Last Updated on 2025-11-27 by Team Ideas24 Contents These juicy Buffalo chicken tenders are a spicy baked dish that people of any age can enjoy! With homemade ranch dressing, these super easy baked chicken dippers make a great main dish for a weeknight dinner or tailgating party for finger foods with a healthy slant. Line baking dish or cookie sheet with aluminum foil, and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Coat chicken tenders thoroughly in a mixture of the flour (or panko breadcrumbs), cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Shake off excess flour or panko breadcrumbs.Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Instructions
Place chicken strips onto the prepared baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least one hour.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Whisk together the melted butter and hot sauce in a small bowl. Dip the chicken tenders into the butter mixture and place them back on the baking sheet.
Bake chicken tenders until they are no longer pink in the center, and golden brown on the outside. It should take about 45 minutes. Turn the chicken tenders over halfway during cooking so they cook evenly.
Serve immediately.Nutrition Information
Yield
10
Serving Size
1
Amount Per ServingCalories 200Total Fat 11gSodium 340mgCarbohydrates 4gProtein 19g
Tips For Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders Without Frying
Crispy Buffalo chicken tenders without deep frying are absolutely possible with a few smart tweaks. Focus on coating, oven setup, and timing to get perfectly juicy, crunchy chicken every time.
Pat The Chicken Dry First
Excess surface moisture steams the coating and makes it soggy. Pat each tender dry with paper towels before dipping into seasoned flour or crumbs. This simple step helps the crust cling and crisp.
Use A Well-Seasoned Coating
Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika into your flour or crumb mix. Seasoning the coating rather than only the sauce gives deeper flavor. It also means every bite stays tasty even without extra dip.
Double Coat For Extra Crunch
Dip the tenders in seasoned flour, then into egg or buttermilk, then back into the flour or crumbs. A second layer builds a thicker crust. This structure crisps up better in a hot oven.
Bake On A Wire Rack
Place the coated tenders on a greased wire rack set over a baking tray. Hot air can circulate under and around the chicken. That airflow helps the bottom crisp instead of turning soft in its own juices.
Use High Heat And Finish Under The Broiler
Bake in a properly preheated oven so the coating starts to set quickly. High heat helps evaporate moisture on the surface. A short blast under the broiler at the end can add extra color and crunch.
Rest The Tenders Before Tossing In Sauce
Let the baked tenders sit for a few minutes on the rack before tossing in Buffalo sauce. The crust firms up as steam escapes. You’ll keep more crunch even after coating with a wet, spicy sauce.
Dipping Sauces That Go With Buffalo Chicken Tenders
Great dipping sauces turn Buffalo chicken tenders into an experience. Mix creamy, tangy, and fresh options so everyone at the table finds something that cools, balances, or boosts the heat.
Classic Ranch Or Blue Cheese
Cool, creamy ranch is a natural match for Buffalo heat. Blue cheese dressing adds tang and a bit of funk that many Buffalo fans expect. Serve both in small bowls so guests can choose their camp.
Lighter Yogurt-Based Dips
Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice, garlic, and herbs creates a lighter, protein-rich dip. It still cools the palate without feeling heavy. Add a drizzle of honey if you want a gentle sweet note against the spice.
Sweet And Spicy Sauces
Honey mustard, maple Dijon, or a simple mix of hot sauce and honey work beautifully. The sweetness softens the burn while keeping the Buffalo flavor front and center. These sauces are great when you want bold flavor without overwhelming heat.
Fresh And Herby Dips
Blend sour cream or yogurt with fresh parsley, chives, or dill for a bright, green dip. Herbs cut through the richness of the chicken and butter in the Buffalo sauce. A squeeze of lemon or lime just before serving lifts everything.
Kid-Friendly Mild Dips
Offer ketchup, mild barbecue sauce, or a mix of mayo and ketchup for younger or spice-sensitive eaters. These familiar flavors make Buffalo chicken tenders more approachable. You still serve one main dish while catering to different heat tolerances.
Conclusion
Baked Buffalo chicken tenders give you pub style flavor with much less mess and oil. With a good coating, proper oven setup, and the right Buffalo sauce, each piece comes out juicy inside and crisp outside. You can adjust the heat level, serving ideas, and dips to suit family dinners, game days, or casual snacks. Once you understand these simple techniques, this recipe becomes a reliable go to for quick comfort food that still feels homemade and special.
FAQ: Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Can I Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders Ahead Of Time?
- Yes, you can prepare Buffalo chicken tenders ahead of time. Coat and bake them until just cooked through, then cool completely. Store them covered in the fridge. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer before tossing with fresh Buffalo sauce so the coating crisps again for serving or snacking.
- How Do I Keep Buffalo Chicken Tenders Crispy In The Oven?
- Use a hot, well preheated oven and a wire rack over a baking tray. Pat the chicken dry and double coat the tenders. Lightly oil the rack and tops. High heat and a brief broil at the end give you a crisp, golden finish for extra crunch and rich color.
- How Long Do Leftover Buffalo Chicken Tenders Last In The Fridge?
- Store leftover Buffalo chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge once they’ve cooled. They keep for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer. Avoid microwaving when possible because it softens the coating and reduces that satisfying crunch. Label the container clearly with the date.
- Can I Cook Buffalo Chicken Tenders In An Air Fryer?
- An air fryer is perfect for Buffalo chicken tenders. Arrange them in a single layer and cook at a high temperature, flipping once. The circulating hot air crisps the coating quickly. Toss the cooked tenders in warm Buffalo sauce right before serving so they stay crunchy before they hit plates.
- Are Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders A Healthier Option?
- Baked Buffalo chicken tenders can be lighter than traditional fried versions, especially when you use lean chicken breast and a moderate amount of oil or butter. They still offer satisfying flavor and texture. Pair them with vegetables, salad, or a yogurt based dip to keep the meal balanced for you.
