These straightforward, 5-ingredient Buffalo Chicken Tenders are perfect for satisfying your appetite for wings in a healthier and quicker way. Skip the breading and whip up these ranch-seasoned, skillet-cooked chicken tenderloin strips that can be ready in just 15 minutes. When paired with a quick buffalo sauce, each bite captures that beloved, classic wing flavor. Whether served as an appetizer, a snack, or a family meal, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone!
Buffalo Chicken Tenders – The EASY Way!
Buffalo chicken is a dish loved by many! Everyone enjoys those classic wings from restaurants, but making that zesty, spicy flavor at home is surprisingly simple. There’s no need for a deep fryer when you have a fast buffalo chicken tender recipe available!
Cooking boneless chicken tenderloins without breading in a skillet provides a lighter option compared to traditional deep-fried wings. Plus, they come together quickly, in about 15 minutes!
This recipe works well as a family-friendly dinner, a crowd-pleaser for appetizers, or a snack for the hungry friends your kids bring home. No matter how you present it, it’s bound to be a favorite. BONUS – it easily fits into gluten-free, low-carb, or keto diets.
Why I LOVE this recipe
- Quick – You can have these on your table in just 15 minutes, including prep time!
- Easy – With only 5 ingredients needed, there’s no chopping involved!
- Versatile – Great as a main dish for dinner or as part of a selection of appetizers.
- Nutritious – Lean, skillet-cooked tenderloin strips allow you and your family to indulge in buffalo chicken without the guilt.
- One Pan – Minimal prep with fewer dishes to wash, and just one skillet to clean up!
What to Serve with Homemade Buffalo Chicken Tenders
This dish captures the classic tangy and spicy essence of buffalo chicken, making it an excellent companion for many traditional sides. You can choose from classic pairings or opt for lighter options.
By offering two or three additional quick appetizers, you’ll create a grazing table that is impossible to resist. Alternatively, you can pair them with vegetable sides or salads for a wholesome family meal.
Appetizer Ideas
- Carrots, Celery, and Homemade Ranch dressing or Chunky Blue Cheese Dressing – What’s more classic than crisp veggie sticks with dipping sauces alongside buffalo chicken tenders?
- Million Dollar Dip – A delicious 5-ingredient recipe that requires NO COOKING. Those carrot and celery sticks can double as dippers for this dip too!
- Baked Potato Wedges – These oven-roasted wedges are incredibly easy, crispy, and will surely be devoured in no time.
- Black Bean and Corn Salsa – The refreshing flavors will offer a pleasant contrast, rounding out your appetizer spread nicely.
Side Dish Ideas
If you opt to make this your main course, these side dishes can complement your plate perfectly alongside the Buffalo Chicken Tenders.
- Oven Roasted Green Beans – This nutritious side can roast in the oven while you make your buffalo chicken tenders.
- Oven Roasted Garlic Vegetables – Simply gather your favorite veggies on a baking sheet and let them roast to perfection.
- Rotini Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad pairs well with the spiciness of buffalo chicken. You can even prepare it ahead of time for ease.
- Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – This healthy and refreshing salad will appeal to kids, providing a flavorful twist on traditional veggies.
- Ranch Smashed Potatoes – For a side dish destined to disappear, these are a must-try. They’re worth the effort if you have the time.
Select one or add multiple sides to create a balanced and wholesome dinner.
Dipping Sauces
Buffalo Chicken Tenders truly excel when paired with the right dipping sauce! Our favorites are always a creamy dressing to enhance the flavor!
Recipe Notes
This buffalo chicken tenders recipe lives up to its promise! Just 15 minutes, 5 ingredients, and one pan make it perfect for families. If you love easy recipes, you’ll also want to check out my other chicken tender variations – oven-baked chicken tenders without breading, lemon pepper chicken tenders, and ranch chicken tenders.
In this section, I’ll share a few tips and tricks I recommend to help you achieve the most flavorful results with this recipe.
Be sure to scroll down for the COMPLETE recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
Recipe Step by Step
I will emphasize some key steps in the recipe, but don’t miss the recipe card for detailed instructions on making Buffalo Chicken Tenders without breading.
Recipe Tips
- Use a large skillet – A spacious pan is essential for achieving that beautiful, flavorful browning on the chicken tenders. Overcrowding can cause steaming which we want to avoid! If your pan isn’t big enough, it’s better to cook in batches.
- Preheat your skillet – Getting your pan and oil hot before adding the chicken is critical for perfect browning. Start your skillet on medium-high heat to get ready.
- Don’t disturb the chicken – Allow the pan to work its magic without lifting, moving, or checking on the tenders. Leave them alone for a full 2 minutes!
- Cover to finish – After flipping the chicken, it will continue to cook on the other side. Covering the pan and lowering the heat helps ensure thorough cooking without burning the exterior.
- Don’t overcook the chicken – Overcooked chicken can be a letdown. Because chicken tenders cook quickly, it’s important to keep an eye on them. After flipping, they typically need an additional 3-4 minutes to reach the preferred temperature of 165°F. A meat thermometer can help ensure your buffalo chicken tenders are perfectly juicy.
- Adjust the spiciness – You can customize the heat level of these Buffalo Chicken Tenders to fit your preference by choosing a hot sauce that matches your taste, or by varying the hot sauce to butter ratio.
- Let the sauce cool – For a thicker coating of buffalo sauce on…
To enhance your chicken tenders, let the sauce cool after mixing. Initially, when you combine melted butter with hot sauce, the mixture will be rather runny. However, as it cools, the sauce will begin to thicken. After allowing it to rest for a short while, coat the chicken with the cooled sauce for an ideal buffalo chicken flavor.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you’re pressed for time but still wish to whip up this dish, consider these helpful tips to streamline your cooking!
- Store-bought sauce – Opt for a pre-made buffalo hot sauce and directly apply it to your chicken, eliminating the need for melting butter.
- Make the sauce ahead – You might also blend the hot sauce beforehand and store it in the refrigerator for up to one week for convenience.
Recipe Variations
- Try different cuts: Thighs, Breasts, or Nuggets – If you’re in the mood for a different cut of chicken, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Boneless, skinless thighs or breasts cut into thinner pieces will cook fairly quickly in a skillet, but might require an additional 2-4 minutes on each side. Alternatively, you can cut them into smaller nugget-sized pieces and prepare them just like my ranch chicken bites before coating with the sauce.
- Breaded Tenders – If a crispy coating is what you crave, feel free to do so! Coat each tender in flour and beaten eggs, then press them into ranch-seasoned breadcrumbs. Bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes before adding the sauce. For more details, refer to my classic baked chicken tenders recipe.
- Increase the heat – If your family enjoys a bit of spice, don’t shy away! Add in a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the ranch seasoning for an added kick.
Freezer Meal Instructions
Buffalo ranch chicken tenders can be prepared as a freezer meal, ideal for a hectic night or to deliver a nourishing dish to a friend in need.
- Follow the recipe instructions to prepare the chicken, then allow it to cool completely.
- Combine the butter and hot sauce and let it cool.
- Store the chicken tenders and buffalo sauce in separate freezer bags or freezer-safe containers.
- Place them in the freezer.
- When you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce separately, either in the microwave or on the stovetop, then mix them together.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders Leftovers
If you end up with leftovers after whipping up these homemade buffalo chicken tenders, you’re in for a delight! They store and reheat well and can be the base for another delicious meal.
To store leftovers, divide them into meal-sized portions, place them in an airtight container, and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer for up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are some innovative ideas to transform those leftovers into something delightful:
- Buffalo Chicken Salad – Use the tenders on a salad in a variety of ways! Chop the tenders and place them over mixed greens, adding your favorite toppings such as tomatoes, cheddar cheese, blue cheese crumbles, green onions, peppers, or avocado. Drizzle with blue cheese or ranch dressing. Alternatively, create a spicy chicken cobb salad!
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders – Layer leftover tenders on slider buns with melted jack or cheddar cheese, fresh lettuce, and a splash of ranch dressing before serving.
- Buffalo Chicken Wraps – Spread a large tortilla and fill it with reheated tenders, lettuce, avocado, sliced tomato, and either blue cheese or shredded cheddar. Drizzle ranch over it all before wrapping it up.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza – Take a pre-made pizza crust and spread a thin layer of ranch dressing over it. Add chopped leftover buffalo chicken tenders, then sprinkle shredded jack and cheddar cheeses. Bake according to crust instructions and finish with green onions and an additional drizzle of ranch or buffalo sauce, if desired.
More Easy Chicken Recipes
Take a look through all my easy chicken recipes here, or check out some of our readers’ favorites listed below.
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