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Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Why Chicken Tenders Always Work

Chicken tenders are one of those rare foods that everyone agrees on. They’re easy to eat, quick to cook, and perfect for sharing—whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a full-on game day spread. Unlike wings, tenders are meatier, less messy, and easier to portion, which makes them ideal for feeding a crowd or serving alongside multiple sides.

Buffalo Flavor, Made Simple

Buffalo sauce brings that unmistakable tangy heat that people crave on game day. It’s bold without being complicated and pairs beautifully with chicken. Baking the tenders instead of frying keeps them juicy while cutting down on oil and cleanup, making this recipe approachable and repeatable. A light layer of melted mozzarella adds just enough creaminess to balance the heat without overpowering the sauce.

Perfect for Game Day or Anytime

These baked buffalo chicken tenders are made to fit any occasion. Serve them as a game day appetizer with dipping sauces, or turn them into an easy lunch or dinner with classic sides like mashed potatoes, peas, coleslaw, or a simple salad. They reheat well, scale easily, and deliver big flavor with minimal effort—exactly the kind of recipe people come back to again and again.

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Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Easy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Juicy baked buffalo chicken tenders coated in tangy sauce and finished with melted mozzarella for an easy, no-fry lunch or dinner.

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min
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Ingredients

Homemade Buffalo Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g. Frank’s RedHot–style)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey
Tenders:
  • 2 pounds chicken tenders
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Buffalo Sauce
  1. Add all ingredients to a small saucepan over low heat.
  2. Whisk gently until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth.
  3. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Use immediately or cool and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Chicken Tenders
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease or line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Squeeze lemon juice over the chicken and toss gently. This helps neutralize any raw chicken smell and brightens the flavor.
  3. Add thyme, parsley, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Toss until the tenders are evenly coated.
  4. Transfer the chicken to a deep baking dish. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders, turning to coat evenly. Let sit for 10 minutes to absorb flavor.
  5. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven, sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the tenders, and return to the oven. Bake for another 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  7. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, or your favorite sides.

Notes

Optional Game Day Tips

  • Double the recipe easily for parties
  • Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking
  • Add crushed red pepper or hot honey for extra heat


Nutrition Facts

Calories

420

Fat (grams)

18 g

Carbs (grams)

8 g

Sugar (grams)

3 g

Protein (grams)

45 g

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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How to Make These Buffalo Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

If you’d rather skip the oven, these buffalo chicken tenders adapt easily to the air fryer with minimal changes.

After seasoning the chicken and coating it in buffalo sauce, preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the tenders in a single layer, working in batches if needed. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6–8 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the tenders and return them to the air fryer for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese melts. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.

Buffalo Sauce Variations

One of the best things about buffalo chicken is how easy it is to customize the heat level.

  • Mild: Use less hot sauce and add a little extra butter or a drizzle of honey to soften the heat.

  • Classic: Stick with a traditional buffalo sauce for a balanced tangy, buttery flavor.

  • Extra Hot: Add cayenne pepper or use a hotter pepper sauce for more kick.

These variations make it easy to adjust the recipe for different crowds or spice preferences on game day.

Make-Ahead and Reheat Tips

These buffalo chicken tenders are great for entertaining because much of the prep can be done ahead.

You can season the chicken and toss it in buffalo sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and bake or air fry just before serving.

To reheat, warm the tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes or in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can soften the texture.

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