If you love finger-licking good comfort food with a kick, you’re absolutely going to adore this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken strips, perfectly coated in a crispy, flavorful crust and smothered in a tangy, spicy buffalo glaze that sings with every bite. Paired with a cool, creamy homemade ranch dip, this dish balances bold heat and soothing creaminess in a way that will have everyone reaching for seconds. It’s a classic crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug and a party all at once!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl holds pieces of raw, light pink chicken placed in a curved arrangement inside. Next to it, a round white scalloped plate displays five different powdered spices in separate small piles, showing colors of black, yellow, white, brown, and dark red. Below, a small white cup contains a pale yellow liquid covered partially by a white paper towel. To the right of the cup is a small metal measuring cup filled with a thick, bright red sauce. All items sit on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Creating these crispy buffalo chicken tenders is simpler than you might think. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from tenderizing the chicken to building layers of flavor and achieving that unbeatable crispiness. The beauty is in the balance — spices, dairy, and seasoning come together to delight your taste buds and elevate every bite.

Chicken breast (1.1 lbs): The foundation of the dish, cut into tender-sized strips for easy frying and eating.
Buttermilk (1 cup + 3-4 tbsp): Essential for marinating to keep the chicken juicy and tender while adding a subtle tang.
Buffalo sauce (¼ cup + ½ cup): The star of the show, bringing that signature spicy and tangy flavor that defines buffalo chicken.
Garlic powder (multiple doses): Adds a savory depth that complements both the chicken and the homemade ranch dip.
Onion powder (multiple doses): Enhances flavor complexity, giving a mild sweetness and earthy aroma.
Red chili powder (1 tsp): For a nice underlying heat that’s balanced by the buffalo sauce.
Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning that brings all the flavors together perfectly.
Oil (for frying): For that golden, crispy exterior — make sure to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): The base for the crispy coating that crunches delightfully with every bite.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): Added to the flour mix to ensure extra crispiness and a light crust.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps the crust puff and stay wonderfully crunchy.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Provides a subtle smoky aroma to the coating, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Added into the buffalo glaze to create a smooth, rich sauce with a slight buttery richness.
Honey (2 tbsp): Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness for that perfect sweet-spicy harmony.
Lemon juice (1 tsp + 1.5 tbsp): Gives a fresh brightness to both the buffalo sauce and the ranch dip to cut through the richness.
Greek yogurt (½ cup): The base for the homemade ranch dip, providing creaminess and a slight tang.
Dried parsley (½ tsp): Adds a light herbal note to the ranch dip for freshness and color.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing buttermilk with buffalo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, red chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This creates a flavorful and tenderizing bath for your chicken strips. Add in the chicken and toss well so every piece is coated. Pop the covered bowl into the fridge for at least two hours or overnight if you have the time. This slow soak amps up the flavor and really tenderizes the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Ranch Dip

While the chicken marinates, whisk together Greek yogurt, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This homemade ranch dip is fresh, creamy, and perfectly cooling — the ideal companion to spicy buffalo chicken.

Step 3: Mix the Flour Coating

Combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and baking powder in a shallow dish. This aromatic flour mixture is key to the crispy, crave-worthy crunch everyone loves.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Take the chicken strips out of the fridge and gently shake off excess marinade without wiping it all away — you want that extra moisture to help the coating stick. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to build a thick, craggy coating. For next-level crispiness, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade and dredge once more in the flour blend. This double coating seals in moisture and creates an irresistible crunch.

Step 5: Fry the Tenders

Heat oil in a deep pan to about 175°C (350°F). Carefully drop the chicken tenders in batches, avoiding overcrowding which can lower the oil temperature and ruin crispiness. Fry each batch for 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a wire rack above a baking tray to drain excess oil and keep the crust crisp — paper towels will make the coating soggy, so avoid those.

Step 6: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine buffalo sauce, butter, honey, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the butter is melted and the sauce is smooth and unified. Do not let it boil; you want a warm, luscious glaze.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Brush or toss the freshly fried chicken tenders in the warm buffalo glaze, coating them generously. Serve them immediately while hot and crispy alongside your homemade ranch dip for that perfect balance of fiery and cool.

How to Serve Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe

A close-up of a woman's hand holding a crispy fried chicken wing covered in shiny, reddish-brown sauce, dipping into a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick, white creamy sauce with visible green herbs. The bowl sits on a wooden board lined with newspaper, and blurred pieces of similarly sauced chicken wings are visible in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes can brighten up the plate and add texture contrast. Think chopped green onions for a mild oniony crunch, freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for herbaceous freshness, or even finely sliced celery sticks on the side for a classic buffalo wing vibe. A sprinkle of sesame seeds over the sauce adds a subtle nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe shines best when paired with cooling, fresh sides. Crisp carrot and celery sticks are a timeless match. For something heartier, creamy coleslaw, baked sweet potato fries, or even a tender garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette make excellent companions to balance the spicy chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual get-together, serve the tenders on a large platter with small bowls of ranch and extra buffalo sauce for dipping. If you want to impress, line a rustic wooden board with parchment, arrange chicken tenders artistically among celery sticks and garnish, and drizzle a little extra honey buffalo sauce artistically over the top. Turning them into sliders using mini buns, crisp lettuce, and a dollop of ranch is a fun way to reinvent this dish for a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the homemade ranch dip in a separate container so it stays fresh and creamy. This way, flavors will stay vibrant, and the coating won’t get soggy from residual sauce.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken tenders by first letting them cool completely, then layering them between sheets of parchment or wax paper in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. Freeze the ranch dip separately or plan to make a fresh batch when you serve the thawed tenders.

Reheating

The key to reheating without losing crispness is to avoid the microwave. Instead, warm the tenders in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) on a wire rack on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, turning once midway. This gently reheats the chicken while reviving the crispy coating. Serve immediately with fresh or chilled homemade ranch dip.

FAQs

Can I use chicken wings instead of tenders for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tenders cook more evenly and quickly, you can follow the same marinade and coating process with chicken wings. Just adjust frying time to ensure they are fully cooked through.

Is the homemade ranch dip healthier than store-bought?

Yes, making ranch dip at home lets you control ingredients, avoid preservatives, and reduce added sugars or artificial flavors. Using Greek yogurt also amps up the protein and makes it lighter and creamier.

What’s the best oil for frying these chicken tenders?

Neutral oils with high smoke points like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work best. They ensure a clean flavor and allow you to fry at a steady temperature for perfect crispiness.

How spicy is this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe?

The recipe balances moderate heat from buffalo sauce and chili powder with cool ranch dip to temper it. You can always adjust the amount of buffalo sauce or use a milder one if you prefer less spice.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier take, bake the coated tenders in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. The coating won’t have quite the same crunch but will still be delicious and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe enough — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas. Whether for game day, family dinner, or a casual hangout, these tenders deliver unbeatable flavor and texture every time. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to comfort food!