Buffalo Chicken Strips are a crowd-pleasing dish that brings the perfect blend of spice and crunch to your table. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a delicious weeknight dinner option, these flavorful strips are sure to impress. Made from tender pieces of chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce, they provide a delightful kick that pairs well with a variety of dips. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for customization based on your heat preference. By following this guide, you’ll learn how to make crispy Buffalo Chicken Strips that are golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this dish at home!
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Strips
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for Buffalo Chicken Strips
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create an extra crispy texture; feel free to season them to your liking
- Buffalo Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or make your own for a personalized flavor profile
- Vegetable Oil: A light coating helps achieve that golden-brown finish when baking or frying
For the Dipping Sauce:
- Ranch Dressing or Blue Cheese Dressing: These classic dips complement the spicy flavor of the chicken perfectly
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Strips
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Cut the Chicken
Slice boneless chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide. This ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
In one bowl, add panko breadcrumbs mixed with salt and pepper. In another bowl, place buffalo sauce. Dip each chicken strip in sauce first then coat with breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the coated strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray them with vegetable oil to enhance crispiness.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) ensures they are safe to eat.
Step 6: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional buffalo sauce if desired. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing as a dip.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in buffalo sauce for at least an hour before breading
How to Serve Buffalo Chicken Strips
This Buffalo Chicken Strips is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken strips in advance. Marinate them in your favorite buffalo sauce for at least one hour, or ideally overnight in the refrigerator. This enhances the flavor and reduces cooking time when you’re ready to serve.
- Storing: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last up to three months when properly sealed.
- Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken strips on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps maintain their crispiness, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
Suggestions for Buffalo Chicken Strips
Avoid Using Frozen Chicken
Using frozen chicken strips can lead to uneven cooking and affect the texture of your Buffalo chicken strips. Always opt for fresh chicken breast, as it allows for better marination and results in juicier meat. If you must use frozen chicken, ensure you thoroughly thaw it before preparation. This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and flavorful. Remember, fresh ingredients often make all the difference in flavor and overall quality, so prioritize fresh chicken when preparing this dish.
Don’t Skip the Marination Time
One common mistake when making Buffalo chicken strips is not allowing enough time for marination. Marinating your chicken in a mixture of hot sauce and buttermilk or yogurt enhances the flavor and tenderness of the meat. Ideally, marinate for at least one hour, but overnight is even better. This process allows the spices to penetrate deeply into the meat, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Skipping this step can result in bland strips that lack the robust taste characteristic of Buffalo chicken.
Overcrowding the Cooking Surface
Overcrowding your cooking surface is another common mistake that can ruin your Buffalo chicken strips. Whether you’re frying or baking them, giving each piece enough space is essential. When you crowd the pan or baking sheet, it causes the temperature to drop, leading to soggy strips instead of crispy ones. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and a perfect golden-brown finish. This simple adjustment can dramatically improve texture and flavor, making your Buffalo chicken strips a standout dish.
Ignoring Sauce Balance
A well-balanced sauce is vital for delicious Buffalo chicken strips. Many people either over-sauce or under-sauce their strips, missing out on that classic flavor profile. Aim for a balance where each strip has enough sauce to coat without being drenched. You can always serve extra sauce on the side for dipping if desired. Additionally, consider blending different hot sauces to create a unique flavor that suits your taste preferences. Striking this balance will elevate your dish and leave everyone wanting more.
FAQs
What are Buffalo Chicken Strips?
Buffalo chicken strips are breaded and fried or baked pieces of chicken breast that are tossed in a spicy buffalo sauce made primarily from hot sauce and butter. They are known for their crispy coating, juicy interior, and bold flavors that capture the essence of traditional Buffalo wings but in strip form. These versatile strips can be served as an appetizer, main course, or party snack and pair wonderfully with dips like ranch or blue cheese dressing.
How do I make my Buffalo Chicken Strips extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispy Buffalo chicken strips, use a three-step breading process: first dip the chicken in seasoned flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs or panko mixed with additional spices. For an even crispier result, double-dip by repeating this process again after applying the breadcrumbs. Additionally, frying rather than baking helps achieve that crunchy texture; however, you can use an air fryer for a healthier option without sacrificing crunchiness.
Can I make these Buffalo Chicken Strips ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare Buffalo chicken strips ahead of time by breading them and storing them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook them. This allows the flavors to meld together while keeping them fresh until they are cooked through. If you want to freeze them after breading, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply cook from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to your cooking time.
What dips go well with Buffalo Chicken Strips?
Buffalo chicken strips pair excellently with various dips that complement their spicy flavor profile. Classic choices include ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing; both provide a creamy contrast to spicy heat. Other options include celery sticks paired with hummus or guacamole for added freshness and flavor balance. Feel free to experiment with different dips like barbecue sauce or honey mustard to find what best suits your palate.
Conclusion for Buffalo Chicken Strips
In conclusion, mastering the art of making Buffalo chicken strips involves careful attention to detail from start to finish. Begin by using fresh ingredients—especially opting for fresh chicken over frozen varieties—to enhance flavor and texture substantially. Allow ample marination time to ensure every bite bursts with authentic taste while avoiding overcrowding during cooking ensures optimal crispiness.
Finally, achieving proper sauce balance will elevate your dish significantly—remember that serving extra sauce on the side can keep everyone happy! With these tips in mind, you’ll create irresistible Buffalo chicken strips that will impress family and friends alike.

Easy Buffalo Chicken Strips Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Buffalo Chicken Strips are the ultimate crowd-pleaser, combining tender, juicy chicken with a zesty buffalo sauce and a crispy panko coating. Perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this easy recipe is customizable to suit your heat preferences. Serve these flavorful strips with creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, making them an irresistible addition to any meal. With minimal prep time and simple instructions, you can have these golden-brown delights ready in no time. Whether enjoyed as an appetizer or main dish, Buffalo Chicken Strips are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup buffalo sauce
- Vegetable oil (for coating)
- Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips about one inch wide.
- In one bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper; in another bowl, pour buffalo sauce.
- Dip each chicken strip into the buffalo sauce first, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange coated strips on the baking sheet and lightly spray with vegetable oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer/Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 strips (120g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg