I recently decided to recreate one of my favorite restaurant appetizers at home— Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders Recipe. After a bit of experimentation, I came up with a version that’s just as crispy and flavorful as the original.
The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game night or simply craving a tasty snack, these homemade tenders are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
1. Easy to Prepare
This recipe doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. With a few basic ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy restaurant-quality tenders in the comfort of your home.
2. Customizable Heat Level
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste. Whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery burn, this recipe allows you to control the heat. If you’re looking for a more intense spice level, try adding a bit of Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin’ Sauce.
3. Perfect for Any Occasion
These tenders are versatile enough for a casual snack, a party appetizer, or even a main dish. They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering.
4. Crispy and Flavorful
The combination of a seasoned flour coating and a tangy buffalo sauce ensures each bite is packed with flavor and crunch.
5. Quick Cooking Time
With a total time of under 30 minutes, you can satisfy your cravings without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Or if you’re in the mood for a different kind of crispy coating, try the Buffalo Wild Wings Panko-Crusted Chicken Wings Recipe.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter or oil in place of the unsalted butter.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra heat boost.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Frying Pan: For cooking the tenders to a golden crisp.
- Shallow Dishes: For dredging the chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Tongs: To handle the chicken without burning your hands.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the cooked tenders.
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating adheres better. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Set Up Dredging Stations
In three shallow dishes, prepare your dredging stations:
- In the first dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.
- In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Fry the Tenders
Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat once warmed through.
Step 6: Toss the Tenders
Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the sauced tenders to a serving platter. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!

Tips for Making the Recipe
- Ensure Oil is Hot: Before adding the chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tenders in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Rest After Frying: Let the tenders rest on paper towels for a minute to allow excess oil to drain.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level. You can also add a bit of Buffalo Wild Wings Sweet BBQ Sauce for a milder, sweeter twist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and breadcrumbs yield the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders?
Present the tenders on a large platter, garnished with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve alongside dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese. For a complete meal, pair with celery sticks and carrot sticks. And if you’re making these for a crowd, why not add some Buffalo Wild Wings Street Tacos to the spread for variety?
Nutritional Information
Per serving (4 tenders):
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 25g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Best Ways to Store Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders
To keep your Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders fresh and crispy, proper storage is key! Whether you’re saving leftovers for a quick meal or prepping in advance, here’s how to store and reheat them the right way.
Refrigeration (Short-Term Storage)
- Store in an airtight container for up to X days.
- Best way to reheat without losing crispiness.
Freezing (For Longer Storage)
- Proper freezing techniques to maintain texture.
- How to reheat frozen tenders for the best results.

Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by patting the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels. This ensures the coating adheres better. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- In three shallow dishes, prepare your dredging stations: 1. In the first dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, and black pepper. 2. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce. 3. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels.
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the buffalo sauce and stir to combine. Remove from heat once warmed through.
- Place the cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
- Transfer the sauced tenders to a serving platter. Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces, such as ranch or blue cheese, and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure Oil is Hot: Before adding the chicken, make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in. This helps achieve a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tenders in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Rest After Frying: Let the tenders rest on paper towels for a minute to allow excess oil to drain.
- Adjust Spice Level: Modify the amount of hot sauce in the buffalo sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and breadcrumbs yield the best texture and flavor.