Quick Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders: 30-Minute Meal

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Craving something spicy and satisfying, yet healthy and quick to prepare? Meet your new favorite dish: Quick Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders: 30-Minute Meal. Whether you’re gearing up for game day, need a speedy weeknight dinner, or want to indulge in a classic flavor combo without the guilt, these tenders have got you covered. So, preheat your oven, grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into this irresistible, quick-fix recipe that’s bound to make your taste buds dance with joy!

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

Chicken:

• 2 lbs Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, boneless cuts of chicken ideal for making tenders. These strips are perfect for coating and baking, providing a juicy and flavorful base for the buffalo tenders.

Dredge:

• ½ Cup All-Purpose Flour: A light coating of flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken and provides the initial layer for the crispy crust.
• 4 Eggs (beaten): Acts as a binding agent to help the flour and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken, ensuring a crispy outer layer.
• 2 Tbsp Hot Sauce: Adds a kick of flavor and spice to the egg wash, infusing the chicken with a subtle heat that complements the buffalo sauce.
• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Combined with the panko breadcrumbs, it forms a crispy coating that ensures a satisfying crunch.
• 1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a lighter, airier crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs, creating a crispier texture for the chicken tenders.
• 1 Tsp Onion Powder: Enhances the flavor of the breading with a mild, sweet onion taste.
• 1 Tsp Smoked Paprika: Adds a smoky depth of flavor and vibrant color to the coating, complementing the spicy buffalo sauce.
• 1 Tsp Garlic Powder: Infuses the breading with a rich garlic flavor, adding complexity and depth to the chicken tenders.
• 1/2 Tsp Salt: Seasoning that enhances the flavors of the coating, ensuring the chicken tenders are well-seasoned and flavorful.

Buffalo Sauce:

• 8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted): Provides a rich, buttery base for the buffalo sauce, helping to balance the heat and add a smooth, creamy texture.
• 1 Cup Hot Sauce: The main ingredient in buffalo sauce, it adds a tangy, spicy flavor that defines the dish. Choose your favorite hot sauce for the desired level of heat.
• ½ Tsp Garlic Powder: Enhances the buffalo sauce with a hint of garlic, adding depth and a savory note that complements the spice.

HOW TO PREPARE BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS?

FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

IS THE AIR FRYER A GOOD COOKING METHOD ALTERNATIVE?

The air fryer is a fantastic alternative for cooking Buffalo Chicken Tenders because it delivers a deliciously crispy texture with much less oil than traditional frying methods. This not only makes your tenders healthier but also reduces cooking time and cleanup. You get all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried tenders without the extra calories and mess. The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures even cooking, giving you perfectly golden tenders every time. For detailed instructions on how to prepare these tenders in the air fryer, check out the recipe card below.

BUFFALO CHICKEN RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS AND VARIATIONS:

• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free version, just swap the regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones. For an extra crunch, you can use crushed gluten-free cereal or rice crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy these tenders without worrying about gluten.
• Keto-Friendly Version: To make these tenders keto-friendly, use almond flour instead of regular flour and replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds. Mixing in some Parmesan cheese with the pork rinds adds even more flavor, giving you a tasty, low-carb option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: For a dairy-free option, replace the butter in the buffalo sauce with coconut oil or vegan butter. Make sure your hot sauce is dairy-free too, so the whole dish is safe for those who avoid dairy.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you prefer less heat, use a milder hot sauce or just reduce the amount you use. If you love it extra spicy, add a bit of cayenne pepper or go for a hotter sauce like sriracha. This way, you can make the tenders as mild or fiery as you like.
• Herb and Spice Flavor Twist: To mix things up, try adding different herbs and spices to the breading. Dried basil, thyme, or oregano can give the tenders a herby flavor, while a little lemon zest can add a fresh, citrusy twist.
• Panko Alternatives: If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or crushed crackers instead. For a healthier option, try using crushed oats or whole wheat breadcrumbs—they’ll still be crunchy and delicious.

WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS?

When you serve Buffalo Chicken Tenders, you can’t go wrong with sides that balance their spicy kick. Try creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping – they’re perfect for cooling things down. Add some crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing bite, or go for crispy French fries and sweet potato fries if you’re craving something hearty. A garden salad or some tangy coleslaw works great to lighten up the plate, while mac and cheese provides that cozy, cheesy comfort. To round things out, throw in soft dinner rolls or a bit of cornbread for a touch of sweetness, and maybe some dill pickles for a crisp, tangy side. These sides make your buffalo chicken tenders meal satisfying and delicious!

CAN OVEN-BAKED BUFFALO CHICKEN TENDERS BE PREPARED IN ADVANCE?

Absolutely! You can get the tenders ready in advance, making life a bit easier. Just bread the tenders, place them on a baking sheet, and cover them up. Stick them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This not only saves time but also helps the breading stick better. If you need to prep even earlier, freeze the breaded, uncooked tenders on a baking sheet until they’re solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them straight from the freezer, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you get delicious, crispy buffalo chicken tenders without any last-minute fuss!

HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER TENDERS FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?

To keep leftover Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders fresh for later, let them cool down first. Then, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. Pop them in the fridge where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warm and crispy. Or, you can use an air fryer for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back. This way, your leftover tenders will taste just as delicious as when you first made them!

CAN LEFTOVER BUFFALO TENDERS BE FROZEN AND REHEATED?

Yes, you can freeze leftover Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders to keep them fresh for longer. Let them cool completely first. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re solid. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay good in the freezer for about 2-3 months.

When you want to enjoy them again, you can bake them straight from frozen. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. This will make sure they’re heated through and crispy. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Freezing your leftover buffalo chicken tenders is a convenient way to have a tasty meal or snack ready whenever you need it!

LOOKING FOR MORE TASTY RECIPES? TRY THESE!

Air Fryer Parmesan Cubed Chicken Breast Bites: These bites are seasoned with a tantalizing blend of brown sugar, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for that extra kick. Once air-fried to golden perfection, these savory delights are generously sprinkled with savory Parmesan cheese, adding a delightful finishing touch to each irresistible bite

Crispy Air Fryer Marinated Chicken Thighs: Marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, and citrus, these juicy chicken thighs are coated in a crispy exterior that will satisfy your taste buds. With the magic of the air fryer, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy chicken thighs without the need for excess oil or frying.

Air Fryer Stuffed Buffalo Ranch Chicken Breasts:  Bursting with the bold tanginess of Frank’s RedHot sauce, the creamy richness of cream cheese, the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of pepper jack cheese, and the zesty kick of ranch seasoning, these chicken breasts are an absolute taste sensation.