When I first came across this recipe, I suspected it would be wonderful. And indeed, it was! So flavorful!

Cooktop Cove: When I first came across this recipe, I suspected it would be wonderful. And indeed, it was! So flavorful!

By Holly Owens

Buffalo chicken strips are a staple in my household, especially during game nights or when we have friends over. This recipe is a nod to the classic Buffalo wings, but with a twist that makes them perfect for a quick and easy dinner. The spicy kick from the Buffalo sauce combined with the crispy breadcrumb coating makes these strips irresistible. Plus, baking them in the oven means they're a bit healthier than the fried version, which is always a win in my book.

These spicy Buffalo chicken strips pair wonderfully with a side of celery and carrot sticks, which help balance out the heat. A cool, creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing is perfect for dipping. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside a fresh garden salad or some homemade coleslaw. If you're feeling indulgent, a side of crispy sweet potato fries would complement the spicy flavors beautifully.

Oven Baked Spicy Buffalo Chicken Strips

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
1 cup Buffalo sauce
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Place the breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.

Pour the Buffalo sauce into a third shallow bowl.

Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Dip the floured chicken strip into the Buffalo sauce, ensuring it's fully coated.

Roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet.

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken strips to help them crisp up in the oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Variations & Tips

For a milder version, use a milder wing sauce or mix the Buffalo sauce with some melted butter to tone down the heat. If you're gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. For an extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. You can also add a bit of grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for an added flavor boost.