Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you want to enjoy restaurant-style chicken tenders at home, this Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders recipe is the ticket!

I’ve prepared these tenders many times, and they always turn out crispy and flavorful.

Double-coating the chicken is key to achieving that perfect crunch.

One other important tip:

Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour to ensure they’re nice and tender.

These tenders are both easy to make and incredibly tasty.

Make sure to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an added burst of flavor!

How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb Chicken Tenders
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Cornstarch
• 1 tsp Baking Soda
• 2 tsp Adobo or Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Paprika
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 2 cups Vegetable Oil
• 1 cup Buffalo Wing Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for about an hour.

This step tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and all the seasonings.

Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients evenly.

Step 3:

Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until it reaches 350°F.

Use a deep-fat thermometer for accuracy.

Step 4:

Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture.

Make sure to coat each piece thoroughly.

Step 5:

Fry the tenders in batches in the hot oil for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 6:

Allow any excess oil to drip off.

Toss the cooked chicken tenders in buffalo wing sauce until fully coated.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Soak for Flavor:

Soaking the chicken in buttermilk is crucial because it allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and flavorful.

Proper Coating:

For extra crispiness, give the chicken tenders an additional dredge in flour mixture right before frying.

Maintain Oil Temperature:

Keeping the oil temperature consistent ensures the chicken tenders cook evenly and become perfectly crispy without being greasy.

Sauce Timing:

Make sure to toss the tenders in buffalo sauce as soon as they come out of the fryer for optimal flavor absorption.

Experiment with Spices:

Feel free to tweak the seasoning blend to suit your personal taste or try new spice combinations.

What to Serve with Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders

French Fries

You can’t go wrong serving French fries with chicken tenders.

Crispy and golden fries have always complemented chicken tenders beautifully.

Their salty crunch enhances the flavors of the chicken.

Sweet Potato Fries

For a twist, try making sweet potato fries.

They bring a unique sweet and savory experience to the meal.

I find their vibrant orange color eye-catching!

Mac and Cheese

Another classic pairing is mac and cheese.

The creamy texture of the cheese mixes with the tenderness of the chicken.

This makes the meal rich and satisfying.

Creamy Coleslaw

Fresh creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing balance.

It’s a good counterpoint to the spicy tang of buffalo sauce.

The crunch of the cabbage meets the soft tenders well.

Cucumber Salad

Cucumber salad offers a cooling respite alongside the warm tenders.

The crisp cucumber slices feel quite refreshing.

This simple salad adds a touch of green to the plate.

Potato Waffles

Consider potato waffles as a fun addition.

They provide a waffle texture with the familiar taste of potatoes.

It’s an unexpected but tasty side for chicken tenders!

Stuffed Celery Sticks

Stuffed celery sticks are another interesting option.

Fill them with cream cheese for added flavor.

They offer both crunch and creaminess to your meal.

Variations and Substitutions

Spicing Things Up

You can adjust the level of heat to suit your taste by adding more cayenne pepper or using a hotter buffalo sauce.

If you enjoy experimenting, try adding crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

Healthier Options

For a lighter version, consider baking the chicken tenders in the oven instead of frying them for a healthier option.

Replace regular flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary preferences.

Alternative Coatings

If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes instead of standard breadcrumbs.

For a unique twist, you can use crushed pretzels or even potato chips to coat the chicken tenders.

Flavoring Twists

Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for a unique flavor profile.

Adding a pinch of lemon pepper seasoning can offer a fresh, tangy note that complements the buffalo sauce.

Dipping Sauces

Pair the chicken tenders with blue cheese or ranch dressing, but don’t hesitate to try honey mustard or barbecue sauce as alternatives.

A creamy garlic aioli or a spicy sriracha mayo can also add a new dimension to your tenders.

How to Store Leftover Buffalo Wild Wings Chicken Tenders

Cool Before Storing

Once you’re done enjoying Buffalo Wild Wings chicken tenders, allow them to cool completely before storing.

Placing them in the refrigerator while they’re warm can cause sogginess due to condensation.

Make sure they’re at room temperature to keep that crispy texture!

Use Airtight Containers

Storing your chicken tenders in airtight containers helps maintain their freshness.

You can also use resealable plastic bags but remove as much air as possible before sealing.

This prevents unnecessary exposure to air, which can dry out your tenders.

Refrigeration Timeline

Buffalo Wild Wings chicken tenders can safely be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

If you plan to keep them longer, consider freezing them instead.

Freezing can extend their shelf life for up to two months while maintaining flavor and texture.

Enjoy your tenders anytime within this timeframe!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Too Much Oil

When you’re cooking those chicken tenders, watch out for adding excessive oil!

A slight sheen is good, but deep-frying can make them soggy or greasy.

If you’re baking, a light brush of oil will suffice to keep them tender.

Not Drying Tenders

Pat dry your chicken tenders thoroughly before seasoning.

This simple step ensures the seasoning sticks and the meat browns beautifully.

Skip it, and you’ll end up with unevenly seasoned tenders.

Forgetting the Marinade

Marination is key for flavor-packed tenders.

Letting them marinate for even 30 minutes can do wonders.

Neglecting this step means sacrificing depth of flavor and juiciness!