Craving those crispy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying Buffalo Wild Wings chicken tenders? Forget the takeout! This recipe lets you recreate that legendary flavor in your own kitchen, saving you money and offering a healthier alternative. Get ready for a quick, easy, and incredibly delicious homemade meal – perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun game-day feast. This recipe is your ticket to easy recipes and healthy meals, all while delivering that delicious dish you crave.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the Buffalo Sauce:
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup Frank's RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
Preparing the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick tenders. This ensures even cooking and a perfectly crispy exterior.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is your breading station.
Breading and Frying:
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Dredge the buttermilk-coated tenders in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breading. Repeat for extra crispy tenders.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken tenders in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Making the Buffalo Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the melted butter, Frank's RedHot sauce, white vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the hot sauce amount to your desired level of spiciness.
Combining and Serving:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Toss the chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as celery sticks, carrots, ranch dressing, or blue cheese dressing.
Tips for the Best Results:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy tenders. Fry in batches for perfectly crispy results.
- Use a meat thermometer: This guarantees the chicken is cooked thoroughly and safely.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to add more or less hot sauce to the buffalo sauce, depending on your preference. You can also experiment with different hot sauces for unique flavor profiles.
- Double the recipe: These tenders are a crowd-pleaser, so consider doubling the recipe for larger gatherings.
Variations:
- Honey Garlic Buffalo: Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the buffalo sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Spicy Ranch: Mix your favorite ranch dressing with a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a dipping sauce with a spicy twist.
- Parmesan Crusted: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the flour mixture for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per tender, approximate):
This information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 8-12g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Enjoy your homemade Buffalo Wild Wings chicken tenders! This easy recipe is a guaranteed winner for delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for any occasion. Making homemade cooking enjoyable is all about easy recipes and healthy meals, and this one delivers on all fronts.