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Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food — crispy, spicy, and perfect for anyone on a student budget. Hi there, dear reader of College Meal Saver! My name is Larrouy Kary, I’m a professional chef based in Austin, Texas — but more importantly, I’m passionate about sharing simple, affordable recipes that make you feel good without breaking the bank. Today, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to make the best homemade Buffalo Chicken Tenders.

If you’re looking for the ultimate buffalo chicken tenders recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This homemade version gives you perfectly crispy, juicy tenders tossed in a spicy, buttery Buffalo sauce. Easy to make and budget-friendly, it’s the ideal dish for game nights, family dinners, or satisfying solo meals.

Why Choose Buffalo Chicken Tenders?

The main keyword here is Buffalo Chicken Tenders — and for good reason! This dish is wildly popular in the U.S., loved for its perfect balance of tenderness and heat. Inspired by the famous Buffalo chicken wings, these tenders are easier to eat (no bones!) and perfect for game nights, casual dinners with friends, or just a self-care treat after a long day.

Back when I was a college student, I often craved something comforting but couldn’t afford restaurant prices. That’s when I learned to make my own tenders at home, using just a few simple ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

When I think back to my student days, I remember how tough it was to find meals that were comforting, easy, and affordable. Buffalo Chicken Tenders checked all those boxes for me: quick to make, low-cost, and guaranteed to make you (and your friends) happy.

And you know what? Even today, as a professional chef, I still go back to this recipe. Because sometimes, you don’t need anything fancy to feel satisfied — just good ingredients, a little care, and a spicy, buttery sauce!

Homemade Buffalo Chicken

Making homemade buffalo chicken is easier (and cheaper) than you might think. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen tools, you can recreate restaurant-quality tenders at home. Plus, you control the spice level and the crispiness making it just the way you love.

Simple (and Cheap) Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for about 4 servings:

• 1 lb (500 g) chicken tenders or breast strips
• 1 cup (120 g) flour
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup (100 g) breadcrumbs or panko
• Salt, pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Oil for frying (or bake for a lighter version)
• ½ cup (100 ml) Buffalo sauce (or hot sauce + melted butter)
• 1 tablespoon butter

You can easily find all these ingredients at any grocery store — and you might already have some at home!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1️⃣ Prep the chicken: Cut chicken into strips about 1 inch wide. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

2️⃣ Set up three bowls:

• One with flour.
• One with beaten eggs.
• One with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika.

3️⃣ Coat the tenders: Dredge each chicken strip in flour, then dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Press lightly so the coating sticks.

4️⃣ Cook:

• To fry: Heat oil to 350°F (170°C) and fry tenders for 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
• To bake: Place tenders on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

5️⃣ Make the sauce: Heat Buffalo sauce with butter in a small saucepan until smooth.

6️⃣ Toss or dip: Drizzle the sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping your choice!

Crispy Buffalo Tenders

For irresistibly crispy buffalo tenders, use panko breadcrumbs or mix crushed cornflakes into your coating. This gives the tenders an extra crunch that makes them stand out. Whether fried, baked, or cooked in the air fryer, this trick ensures a golden, crispy finish every time.

Tips for Perfect Buffalo Chicken Tenders

🌶 Adjust the heat: Not everyone likes it super spicy. Taste your Buffalo sauce first and mellow it out with a bit of honey or ketchup if needed.

💸 Save money: Buy chicken when it’s on sale or substitute with thinly sliced chicken breast. You can also make homemade breadcrumbs from toasted old bread.

🍽 Serve smart: Pair your tenders with carrot and celery sticks, a bit of ranch dressing, or even oven fries. Simple, satisfying, and budget-friendly!

For an original twist, serve your tenders with my super easy 3-Ingredient Tartar Sauce.

Why You Should Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders at Home

Buffalo Chicken Tenders are not just a dish — they’re a fun, flavorful adventure you can enjoy in your own kitchen. With this recipe, you have everything you need to make crispy, spicy chicken tenders without spending too much money or time. I hope this guide inspires you to get cooking, experiment a little, and discover how rewarding home-cooked meals can be.

And remember: no one’s perfect in the kitchen, and that’s part of the fun. If you ever want to share your own tips or ask for new ideas, I’m always here to chat. Because at the end of the day, cooking is something we do together.

FAQ About Buffalo Chicken Tenders