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Want a fast and tasty meal? Try these single serving Buffalo Chicken Tenders! In under 30 minutes, you’ll have juicy, seasoned chicken baked to perfection and coated in a zesty sauce. Kids and adults love this easy, flavorful dish – perfect for busy days when you crave something satisfying

three chicken tenders topped with buffalo sauce on a bed of fresh spinach next to a sliced tomato on a white plate.

If you like chicken tenders, check out our Baked Chicken Tenders For One and Chicken Parmesan Tenders For One.

RELATED: Easy Dinner Ideas For One

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Tenders Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a fast and hassle-free meal.
  • Healthier Option: Baked, not fried, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders.
  • Versatile: Easily adaptable for a low-carb option or double the batch for more servings.
  • Homemade Taste: Offers the warmth of homemade cooking with the option of using store-bought sauce.
  • Crispy and Flavorful: The breadcrumbs and spices combine to give a deliciously crisp crust and robust flavor.

Ingredients

three strips of chicken on a green plate next to a bowl of breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, butter and jars of salt, pepper, and italian seasoning.
For the Chicken Tenders
a bottle of hot sauce, worcestershire sauce and a bowl of melted butter on a brown wooden cutting board
For the Buffalo Sauce

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch buffalo chicken tenders recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

  • Chicken Tenders (6 ounces): This recipe uses chicken tenders, the slender meat strips under the chicken breast. You can buy pre-cut tenders or slice a boneless, skinless chicken breast into ½-inch thick pieces. Chicken tenders are available in the meat section of most grocery stores, often labeled as chicken tenderloins. If you’ve got extra chicken, you might like to consider using it to make a small batch of Chicken Nuggets, Chicken Shawarma, or Kung Pao Chicken.
  • Breadcrumbs: Choose either store-bought or homemade breadcrumbs. If unavailable, omit them or use these alternatives:
    • Rolled Oats: Blend oats into a fine powder, possibly adding an extra 1/8 teaspoon of salt, along with the recipe’s seasonings.
    • Cereal: Crushed corn flakes work well for a crunchier coating.
    • Potato Chips or Pretzels: Their seasoning might reduce the need for additional salt.
    • Crackers: Crushed Saltines or Ritz crackers are excellent options.
  • Butter: Melted butter is used for dipping chicken pieces before coating them with breadcrumbs.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds flavor to the coating.
  • Seasonings: The recipe calls for Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the tenders’ taste.

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • Hot Sauce: Choose a brand you enjoy for the base of the buffalo sauce. Popular options include Crystal Hot Sauce, Louisiana Hot Sauce, and Cholula. Each brand offers a distinct flavor profile, so select one that suits your taste preference. Consider using leftover hot sauce in Crab Cakes, Pad Thai, and in a Bloody Mary.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth and a slightly tangy flavor to the buffalo sauce, complementing the heat of the hot sauce. Worcestershire sauce can also be used in our Ham and Cheese Sliders recipe, and in our Mini Turkey Meatloaf.
  • Melted Butter: The butter mellows the spiciness of the hot sauce and adds a rich, smooth texture to the buffalo sauce, balancing the overall flavor.

Recipe Variations

Mix up your buffalo chicken tenders with these easy twists:

  • Spice Levels: Adjust the heat of the buffalo sauce to your preference.
  • Cheesy Tenders: Sprinkle with cheese and bake until melted.
  • BBQ Chicken Tenders: Swap the buffalo sauce for BBQ sauce for a sweeter take.
  • Lemon Pepper: For a tangy twist, add lemon pepper seasoning before baking.
  • Herb Crusted: Mix dried herbs into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic flavor.
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How To Make Buffalo Chicken Tenders

The photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make a single serving of buffalo chicken tenders. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

  1. Prepare and Bake the Chicken Tenders: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set the bowl aside.
  2. Melt the butter in a separate medium-sized bowl. Dip the chicken tenderloins in the melted butter.
  3. Dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
  4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
four photos showing how to make the coating for buffalo chicken tenders and how to coat the pieces of chicken.
  1. Make the buffalo sauce: Mix the hot sauce, melted butter, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl. Feel free to add more hot sauce for a spicier buffalo sauce, or use less if you don’t want your sauce to be as spicy.
homemade buffalo sauce in a small red and white bowl on a wooden table.
  1. After the chicken strips have baked, pour the buffalo sauce over them.
three breaded pieces of chicken on a white plate with buffalo sauce from a red bowl being poured over them.

Expert Tips

  • Extra Buffalo Sauce: If you’re a fan of buffalo sauce, consider making a double batch for additional dipping or drizzling.
  • Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: Transform this recipe into buffalo chicken nuggets by cutting the chicken tenderloin into 1-inch pieces before cooking.
  • Low Carb Chicken Tenders: For a low carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and season the chicken with only the spices listed in the recipe.
  • Buffalo Chicken Salad Idea: Use this recipe to create a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad. Bake and slice the chicken as directed, mix it with buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped celery, and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing, and serve over lettuce.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Buffalo Chicken Tenders with a variety of sides:

  • Crisp Celery Sticks: A classic pairing that adds a fresh crunch.
  • Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing: Perfect for dipping and balancing the spiciness.
  • Tangy Cucumber Salad: A light and refreshing side to complement the tenders.
  • Creamy Corn Casserole: Adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
  • Freshly-Baked French Bread: For a hearty addition to scoop up any extra sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I double this Buffalo Chicken Tenders recipe?

Yes. Just double the ingredient amounts to make a second batch.

Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely. You can freeze these baked chicken strips before tossing them in the buffalo sauce for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in an oven set to 350F. Bake for 15 minutes, until heated through.

Can I make gluten-free Buffalo Chicken Tenders?

Yes, use gluten-free bread crumbs or omit them entirely and use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce made with white vinegar or use soy sauce as its replacement.

a piece of a buffalo chicken tender on a fork next to a plate of fresh sauteed spinach.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

If you’ve tried this Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders For One recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Buffalo Chicken Tenders For One

5 from 4 votes
By: Joanie Zisk
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
breaded chicken tenderloins on a white plate topped with buffalo sauce.
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This small batch of buffalo chicken tenders are perfect for lunch or dinner. The seasoned chicken strips are baked and then tossed in a homemade buffalo sauce. Ready in less than 30 minutes!

Equipment

Ingredients 
 

  • ¼ cup breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons butter -melted
  • 6 ounces chicken tenders (3-4 chicken tenders, depending on the size)

For The Buffalo Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter -melted
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Set aside.
  • Pour the melted butter into a separate medium-sized bowl. Dip the chicken tenderloins in the melted butter and dredge the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Place on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.

To Make The Buffalo Sauce

  • Mix 2 tablespoons of melted butter, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce together in a small bowl. Feel free to add more hot sauce for a spicier buffalo sauce, or use less if you don't want your sauce to be as spicy.
  • After the chicken strips have baked, pour the buffalo sauce over them.
  • Enjoy hot.

Notes

  • Extra Buffalo Sauce: If you’re a fan of buffalo sauce, consider making a double batch for additional dipping or drizzling.
  • Buffalo Chicken Nuggets: Transform this recipe into buffalo chicken nuggets by cutting the chicken tenderloin into 1-inch pieces before cooking.
  • Low Carb Option: For a low carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and season the chicken with only the spices listed in the recipe.
  • Buffalo Chicken Salad Idea: Use this recipe to create a delicious Buffalo Chicken Salad. Bake and slice the chicken as directed, mix it with buffalo sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped celery, and 2 tablespoons of ranch dressing, and serve over lettuce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 669kcal, Carbohydrates: 21g, Protein: 46g, Fat: 45g, Saturated Fat: 26g, Trans Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 213mg, Sodium: 1080mg, Potassium: 744mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 889IU, Vitamin C: 5mg, Calcium: 235mg, Iron: 2mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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5 from 4 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. RoseMary Leddy says:

    My mouth waters just thinking about this recipe. I use panko bread crumbs and use more hot sauce. It’s my favorite so far, but I still have a lot of recipes to try

    Reply