If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and a little bit of kick, look no further than this Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe. Tender strips of chicken bathed in a tangy buffalo marinade, coated in a perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy crust, and paired with a creamy, refreshing ranch dip make for an irresistible combo. This recipe brings restaurant-quality wings vibes right into your own kitchen while keeping things approachable and fun. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or indulging in some serious comfort food, these buffalo tenders are ready to shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes on a white marbled surface with cooking ingredients. On the left, a white bowl holds raw, light pink chicken pieces. Below it, a white cup with milk is next to a small white dish containing light yellow, red, and beige spices arranged in sections. A stainless steel measuring cup with reddish sauce is at the bottom, and a white cloth napkin is partially visible on the left. On the right side, several small white and colored bowls hold various cooking ingredients: a red bowl with a white powder, a small gray bowl with another white powder, a white bowl with a golden liquid, and a white ridged dish with colorful spices including yellow, red, and black. There is also a white bowl containing a yellow butter cube in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Here’s the exciting part: the ingredients are simple, yet thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the smoky spices in the crispy coating, every component plays a starring role.

Chicken breast (1.1 lbs): Cut into tender strips to soak up the marinade and get that perfect bite.
Buttermilk (1 cup + 3-4 tbsp): Adds moisture and tenderizes the chicken marvelously.
Buffalo sauce (¼ cup + ½ cup): The zingy star of the dish that packs a flavorful punch.
Garlic powder (multiple measures): Brings a savory depth that balances the heat.
Onion powder (multiple measures): Contributes subtle sweetness and complexity.
Red chili powder (1 tsp): Or cayenne for a spicy edge in the marinade.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances every flavor in the recipe.
Oil (for frying): Essential for that crispy, golden crust.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the crunchy coating foundation.
Cornstarch (¼ cup): Adds extra crispiness to the crust.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Helps create a light, airy crunch.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle smoky warmth into the coating.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp): Enriches the buffalo sauce glaze with silky texture.
Honey (2 tbsp): Balances the heat with a hint of sweetness.
Lemon juice (1 tsp + 1½ tbsp): Adds bright acidity for fresh layers of flavor.
Greek yogurt (½ cup): The creamy base for the homemade ranch dip.
Dried parsley (½ tsp): Adds subtle herbal notes to the dip.

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

The magic begins as you whisk together buttermilk, buffalo sauce, and the vibrant spices—garlic powder, onion powder, red chili powder, salt, and pepper. This marinade is where your chicken strips soak up bold, tangy, and spicy goodness. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can, to really tenderize the chicken and infuse the flavors deeply.

Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Ranch Dip

While the chicken marinates, mix Greek yogurt with buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic and onion powders, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This cooling ranch dip will contrast the spicy buffalo tenders perfectly. Chill it in the fridge so the flavors meld and it’s refreshingly cold when served.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, smoked paprika, and more garlic and onion powders with salt and pepper. This seasoned blend is the secret to achieving that signature crispy texture with a smoky undertone. Each coating ingredient contributes to making the crust irresistibly crunchy and flavorful.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crispness

Shake off the excess marinade from the chicken strips—don’t wipe it off completely—then dredge each piece firmly in the flour mixture. For that extra luscious crunch, dip the coated tenders again into the buttermilk marinade and then one more round in the flour blend. This double dredging is key to achieving the ultimate crispy crust.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Perfectly Cooked

Heat oil to 175°C (350°F) in a deep frying pan. Fry the tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd, for 4–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. A wire rack helps the chicken stay crisp by letting excess oil drip away, avoiding sogginess. Each bite should deliver a satisfying crunch encasing juicy, flavorful meat.

Step 6: Glaze with Flavorful Buffalo Sauce

In a small saucepan, gently melt butter with buffalo sauce, honey, and lemon juice without boiling. Brush this luscious glaze on your fried chicken tenders generously while they’re still warm. This finishing touch adds a silky, spicy-sweet layer that makes these tenders absolutely addictive.

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

A close-up image shows a crispy fried chicken wing covered in a shiny, thick orange sauce with small green herb pieces, held by a woman's hand dipping it into a small white bowl filled with thick, creamy white ranch sauce that drips slightly back into the bowl. The bowl rests on a wooden board with a piece of newspaper underneath, and more wings coated in the same orange sauce are blurred in the background on a dark plate. The background has a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the tenders for a pop of color and freshness. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a zesty brightness that can be squeezed over to balance out the richness. Add celery sticks for a classic crunchy side that’s perfect for dipping.

Side Dishes

These crispy buffalo chicken tenders are fantastic alongside crisp carrot sticks, cooling cucumber slices, or a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For a hearty option, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery corn on the cob can round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the tenders with an assortment of dipping sauces—blue cheese, extra ranch, or a tangy honey mustard. Arrange the tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of sauces, celery, and carrot sticks for a delightful party platter. Wrapping tenders in soft taco shells with shredded lettuce and cheese gives a playful buffalo chicken taco experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them on a wire rack inside the container, if possible, helps maintain some crispness by preventing sogginess from trapped moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze these buffalo chicken tenders for up to a month. Place cooled tenders on a baking sheet, freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag, to prevent them sticking together. This method preserves their texture and flavor well.

Reheating

To reheat and revive the crispy crust, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 10-12 minutes or until hot and crispy again. Avoid the microwave for reheating as it tends to make fried foods soggy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add a richer flavor, but keep in mind the cooking time might be a bit longer due to their thicker texture.

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

The heat level is moderate thanks to the buffalo sauce and chili powder, but you can easily adjust the spice by choosing a milder or hotter buffalo sauce or adding more or less chili powder.

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes, for a lighter version bake them at 200°C (400°F) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. The texture will be less crispy than frying but still delicious.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a simple substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

Is the homemade ranch dip dairy-free?

The recipe uses Greek yogurt and buttermilk, so it contains dairy. For a dairy-free dip, you can substitute with coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative and dairy-free milk for the buttermilk.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the combination of crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in tangy buffalo sauce paired with a cool, creamy ranch dip. This Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders with Homemade Ranch Dip Recipe always brings smiles around the table and makes for a crowd-pleasing meal or snack. I can’t wait for you to try it and taste for yourself how simple ingredients come together to create such a crave-worthy dish!