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Buffalo Chicken Tenders and Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower with Caramelized Onion Chive Greek Yogurt Dip Recipe

4.6 from 125 reviews

This recipe offers a flavorful duo of crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders and spicy Buffalo Cauliflower, served with a creamy and tangy caramelized onion chive Greek yogurt dip. Both the chicken and cauliflower are coated in a flavorful seasoned batter, cooked to golden perfection, and finished with a zesty Buffalo hot sauce. The dip, made with caramelized onions, Greek yogurt, and fresh chives, provides a deliciously healthy and satisfying accompaniment, perfect for snacking or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Buffalo Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb. chicken tenders
  • 1/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour (regular all purpose flour can be used)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce
  • Sunflower oil or canola oil for frying

For the Buffalo Cauliflower:

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3/4 cup gluten free all purpose flour (Trader Joe’s brand recommended)
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3/4 cup Franks Red Hot Sauce

For the Caramelized Onion Chive Greek Yogurt Dip:

  • 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 small 5 oz. container plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken Tenders: Preheat oven to 400℉. Set up three bowls: one with flour, the second with beaten egg and water, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, then egg mixture, then breadcrumb coating.
  2. Fry Chicken Tenders: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and add sunflower or canola oil. Cook chicken tenders 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer cooked tenders onto a baking sheet fitted with a sprayed rack to maintain crispiness.
  3. Bake and Sauce Chicken: Bake tenders in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Then, brush tenders evenly with Franks Red Hot Sauce on each side and continue baking for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the coating to set.
  4. Make Buffalo Cauliflower Batter: Preheat oven to 425℉. In a bowl, whisk together gluten free flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until smooth to create the batter.
  5. Coat and Bake Cauliflower: Dip cauliflower florets in the batter, shaking off excess. Arrange florets on a baking sheet with a sprayed rack (or directly on sheet if rack unavailable). Bake 8-10 minutes, then flip and bake another 6-8 minutes until edges are crisp.
  6. Broil Cauliflower: Brush baked cauliflower with Franks Red Hot Sauce. Adjust oven rack to top position and broil cauliflower for 3-5 minutes until slightly golden. Remove and let rest 5-10 minutes for coating to set.
  7. Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently until golden and caramelized. Add sugar during the last 5 minutes and continue cooking, stirring frequently, to develop sweetness. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside to cool.
  8. Prepare Onion Chive Yogurt Dip: Once onions have cooled, combine them with Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and adjust seasoning to taste. Refrigerate for a few hours for best flavor or serve immediately.
  9. Serve: Plate the buffalo chicken tenders and buffalo cauliflower alongside the caramelized onion chive Greek yogurt dip. Enjoy warm or at room temperature with ranch or blue cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Using a baking rack while cooking helps maintain crispiness by allowing air circulation and preventing sogginess.
  • The dip can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
  • Regular all-purpose flour can be used instead of gluten free if preferred.
  • Spraying the baking rack and baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
  • Allow resting time after baking to help the coating set and improve texture.

Keywords: Buffalo chicken tenders, buffalo cauliflower, caramelized onion dip, Greek yogurt dip, gluten free appetizer, spicy snack, healthy dip