the chicken tenders are cooked through and have a crispy exterior.

FIRST STEP: Cook the frozen breaded chicken tenders according to your brand’s package directions. Many brands differ in time and temperature.

Pro Tip

After baking, let the chicken tenders rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps to retain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.

SECOND STEP: While the chicken is cooking, you will make the buffalo sauce in a medium saucepan on medium heat.

THIRD STEP: Add the unsalted butter, Frank’s Original hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and salt to the saucepan.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking continuously, cooking the buffalo sauce for five to six minutes.

This gives the flavors time to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.

FOURTH STEP: Turn the heat down to low to keep the buffalo sauce warm while your chicken finishes cooking.

Pro Tip

Reduce the heat to low to keep the sauce warm. This ensures the buffalo sauce maintains its ideal consistency and can be easily poured over the chicken without cooling down too quickly.

FIFTH STEP: Add the cooked chicken pieces to a large bowl, and slowly pour the sauce over the chicken tenders.

Toss to coat the chicken tenders completely with the sauce.

Pro Tip

You can reserve ¼ cup of the sauce for drizzling over the tenders once they have been plated if you like your chicken tenders extra saucy.

The breading on the chicken tenders tends to absorb the warm sauce as it sits. I like reserving some buffalo sauce to add at the last minute just before serving.

buffalo sauce poured in a bowl of chicken tenders

SIXTH STEP: Transfer to a serving platter while hot.

Buffalo Chicken Tenders on a serving platter

How To Serve Chicken Tenders in Buffalo Sauce

These buffalo chicken are versatile and can be served for many occasions. Whether it's a casual dinner or a special event, they’ll be a hit with both kids and adults!

Game Day Snack: Buffalo chicken tenders are perfect for game days! Their spicy kick pairs well with chips and salsa or potato skins. Serve them alongside classic nachos for the ultimate game-day spread.
Family Dinner: Make these tenders a hit at family dinners. Kids love the crunchy texture, and adults enjoy the bold flavors. Pair them with a fresh salad or creamy mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.
Summer BBQ: Buffalo chicken tenders bring spice to your summer BBQs! Their zesty flavor pairs well with grilled veggies and corn on the cob. Serve them with a chilled pasta salad for a refreshing summer combo.

Why You'll Love This Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe

Buffalo chicken is more than just a spicy snack—it's a reader favorite for many tasty reasons:

Bold and Flavorful: These tenders perfectly blend crunchy, juicy chicken with a zesty buffalo sauce for a spicy, mouthwatering experience. Every bite brings excitement and flavor.
Quick and Easy: Readers love how fast and simple this recipe is. In under thirty minutes, you can whip up these flavorful tenders for any occasion.
Perfect for All Ages: Whether it’s kids enjoying a milder version or adults craving heat, buffalo chicken tenders cater to everyone’s taste.

Buffalo chicken tenders aren’t just delicious—they’re an irresistible, quick meal that brings joy to every table!

Buffalo Chicken Tenders on a plate and on a serving platter

Recipe FAQ

How spicy are these buffalo chicken tenders?
These buffalo chicken tenders pack medium heat, perfect for those who enjoy a little spice without overwhelming their taste buds.

Can I bake these buffalo chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F for twenty to twenty-five minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.

How long does it take to make buffalo chicken tenders?
This recipe takes about thirty minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and easy meal option.

Do I need to marinate the chicken before cooking?
No marinating is required for this recipe. The buffalo sauce adds plenty of flavor right after cooking.

Serving FAQ

How many tenders should I serve per person?
Plan to serve three to four tenders per person, depending on their appetite and the occasion.

Can I make buffalo chicken tenders for a large crowd?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for a crowd! You can easily double or triple the ingredients for larger groups.

Are buffalo chicken tenders good for kids?
Kids love these tenders! If needed, adjust the spice level by using a milder sauce to suit their taste.

Can I serve buffalo chicken tenders at a party?
Absolutely! Tenders always a hit at parties and make for a fun, finger-food option.

Storage FAQ

Follow the tips and tricks below for optimal storage of your buffalo chicken tenders. From making them ahead to reheating, we’ve got everything covered to keep your tenders fresh and tasty!

Can I make buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders in advance. Store them in the fridge before reheating for up to a day.

What’s the best way to store leftover buffalo chicken tenders?
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to two days.

Can I freeze buffalo chicken tenders?
Yes, freeze cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to one month to enjoy them later.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen buffalo chicken tenders?
Thaw the tenders overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in the oven at 350°F until they are hot.

Can I reheat buffalo chicken tenders in the microwave?
Yes, you can microwave the tenders in thirty-second increments. Be sure not to overcook them while reheating.

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