Introduction
Prepare yourself for a deliciously spicy meal with these buffalo chicken tenders! The tender and juicy chicken, combined with zesty ranch seasoning and a rich buffalo sauce, makes for a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a tasty dinner, this recipe is sure to impress.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 lbs chicken tenderloins
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Directions
1. Season the Chicken:
Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken. Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer. Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot sauce and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
4. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the skillet heat to low. Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken in the skillet. Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
5. Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot, optionally with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
– Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl.
– Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
– Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken.
– Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Cook the Chicken
– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer.
– Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.
– Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
– While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot sauce and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
– Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
Combine Chicken and Sauce
– Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the skillet heat to low.
– Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken in the skillet.
– Toss the chicken in the sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated.
– Allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce for 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Serve
– Remove the skillet from heat.
– Serve the buffalo chicken tenders hot, optionally with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.
Notes
Chicken Tenderloins
– Chicken tenderloins are a lean cut of meat that cooks quickly and remains tender.
Ranch Seasoning
– Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to your taste preference.
Hot Sauce
– Use your preferred brand of hot sauce; adjust the quantity for desired spice level.
Serving Suggestions
– Serve with crunchy vegetables or over a bed of lettuce for a salad option.
Cook Techniques
Seasoning the Chicken
To ensure maximum flavor, it’s important to evenly coat the chicken tenderloins with ranch seasoning and olive oil. This method helps in infusing the chicken with the seasoning’s taste while keeping it moist during cooking.
Pan-Frying the Chicken
Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet allows for a nice sear and creates a flavorful crust. Ensure that the chicken is cooked in a single layer for even cooking and to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish.
Making Buffalo Sauce
Mixing hot sauce with butter over medium heat helps to create a rich and creamy buffalo sauce. This technique enhances the overall flavor and provides the desired consistency for the sauce.
Tossing the Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, tossing it in the buffalo sauce allows every piece to be thoroughly coated, maximizing flavor absorption. Simmering the chicken in the sauce finalizes the dish by melding the flavors together.
Serving Suggestions
Serving buffalo chicken with sides like ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks not only complements the dish but adds freshness and crunch, balancing the spiciness of the buffalo sauce.
FAQ
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, but the cooking time may vary based on the thickness.
Can I make this dish spicier?
You can increase the amount of hot sauce or choose a hotter variety to amplify the spiciness.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze buffalo chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked buffalo chicken for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve as a side dish?
Popular side dishes include celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a salad, or you can pair it with rice or pasta.
Conclusion
The buffalo chicken tenderloins are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings a spicy kick to your meal. The combination of ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce creates a flavorful experience, perfect for serving at parties or enjoying as a weeknight dinner. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces and fresh veggies to enhance the meal further.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Use the buffalo chicken tenderloins as a filling for wraps, adding lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Mix the buffalo chicken with fresh greens, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Top with your choice of dressing for a hearty salad.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spread a thin layer of buffalo sauce on pizza dough, top with shredded buffalo chicken, mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly for a unique pizza twist.
Buffalo Chicken Quesadillas
Layer buffalo chicken and cheese between tortillas, cook until crispy, and serve with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Buffalo Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with shredded buffalo chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and avocado. Bake until the cheese melts and serve with sour cream for a party snack.
