Buffalo Chicken Tenders | Spicy Chicken Strips

Spice up your dinner routine with these irresistibly crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Tenders! This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering dish with just the right kick of heat and a perfect crunch. Dive into the ultimate combination of ease and flavor with this foolproof method.

Why You'll Love This Spicy Bite

• Quick. Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Effortless. Minimal preparation for a no-fuss cooking experience.
• Incredibly Tasty. The spicy buffalo sauce combined with the tender juiciness of the chicken is a match made in heaven.

With the magic of the air fryer, you'll achieve that desirable crispy coating without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice taste.

What Is The Difference Between Chicken Strips And Chicken Tenders?

The terms "chicken strips" and "chicken tenders" often cause some confusion, but they refer to slightly different things:

• Chicken Tenders- These are made from the actual tenderloin part of the chicken breast, which is a specific, elongated muscle situated underneath the breast meat. Chicken tenders are naturally tender and cook quickly because they are a softer, leaner section of the chicken. They are sometimes referred to as "chicken tenderloins" and are considered a prime part of the chicken.
• Chicken Strips- These can be made from either the chicken breast or other parts of the chicken, sliced into long, thin strips. Chicken strips might not always be from the tenderloin part and can vary in texture and flavor depending on which part of the chicken they are cut from. When made from breast meat that is not the tenderloin, they may require a little more culinary effort (like marinating or tenderizing) to ensure they're not too tough when cooked.

While both are popular for frying and making quick meals like stir-fries or breaded and baked dishes, chicken tenders generally have a reputation for being slightly more premium due to their tenderness and being part of the breast.

Ingredients You'll Need

For The Chicken

• Chicken Tenders- The main protein of the dish.
• Buffalo Sauce- This sauce provides the distinctive tangy, spicy flavor typical of Buffalo chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour- Used to create the initial coating on the chicken tenders.
• Egg- The beaten egg acts as a binder, helping the flour coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder- Adds a savory depth to the flour mixture, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the chicken tenders.
• Paprika- Paprika not only adds subtle earthiness and sweetness to the coating but also gives the chicken a vibrant, appealing color.
• Salt- Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and the spices in the flour mixture.
• Black Pepper- Adds a slight heat and sharpness, complementing the other flavors.
• Olive Oil- Helps in crisping up the exterior and prevents the tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket.

For The Sauce

• Hot Sauce- Forms the base of the Buffalo sauce, providing the heat.
• Butter- Adds richness and mellows out the heat of the hot sauce, creating a balanced, smooth sauce.
• Vinegar- Adds a tangy note to the Buffalo sauce, enhancing its complexity.
• Worcestershire Sauce- Introduces an additional layer of savory umami flavor to the sauce, making it more robust.
• Garlic Powder- Complements the heat with a subtle garlic flavor, rounding out the taste of the Buffalo sauce.

How To Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders

1. Prep the Chicken. Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
2. Make the Flour Mixture. In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip the Tenders. Dip each chicken tender first in the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. This double coating will ensure a crispier finish.
4. Air Fry. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Spray the chicken tenders with olive oil. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165F.
5. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce. If making your own sauce, combine the hot sauce, melted butter, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of garlic powder in a bowl. Stir until well combined. If using store-bought, gently heat it up in a saucepan or in the microwave until warm.
6. Toss with Sauce. Once the chicken tenders are cooked and still hot, toss them in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated.
7. Serve. Serve your buffalo chicken tenders hot. They go perfectly with a side of celery sticks, carrot sticks, and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips and Tricks

Making delicious Buffalo chicken tenders involves more than just the right ingredients; it’s about technique and a few kitchen tricks to ensure they turn out flavorful and satisfying. Here’s a comprehensive guide to perfecting them:

• Select the Right Cut. Use actual chicken tenders (the tenderloin of the chicken breast) for the best results. They’re naturally tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for a quick and juicy dish.
• Don’t Overcook. Chicken tenders are thin and cook quickly; overcooking will dry them out. Keep an eye on their internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F.

Variations

Buffalo chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary needs. Here are some creative variations on the classic:

• BBQ Buffalo Tenders- Mix some BBQ sauce into your Buffalo sauce for a smoky, sweet, and spicy combination.
• Honey Garlic Buffalo Tenders- Add honey and minced garlic to the Buffalo sauce to create a sweet and savory flavor profile.
• Teriyaki Buffalo Tenders- Incorporate some teriyaki sauce into the Buffalo sauce for an Asian twist.

What To Eat With Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides and dips. Here are some great options:

• Classic Celery and Carrot Sticks- Provide a crunchy, cool contrast to the heat.
• Coleslaw- Adds a creamy and tangy element to balance the spiciness.
• Sweet Potato Fries- A sweet side that complements the tender's heat beautifully.
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes- A quick and easy side dish that the whole family will love.

How Long Do They Last?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore the crispy texture before serving.

Can You Freeze Them?

Absolutely! Freeze the cooked and cooled chicken tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from frozen in the air fryer, making them a convenient meal prep option.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Firecracker Chicken
• Instant Pot Chicken Biryani
• Keto Sesame Ginger Chicken
• Chicken Korma
• Grilled Chicken Wraps
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Honey Mustard Chicken

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