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Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Greek Yogurt Ranch Recipe

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4 from 46 reviews

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and coated with a spicy buffalo sauce. Made with whole wheat and Italian bread crumbs, they offer a deliciously crunchy texture while being baked instead of fried. Served with a creamy Greek yogurt ranch, this healthier take on classic buffalo tenders makes a perfect appetizer or main dish.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken and Breading

  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 1/3 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
  • 3/4 cup Italian bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3-4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water

For Baking

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Cooking spray

Sauces

  • 1 cup buffalo sauce (e.g., Frank’s)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt ranch dressing (e.g., Bolthouse)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a large sheet pan inside to heat up.
  2. Prepare Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, combine seasonings and bread crumbs: bowl one with whole wheat panko, 1 tsp salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne; bowl two with Italian bread crumbs and remaining 1/2 tsp salt; bowl three with eggs and 1 tablespoon water whisked together.
  3. Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, then coat with Italian bread crumbs, dip again in the egg mixture, and finally roll in the whole wheat panko mixture. Arrange on parchment paper-lined baking pan. Let rest 15-20 minutes to help the coating adhere well.
  4. Prepare Baking Pan: Remove hot baking pan from the oven, grease with olive oil, and place the breaded chicken tenders on the pan. Spray tops of tenders lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Bake: Bake for 10 minutes, then flip each tender, spray the other side with cooking spray, and bake another 10-12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Remove chicken tenders from oven, immediately toss in buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
  7. Serve: Serve the buffalo-coated chicken tenders alongside the Greek yogurt ranch for dipping.

Notes

  • Resting the breaded tenders before baking helps the coating adhere better and creates a crispier crust.
  • Cayenne pepper in the breadcrumb mix is optional and can be adjusted for desired spiciness.
  • Using cooking spray and baking instead of frying reduces fat content while maintaining crispiness.
  • Greek yogurt ranch is a healthier alternative to traditional ranch and balances the spicy buffalo sauce.
  • You can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breast strips if preferred.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) before serving.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/baked-buffalo-chicken-tenders-with-greek-yogurt-ranch-recipe/