Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe
Introduction
Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful meal perfect for game day or a weeknight dinner. These tender, juicy chicken pieces are coated in a zesty ranch seasoning and tossed in a rich buffalo sauce for a spicy kick without any breading.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (about 1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the chicken tenderloins, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the ranch seasoning in a bowl. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the skillet. Cook without stirring or flipping for 2 minutes.
- Step 3: Flip the chicken pieces, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Step 4: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a moment.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and hot pepper sauce to create the buffalo sauce. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
- Step 6: Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until they are evenly coated.
- Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce.
- Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo experience.
- To make it milder, reduce the amount of hot pepper sauce or substitute with a milder wing sauce.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins are unavailable.
Storage
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying them out. Buffalo chicken leftovers can also be added to salads or wraps for quick meals.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and food safety.
How spicy is this buffalo sauce?
The sauce is moderately spicy, thanks to the hot pepper sauce, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce or by choosing a milder version.
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Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a zesty ranch seasoning and tossed in a rich, buttery buffalo sauce. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main dish, these no-breaded tenders combine spicy hot sauce with creamy butter for a classic buffalo flavor, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Buffalo Sauce
- 1/2 cup hot pepper sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter (melted)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (to taste)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Combine the chicken tenderloins, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the ranch seasoning in a bowl. Toss thoroughly until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, lay the chicken tenders in a single layer without crowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a sear.
- Finish Cooking Covered: Flip the chicken pieces, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the skillet and set them aside to rest. Resting helps retain juices and ensures tender bites.
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and hot pepper sauce. Allow the sauce to cool slightly so it thickens just a bit before tossing.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken tenders to the bowl with the buffalo sauce and toss well until each piece is fully coated with the rich, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the sauced chicken tenders. Serve warm and enjoy this spicy and savory dish!
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity to suit your preferred spice level.
- For a creamier alternative, serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
- To keep tenders crispy, do not overcrowd the pan when cooking.
- Butter can be substituted with margarine for a dairy-free option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Buffalo chicken tenders, spicy chicken, boneless chicken recipe, no breading chicken, quick dinner recipe, buffalo sauce chicken
