Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings Copycat Recipe
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| Get that craveable wing-shop crunch at home with juicy copycat boneless wings tossed in a buttery, tangy Buffalo sauce made for dipping. |
If you love the crispy bite and saucy finish of Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings, this easy homemade version is for you. These copycat boneless wings are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for tossing in your favorite wing sauce.
Whether you want a fun game day snack, an easy party appetizer, or just a restaurant-style dinner at home, this recipe brings that bold wing shop flavor right to your kitchen.
Why People Love Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings
Buffalo Wild Wings has built a huge fan base across the USA for one simple reason: bold flavor and a fun, casual atmosphere. It is the kind of place people think of for sports nights, hangouts with friends, and big baskets of wings loaded with sauce.
Their boneless wings are especially popular because they are easy to eat, extra crispy, and packed with flavor. Instead of traditional wings with bones, these are made with tender chunks of chicken breast, breaded and fried until golden brown. Then they are tossed in a sauce that is spicy, buttery, tangy, and just messy enough to be exciting.
That contrast is what makes them so iconic. You get the crunch from the coating, the sizzle from the hot oil, and the sticky heat from the sauce. Every bite hits a little differently, and that is part of the fun.
This recipe is a copycat version inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings. It is not the restaurant’s actual recipe, but it gives you that same craveable style at home.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Boneless Wings Recipe
- Easy to make with simple grocery store ingredients
- Crispy and juicy just like restaurant-style boneless wings
- Great for game day, parties, and family dinners
- Customizable with your favorite sauces
- Budget-friendly compared to takeout
I love making these at home because everyone can pick their own sauce. Some people want classic Buffalo. Others want BBQ or honey garlic. It turns dinner into something a little more fun, almost like building your own wing basket.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 to 6
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 15 to 20 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Buffalo-style sauce:
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional for extra heat
Optional for serving:
- Ranch dressing
- Blue cheese dressing
- Celery sticks
- Carrot sticks
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Heavy pot or deep skillet for frying
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wire rack or paper towel-lined tray
- Thermometer for oil and chicken
If you have ever fried food without a thermometer, you know it can feel like guessing. A thermometer really helps here. It takes out the stress and gives you better results.
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Boneless Wings at Home
1. Cut the chicken.
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 1/2 inches each. Try to keep them close to the same size so they cook evenly.
2. Set up the breading station.
In one bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
3. Bread the chicken pieces.
Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, then back into the flour mixture again. That double coating helps create that thick, crispy outer layer that makes copycat boneless wings so good.
Place the breaded chicken on a tray and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick better during frying.
4. Heat the oil.
Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pot or deep skillet. Heat the oil to 350°F.
5. Fry the chicken.
Carefully add the chicken pieces in small batches. Do not crowd the pan. Fry for 4 to 6 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and cooked through.
Food safety tip: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part before serving.
Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Make the sauce.
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Stir in the hot sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cayenne if using. Heat just until smooth and combined.
7. Toss and serve.
Place the fried chicken in a large bowl. Pour over as much sauce as you like and toss until evenly coated. Serve right away with ranch or blue cheese dressing, plus celery and carrots if you want the full wing-night experience.
Tips for Extra Crispy Boneless Wings
- Use cornstarch in the breading for a lighter, crispier crust
- Let the breaded chicken rest before frying so the coating sticks
- Keep the oil at 350°F for even crisping
- Fry in batches so the oil temperature does not drop too much
- Toss in sauce just before serving to keep the coating crisp
Think of it like this: the crispy coating is like a raincoat for the chicken. If it is built well, it holds up longer under the sauce.
Air Fryer Version
If you want an easier and lighter option, you can make these air fryer boneless wings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F
- Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray
- Place in a single layer in the basket
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Check that the chicken reaches 165°F internally
- Toss with warm sauce before serving
Will they taste exactly like deep-fried wings? Not quite. But they still turn out crispy, tasty, and much easier to clean up after.
Easy Shortcut Version
Short on time? Here are a few easy ways to simplify this homemade boneless wings recipe.
- Use store-bought breaded chicken breast chunks and toss them in homemade sauce
- Use your favorite bottled Buffalo sauce instead of making your own
- Bake frozen crispy chicken pieces according to package directions, then sauce and serve
This is a great option for busy weeknights when you want the flavor without the full prep work.
Allergy and Diet Swaps
If you need to make a few changes, here are some easy ideas.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your hot sauce is certified gluten-free
- Dairy-free: Replace buttermilk with unsweetened dairy-free milk plus 1 tablespoon vinegar, and use plant-based butter in the sauce
- Egg-free: Try plain unsweetened dairy-free milk or a liquid egg substitute for dredging
- Milder version: Use less hot sauce and add a little more butter and honey
This one is not a natural fit for vegan or paleo cooking, but you can use the same sauce idea with cauliflower bites or a paleo-friendly chicken coating if that works better for your table.
What to Serve with Boneless Wings
- French fries
- Onion rings
- Coleslaw
- Mac and cheese
- Potato wedges
- Celery and carrots
- Ranch or blue cheese dip
If you are serving these for a party, add a few sauces on the side and let people mix and match. That always disappears fast in my house.
Approximate Nutrition Per Serving
Based on 6 servings, not including dipping sauces:
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
These numbers are estimates and will vary based on oil absorption, sauce amount, and brand choices.
Storage and Reheating
To store: Keep leftover boneless wings in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Warm them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until heated through. Make sure leftovers reach 165°F before eating.
Microwaving works in a pinch, but the coating will be softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings really wings?
Not in the traditional sense. Boneless wings are usually made from chunks of chicken breast meat that are breaded and fried.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes. Chicken thighs can be juicier and more forgiving, though the texture will be a little different.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken ahead and keep it chilled for a few hours before frying. For best texture, sauce them right before serving.
What is the best sauce for boneless wings?
Classic Buffalo is always a favorite, but BBQ, garlic parmesan, honey mustard, and sweet chili are also great options.
Final Thoughts
This Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings copycat recipe gives you that crispy, saucy, restaurant-style bite without leaving the house. It is easy enough for a weekend dinner, but fun enough for game day or a party spread too.
If you make these, I would love to hear how they turned out. Did you stick with classic Buffalo sauce, or try something different? Leave a comment and share this recipe with someone who loves homemade wings.
Disclaimer
This recipe is a copycat recipe inspired by Buffalo Wild Wings boneless wings. It is not the actual restaurant recipe, and no affiliation with or endorsement by Buffalo Wild Wings is claimed or implied. No knowledge of the restaurant’s proprietary recipe is implied.
Simply Copycat Recipes is also an Amazon affiliate. This means we may earn from qualifying purchases made through links, at no extra cost to you.
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