Buffalo Chicken Strips from Dave & Buster's feature tender, crispy chicken strips coated in spicy buffalo sauce, served golden and sizzling with a side of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing for a bold and flavorful snack.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sheet pan
- Paper towels
- Saucepan (for buffalo sauce)
- Serving plates or baskets
- Small ramekins (for ranch or blue cheese dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups panko or regular breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Cool ranch dressing (for serving)
- Blue cheese dressing (for serving)
The key to achieving tender and crispy chicken strips lies in using boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, which provide the perfect texture when fried. Coating the chicken with a seasoned mixture of flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper ensures a flavorful crust that complements the buffalo sauce. The buffalo sauce itself blends hot sauce, unsalted butter, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce, creating a tangy and spicy coating essential to the dish. Using panko breadcrumbs contributes to the extra crunch, while vegetable oil heated to the proper temperature is crucial for frying without greasiness. You'll find that the Buffalo Chicken Strips from Dave & Buster's copycat menu deliver an authentic taste experience with bold flavors and the option of cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the heat.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a sheet pan with paper towels for draining fried chicken.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and milk until combined.
- Place panko or regular breadcrumbs in a third mixing bowl.
- Dredge chicken tenders in the seasoned flour, coating well.
- Dip floured chicken tenders into the egg mixture.
- Coat chicken tenders in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Using tongs, carefully place breaded chicken strips into the hot oil.
- Fry chicken strips in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken strips with tongs and drain on the prepared, paper towel-lined pan.
- For buffalo sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in hot sauce, white vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and combined.
- In a mixing bowl, toss hot chicken strips with buffalo sauce until well-coated.
- Arrange buffalo chicken strips on serving plates or baskets.
- Fill small ramekins with ranch and blue cheese dressing for dipping.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Substitution
Buffalo Chicken Strips from Dave & Buster's deliver tender, crispy chicken coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, perfect for a bold snack paired with ranch or blue cheese dressing. If you lack a deep fryer, use a heavy skillet with enough oil to shallow-fry the chicken strips, turning carefully with tongs to ensure even crispness. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for breast tenders for a juicier texture without sacrificing flavor. Use regular chili sauce instead of Frank's RedHot if unavailable, adjusting the spice level to your preference. Your buffalo sauce will remain rich and tangy even if you swap out Worcestershire sauce with a splash of soy sauce or hot sauce vinegar for a slightly different twist.
Tips
Make sure your deep fryer is properly preheated to 350degF (175degC) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior. When dredging the chicken, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly helps create a crunchy coating that won't fall off during frying. Use tongs to carefully place and remove chicken strips from the hot oil to avoid splatters and prevent the coating from breaking. After frying, drain your buffalo chicken strips on paper towels to remove excess oil before tossing them in your homemade buffalo sauce for optimal flavor and texture.
Nutritions
Buffalo Chicken Strips from Dave & Buster's provide a protein-rich snack with approximately 30 grams of protein per serving, thanks to the boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders. The breading and deep frying add carbohydrates and fats, resulting in a calorie-dense dish with an estimated 400-500 calories per serving. The buffalo sauce combines hot sauce and butter, contributing saturated fat and sodium, while the ranch or blue cheese dressings add additional fat and calories with creamy texture and flavor. Your choice of dipping sauce can impact the overall nutritional profile, so consider portions to balance indulgence with dietary goals.
Storage
Store your Buffalo Chicken Strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 375degF (190degC) for about 10 minutes to preserve the texture without drying out the chicken. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the breading soggy and reduce the bold taste of the buffalo sauce.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chicken breast tenders for boneless, skinless chicken thighs to add extra juiciness and richer flavor to your buffalo strips. Use buttermilk instead of regular milk in the egg wash to tenderize the chicken further and enhance crispiness after frying. Try baking the coated chicken strips on a sheet pan at 425degF (220degC) for 15-20 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep-frying. You can also experiment with different hot sauce varieties like chipotle or habanero to customize the heat intensity and flavor profile to your taste.
Allergies
Buffalo Chicken Strips contain common allergens such as eggs and milk, present in the batter and dressings. The breadcrumb coating may include gluten, posing a risk for those with wheat allergies or celiac disease. If you have specific food allergies, check ingredient labels carefully to ensure your safety when enjoying this dish.
Why this recipe?
The Buffalo Chicken Strips at Dave & Buster's are loved for their perfectly crispy coating and tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that delivers a flavorful kick with every bite. The dish combines tender, juicy chicken strips with a balanced heat level, making it a crowd-pleaser for spice enthusiasts and casual diners alike. Your taste buds will appreciate the harmony of flavors and textures that make these strips addictive and satisfying. Trying to make the copycat version allows you to recreate this popular favorite at home, saving money while customizing the spice intensity to your preference.