1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
In the first dish, place the flour.
In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
Dip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Place breaded chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Fry the Chicken:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C). Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
Simmer for a few minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.
5. Toss the Tenders:
Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve with celery and carrot sticks, along with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are bursting with flavor and offer a perfect balance of heat and crispiness. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and dive into these spicy, crispy delights!
