1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- In the first dish, place the flour.
- In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
- Coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place breaded chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot (about 350°F or 175°C). Test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Transfer cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
4. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, white vinegar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Simmer for a few minutes until well combined. Remove from heat.
5. Toss the Tenders:
- Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the buffalo chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve with celery and carrot sticks, along with blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
These Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders are bursting with flavor and offer a perfect balance of heat and crispiness. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a snack, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. So, grab your favorite dipping sauce, and dive into these spicy, crispy delights!