Introduction

These Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are a quick and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Without any breading, they cook up tender and juicy, then get coated in a spicy, buttery buffalo sauce that’s perfect for snacking or dinner.

Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe - Recipe Image

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 tenders, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the ranch seasoning in a bowl. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook the chicken for 2 minutes without stirring or flipping. Then flip each tender, 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 briefly while you prepare the sauce.
Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and hot pepper sauce to make the buffalo sauce. Let it cool slightly to thicken.
Step 6: Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce until fully coated.
Step 7: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use your favorite hot sauce if you prefer more or less heat.
For extra crispiness, sear the chicken a minute longer on each side before reducing heat.
Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo wing experience.
Substitute ranch seasoning with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs if you don’t have a packet on hand.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The sauce may thicken when refrigerated; stir in a small splash of water or butter when reheating to restore its consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips, but cook times may be slightly longer and be careful not to overcook to keep them tender.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level depends on the hot sauce you use. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce or choose a milder sauce to suit your taste.

Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading) Recipe

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4.9 from 146 reviews

This recipe for Saucy Buffalo Chicken Tenders offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender, juicy chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce without any breading. Perfect for a light dinner or game day snack, the chicken is cooked in a skillet for a crisp exterior and tossed in a buttery hot sauce, then garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 pounds chicken tenderloins
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (1 packet)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Buffalo Sauce

1/2 cup hot pepper sauce
3 tablespoons butter (melted)

Garnish

Chopped parsley

Instructions

Season the chicken: Combine the chicken tenders, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and the ranch seasoning in a bowl. Toss well until all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil to ensure flavor throughout the meat.
Cook the chicken: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to get a nice sear. Then flip the chicken, reduce the heat to low, and cover the skillet. Continue cooking for 3 to 4 minutes more, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F (74˚C) to ensure it is fully cooked and juicy.
Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken tender.
Prepare buffalo sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the hot pepper sauce. Allow the sauce to cool slightly so it thickens a bit, which helps it cling better to the chicken.
Toss chicken in sauce: Place the rested chicken tenders into the bowl with buffalo sauce and toss thoroughly until every piece is coated with the spicy, buttery sauce.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the sauced chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Serve warm and enjoy your flavorful buffalo chicken tenders!

Notes

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to control the spice level according to your preference.
For extra crispiness, you can finish the chicken under a broiler for 1-2 minutes after cooking in the skillet, but this is optional.
This recipe can be served with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing on the side for a classic buffalo experience.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken tenders, spicy chicken, skillet chicken, buffalo sauce chicken, easy chicken dinner, low carb chicken