Juicy, tender chicken baked to perfection and tossed in a fiery buffalo sauce – what's not to love? This recipe for baked buffalo chicken tenderloins is a healthier, easier alternative to frying, delivering all the flavor with less mess and fewer calories. Perfect for game day, a casual weeknight dinner, or even a satisfying lunch, these tenderloins are sure to become a family favorite. We'll cover everything from prepping the chicken to achieving that perfect crispy exterior, ensuring your baked buffalo chicken tenderloins are restaurant-quality delicious.
What Makes This Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenderloin Recipe the Best?
This recipe stands out because it focuses on achieving maximum flavor and texture without resorting to deep frying. We achieve that crispy, satisfying exterior through a clever breading technique and a baking process that promotes even browning and juicy interiors. The recipe is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adjust the spice level to your preference and serve it with a variety of sides.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin in the seasoned flour, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the panko bread crumbs. Make sure each tenderloin is evenly coated.
- Bake the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken tenderloins on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken is still warm, toss it gently in the buffalo wing sauce and melted butter. This ensures the sauce adheres nicely to the chicken.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as celery sticks, carrots, blue cheese dressing, ranch dressing, or a side salad.
How Long Do Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins Take to Cook?
The cooking time for baked buffalo chicken tenderloins depends on the thickness of the chicken and your oven's temperature. Generally, it takes around 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Can I Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins Ahead of Time?
You can certainly prep the chicken ahead of time! Bread the chicken tenderloins and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This will save you time on busy weeknights. However, it's best to bake and toss them in the buffalo sauce just before serving to maintain the crispiness of the breading.
What Sides Go Well with Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenderloins?
The possibilities are endless! Classic pairings include celery sticks and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them with fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. The spiciness of the buffalo chicken also pairs well with creamy sides to balance the flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Crispy Buffalo Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: This ensures even cooking and prevents steaming, which can make the breading soggy.
- Use Panko bread crumbs: Panko's larger, coarser texture creates a wonderfully crispy crust.
- Flip halfway through: This ensures even browning and cooking on both sides.
- Don't overbake: Overbaking will dry out the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
This recipe for baked buffalo chicken tenderloins provides a delicious and satisfying meal that's healthier and easier than deep-fried alternatives. Enjoy!
