Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Set out two clean plates. Line one with paper towels. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and water together.
- Dredge the chicken tenders in the flour, dip them into the egg mixture, then dip them in the flour again, being sure to coat them completely. Use a fork or your fingers to press the flour into the tenders. Set the tenders aside on a plate.
- Pour about 2 inches of oil into a large frying pan set over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F.
- Once heated, fry the tenders, a few at a time, in the oil until golden brown and crispy, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to the towel-lined plate. Set aside.
- Heat the butter and Buffalo sauce in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Pour the sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat.
- Serve the tenders with ranch or blue cheese dressing and blue cheese.
Notes
- Tip 1: To make these tenders even spicier, add ⅛ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to the flour with the other spices.
- Tip 2: Let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before frying. This helps the flour stick better and creates a crispier crust.
- Tip 3: Use a deep-frying thermometer to check the temperature of the oil. Maintain a temperature of 350°F throughout the frying process.
- Tip 4: Fry in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady and the tenders get evenly golden.
- Tip 5: The chicken tenders are cooked when they are 165°F internally.
- Tip 6: Place fried tenders on a wire rack (over paper towels) instead of directly on paper towels. This keeps them crispy instead of soggy.
- Tip 7: Adjust the butter in the Buffalo sauce to control spice and richness. More butter = milder, creamier flavor.
- Tip 8: Warm leftover tenders in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 6-8 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Tip 9: Nutritional information does not include optional ingredients.
- Tip 10: Baking Instructions: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the spices to breadcrumbs instead of flour. Dredge the chicken from the egg into the breadcrumbs and lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is 165°F internally. Toss with the sauce before serving.
- Tip 11: Air Fryer Instructions: Set your air fryer to 400°F. Follow the recipe and lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray. Cook the tenders for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is 165°F internally. Toss with the sauce before serving.