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

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

Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders are chicken strips coated in a crunchy panko crust, air-fried to golden perfection, then doused in tangy buffalo sauce for a flavor-packed kick. Whether you're hosting a party, craving a spicy treat, or simply seeking a quick and delicious meal. These buffalo chicken tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you coming back for more.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Buffalo Nuggets, Buffalo Tenders, Oven-Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Servings: servings

Calories: 753kcal

Ingredients

Chicken:

2 lbs Chicken Tenderloins

Dredge First Bowl:

½ Cup Flour

Dredge Second Bowl:

4 Eggs (beaten)
2 Tbsp Hot Sauce

Dredge Third Bowl:

1 Cup Flour
1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
1 Tsp Onion Powder
1 Tsp Smoked Paprika
1 Tsp Garlic Powder
½ Tsp Salt

Buffalo Sauce:

8 Tbsp Unsalted Butter (melted)
1 Cup Hot Sauce
½ Tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare Dredging Stations:

First Bowl: Place ½ cup flour.
Second Bowl: Beat 4 eggs and mix with 2 tbsp hot sauce.
Third Bowl: Combine 1 cup flour, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt.
Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the first bowl (flour), shaking off any excess. Dip into the second bowl (egg and hot sauce mixture), letting any excess drip off. Coat in the third bowl (flour, panko, and seasoning mixture), pressing lightly to adhere.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken is baking, melt 8 tbsp butter and combine with 1 cup hot sauce and ½ tsp garlic powder in a bowl.
Coat with Sauce: After baking, toss the hot chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side.

Air Fryer Method:

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Prepare Dredging Stations: Follow the same steps for setting up the dredging stations as the oven method.
Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the first bowl (flour), shaking off any excess. Dip into the second bowl (egg and hot sauce mixture), letting any excess drip off. Coat in the third bowl (flour, panko, and seasoning mixture), pressing lightly to adhere.
Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding.
Air Fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, melt 8 tbsp butter and combine with 1 cup hot sauce and ½ tsp garlic powder in a bowl.
Coat with Sauce: After air frying, toss the hot chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side.

Nutrition