Buffalo chicken strips have long been a favorite for those who love the perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. Originating from Buffalo, New York, this dish has become a staple in American cuisine, often served in sports bars and restaurants. Our Baked Buffalo Chicken Strips offer a healthier twist on the classic by using baking instead of frying, making them crispy without the excess oil. Whether you’re hosting a game day or simply craving something spicy, these strips are sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
To make these delicious baked buffalo chicken strips, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular, depending on preference)
- 1/4 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Optional Ingredients for Variations
- Parmesan cheese: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing: Serve as a dip for added flavor.
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Strips
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Lightly spray it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: First, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy.
Baking the Chicken Strips
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning the strips halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare Buffalo Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the hot sauce and melted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the butter is fully incorporated, creating a smooth buffalo sauce.
- Coat Chicken in Buffalo Sauce: Once the chicken strips are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Dip each strip in the buffalo sauce or use a brush to coat them evenly.
- Bake Again for Crispiness: Return the coated chicken strips to the oven for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the sauce set and enhances the crispiness of the coating.
Tips and Variations
Cooking Tips
- Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders (No Breading): For a low-carb option, skip the flour and breadcrumbs. Simply coat the chicken in the egg wash and bake. This version is still deliciously spicy and tangy.
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Strips: To achieve maximum crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure to spray them with a bit of cooking oil before baking.
- Using Frozen Tenders: If you’re short on time, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Thaw them completely before following the coating and baking steps.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Strips Fried: For a more indulgent version, these strips can also be deep-fried. Simply heat oil in a deep pan and fry the coated chicken strips until golden brown.
- Flavorful Twists: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce for extra heat, or mix in honey for a sweet and spicy flavor profile.
- Dips and Sauces: Serve these strips with homemade ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a healthier alternative.
Nutritional Information
Here is the approximate nutritional information for each serving (based on four servings):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 980mg
Our Baked Buffalo Chicken Strips are a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors, providing a healthier twist on a classic favorite. This recipe is versatile, allowing for various adaptations to suit different dietary needs and preferences. Whether baked or fried, these chicken strips are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Try making these strips at home and share your results in the comments below. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes on easycrispyrecipes.com, such as our Crispy Potato Tacos or Air Fried Apple Fritters With Salted Caramel Sauce. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest recipes delivered straight to your inbox.