Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Bold, spicy, and perfectly crispy on the outside with a tender, juicy interior, these Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful appetizer to serve at your next party, these baked chicken tenders will hit the spot. Paired with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or blue cheese, these tenders are the ultimate in comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Buffalo Chicken Tenders offer the perfect balance of heat and crunch. The Cheez-It crust adds a unique, cheesy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the spicy hot sauce. Baked to golden perfection, they’re healthier than fried tenders, but still incredibly crispy. Plus, they’re super easy to make, requiring minimal prep and just 20-25 minutes in the oven. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a fun appetizer, they’re sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 2 cups hot and spicy Cheez-It crackers, crushed

• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese

• ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• 2 ½ pounds chicken tenders

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a wire cooling rack on a baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. If you don’t have a cooling rack, simply spray the baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Crush the Cheez-Its: Place the Cheez-Its in a Ziploc freezer bag and crush them (you’ll need about 2 cups of crushed crackers). Alternatively, pulse them in a food processor until crushed, but be careful not to over-process.

3. Make the coating: In a large bowl, combine the crushed Cheez-Its, grated parmesan cheese, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder, and salt.

4. Prepare the butter mixture: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and hot sauce until well combined.

5. Coat the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Brush a thin layer of mayonnaise over each chicken tender to ensure they’re evenly coated. This helps the coating stick better.

6. Bread the chicken: Dredge the mayo-coated tenders in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to make sure the coating sticks well.

7. Bake the tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the cooling rack (or directly on the baking sheet). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

8. Serve: Serve the tenders hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, or with extra buffalo sauce if you like it spicier!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings (3 tenders per serving)

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce to the breading mixture for more heat. You can also use a spicier hot sauce for a real kick!

• Cheese Options: For a different cheesy flavor, swap the parmesan for grated cheddar or a Mexican cheese blend.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and gluten-free mayonnaise to make this recipe gluten-free.

• Air Fryer Option: You can air fry the breaded chicken tenders at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, for an even crispier result.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5-10 minutes to crisp them up. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

FAQs

Can I fry these Buffalo Chicken Tenders instead of baking them?

Yes, you can! Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry the breaded chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.

How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the tender.

Can I use regular Cheez-Its instead of hot and spicy?

Yes, you can use regular Cheez-Its if you prefer less heat, but the spicy version adds an extra layer of flavor to the tenders.

Can I make the chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken tenders, coat them, and store them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. When ready, simply bake them as directed.

Can I make these tenders spicier?

If you like your tenders extra spicy, increase the amount of hot sauce in the butter mixture, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for an added kick.

Conclusion

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to fried tenders. Coated in a spicy, cheesy mixture and baked to perfection, they’re perfect for any occasion, whether as a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy a bite of pure comfort!