Buffalo Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Professional Guide

Introduction

Buffalo chicken tenders are a quintessential American snack, combining tender chicken with the bold flavors of buffalo sauce. This recipe offers a detailed step-by-step guide to creating these irresistible treats in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for sweetness)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated. Set aside on a plate.

1. Heat the Oil:

• In a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).

1. Fry the Chicken:

• Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

1. Make the Buffalo Sauce:

• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce and honey (if using), mixing until well combined and heated through. Adjust the heat according to your spice preference.

1. Coat the Chicken:

• Once fried, remove the chicken tenders from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
• While still hot, toss the chicken tenders in the prepared buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

1. Serve:

• Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Tips:

• Crispy Coating: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior on the chicken tenders.
• Sauce Adjustment: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and butter in the buffalo sauce to suit your taste preferences.
• Dipping Sauce: Blue cheese or ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the spicy buffalo flavor of the chicken tenders.

Conclusion:

Enjoy these homemade buffalo chicken tenders as a delicious appetizer or snack. Perfect for game days, parties, or any occasion where you want to serve a crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor.

This comprehensive recipe provides a professional approach to recreating restaurant-quality buffalo chicken tenders at home, ensuring each bite is crispy, spicy, and utterly satisfying.