Raising Canes Chicken

This homemade version of Raising Canes Chicken is crispy, tender, and packed with the delicious flavors you know and love from the fast food chain. With a perfectly seasoned batter and a tangy dipping sauce, you can recreate your favorite chicken tenders at home in just over an hour. Serve them with the homemade dipping sauce for the full Raising Cane’s experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken recipe gives you the crispy, flavorful chicken tenders just like the ones from the fast food restaurant, but with the comfort of homemade cooking. The chicken is marinated in buttermilk and seasoned with Cajun spices, then coated in a perfectly crispy batter. The dipping sauce is creamy and tangy, with a touch of spice, making it the ideal accompaniment. Whether you’re craving chicken tenders for dinner or a fun family meal, this recipe delivers on flavor and crispiness!

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup ketchup

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

For the Chicken:

• 2 cups buttermilk

• 3 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)

• 1 ¾ pounds chicken tenderloins

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 3 tablespoons cornstarch

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.

2. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a large zip-top bag, combine the buttermilk and 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning.

2. Add the chicken tenderloins, seal the bag, and massage it to coat the chicken evenly.

3. Marinate the chicken in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best flavor.

Coat the Tenders:

1. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, and the remaining 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

2. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade (without shaking off the excess liquid) and press them into the flour mixture until fully coated. Transfer the coated tenders to a tray and repeat with the rest of the chicken.

Fry to Crispy Perfection:

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or skillet to 350°F (175°C), filling the pot halfway with oil.

2. Working in batches, fry 3–4 tenders at a time for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined tray to drain excess oil.

Serve:

1. Serve the crispy chicken tenders with the homemade dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 16 minutes

• Marinate Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: 1 hour 36 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra cayenne pepper to the sauce or chicken marinade for more heat.

• Chicken Breasts: You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips instead of tenderloins for a larger portion.

• Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, bake the breaded chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make the chicken tenders gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To maintain the crispiness, reheat the tenders in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

2. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor, so it’s a great option if you want to prepare the chicken in advance.

3. Can I freeze the chicken tenders before frying?

Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken tenders before frying. Lay them out on a tray to freeze individually, then store them in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

4. How do I know when the chicken is done cooking?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown and crispy on the outside.

5. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the dipping sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It will allow the flavors to meld even more.

6. Can I use a different oil for frying?

You can use other oils like vegetable oil or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil is hot enough to get the crispy texture (around 350°F or 175°C).

7. What should I serve with these chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders pair perfectly with fries, a side salad, coleslaw, or even served in a sandwich or wrap.

8. Can I bake these chicken tenders?

Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, bake the breaded tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

9. Can I make these chicken tenders spicier?

Yes, feel free to increase the cayenne pepper in the marinade and the dipping sauce for an added kick.

10. Can I make this recipe without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps make the chicken crispier, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with more flour for a slightly less crispy result.

Conclusion

This copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken recipe brings the crispy, flavorful chicken tenders you love right to your kitchen. Paired with a creamy and tangy dipping sauce, this homemade version is just as delicious as the fast food original—if not better! Perfect for any night of the week, these crispy tenders will be a hit with the whole family. Enjoy!

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