© Original recipe by Serena Miller ©
🔥 Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips – Crispy, Flavorful & Guilt-Free! 🍗🌶️
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a snack that’s both spicy and savory but want to keep it healthy, these healthy buffalo chicken strips are your new best friend. These baked buffalo chicken tenders are packed with flavor, featuring the perfect balance of fiery buffalo sauce with the cool creaminess of ranch. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a smarter, guilt-free choice. They’re ideal for a quick dinner, game day snack, or even meal prep for busy weekdays!
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: This recipe is quick and perfect for weeknights.
- Healthy & baked: Uses less oil than traditional fried buffalo chicken.
- Crunchy exterior, juicy inside: Achieve perfect crispiness with minimal effort.
- Customizable: Adjust heat levels to suit your taste, from mild to extra spicy.
3. Ingredient Notes
For the best baked buffalo chicken tenders, focus on high-quality ingredients. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders—they’re lean and tender. The buffalo sauce adds that spicy kick, so choose a good brand or make your own with hot sauce, butter, and a dash of vinegar for a tangy flavor. The ranch dressing should be creamy and savory—preferably homemade for full control over ingredients or a high-quality store-bought version. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add brightness and depth.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Getting the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother. Consider a [Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer](https://amzn.to/4nzaJiK) for perfectly crispy baked chicken tenders with less oil. Its versatility ensures you’ll use it for many other healthy recipes. A good baking sheet with a rack helps achieve an even crisp exterior. For mixing and coating, a high-quality [KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer in Scorched Orange](https://amzn.to/47u9wVj) can assist in prep work, especially if you enjoy homemade sauces or marinades.
5. How to Make Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
Preparation Stage
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup. Cut the chicken into uniform strips to ensure even cooking. In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with a bit of olive oil—just enough to lightly coat them. This helps the coating stick and promotes crispiness when baked.
Coating & Baking
Mix whole wheat breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes with your favorite spices—paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Dredge the chicken strips in this mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden and cooked through. You’ll notice the aroma of crispy coating and spicy buffalo circulating in your kitchen at this stage.
Buffalo Sauce & Ranch Dipping
While the chicken bakes, prepare your buffalo sauce by mixing hot sauce, melted butter, and a splash of vinegar. Toss the baked tenders in the sauce once they come out of the oven. Serve immediately with a side of cooling ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for added freshness. The perfect bite combines crispy texture, spicy heat, and creamy ranch—an irresistible combo!
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Uniform size: Cut chicken into similar-sized strips for even baking.
- Avoid overcrowding: Give space on your baking sheet for air circulation, ensuring crispiness.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for safe eating.
- Adjust spice levels: Mix up the hot sauce with mild or extra hot to suit your preference.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re looking to modify this recipe, consider using baked tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. For a dairy-free ranch dressing, swap out the traditional ingredients for coconut yogurt or cashew-based alternatives. To reduce carbs, opt for almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs. Experimenting with different hot sauces can introduce new flavor profiles, from smoky chipotle to sweet honey mustard.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunchy exterior intact.
9. FAQ
Can I bake these buffalo chicken strips in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Use your air fryer set at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. They come out just as crispy and flavorful.
What’s the best way to make homemade ranch dressing?
Mix Greek yogurt, buttermilk, garlic, onion powder, dried herbs (like dill and chives), salt, and pepper. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving for maximum flavor.
How spicy can I make these buffalo chicken strips?
Adjust the hot sauce amount or choose a spicier brand to increase heat. You can also add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
10. Conclusion
These healthy buffalo chicken strips combine crispy texture, fiery flavor, and cooling ranch — all baked for a guilt-free indulgence. They’re simple to prepare, customizable to your spice level, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the bold flavor without the guilt, and feel good about serving a nutritious twist on classic buffalo tenders!
Print
Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
Juicy chicken strips baked with buffalo sauce and topped with ranch dressing, served with fresh veggies for a healthy, flavorful meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup buffalo hot sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Celery sticks and fresh herbs for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss chicken strips in the mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, toss baked chicken strips in buffalo sauce.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing, celery sticks, and fresh herbs for garnish.
Notes
- For extra crunch, you can coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before baking.
- Adjust buffalo sauce according to spice preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free, Low Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken strips with sides
- Calories: 340 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
