Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe

If you’re a fan of that irresistibly crispy, juicy chicken from Raising Cane’s, you’re going to love this Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe. It’s just the right blend of seasoning and crunch that makes the real thing so addictive, but now you can make it at home anytime you want. Trust me, once you get the hang of this, there’s no going back to takeout!

What I love about this recipe is how straightforward it is, yet it nails those tender bites soaked in buttermilk marinade and fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a game day hangout, this copycat recipe hits the spot and saves you a trip to the drive-thru.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here works together to create that iconic Raising Cane’s flavor and texture. From the tenderizing buttermilk to the special mix of spices in the flour coating, every element is carefully chosen to make sure your tenders come out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Chicken tenders: Fresh tenders work best—they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the chicken for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• Egg: Binds the marinade ingredients and helps the coating stick perfectly.
• Garlic powder: Gives a punch of savory aroma both in the marinade and the coating.
• Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy kick without overpowering.
• All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the breading, ensuring a crispy crust.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the coating light and extra crispy.
• Onion powder: Adds depth of flavor to the flour coating.
• Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and color in the crust.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the signature Cane’s dipping sauce.
• Ketchup: Adds sweetness and tang to the sauce.
• Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and complexity to the dipping sauce.
• Smoked paprika: Amplifies the smoky notes in the sauce.

Variations

I like to play around with this Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe depending on who I’m cooking for or what pantry staples I have. It’s easy to tweak and still get delicious results, so feel free to make it your own!

• Spicy Variation: I sometimes add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and a bit of hot sauce to the dipping sauce for an extra kick that my family loves.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornstarch. The tenders still come out wonderfully crispy.
• Oven-Baked Option: For a lighter version, you can bake the coated tenders at 425ºF on a wire rack until crispy, though frying really gives it that classic texture.

How to Make Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe

Step 1: Marinate for Maximum Tenderness

Start by whisking together the buttermilk, egg, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Toss your chicken tenders in this mixture to coat them fully. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let all those flavors really soak in—overnight is even better if you have the time. This step is what transforms your chicken into juicy, flavorful bites.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Breading

While the chicken marinates, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt in a shallow bowl. This seasoned blend is the secret to achieving that perfect crispy crust. When dredging the chicken, don’t skimp—press the coating onto the meat well to make sure each tender is thoroughly covered.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to about 350ºF. I always use a thermometer here to keep the temperature steady—if it’s too hot, the coating burns; too cool, and the tenders soak up oil and get greasy. Fry the tenders in batches (don’t crowd the pan!) for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally until golden and crisp. Aim for an internal temperature of 165ºF to ensure they’re safely cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Signature Cane’s Dipping Sauce

While your chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. I’ve found that letting this sauce chill in the fridge while you finish frying helps the flavors blend beautifully. This tangy, smoky sauce is a game changer and absolutely essential for the full Raising Cane’s experience.

How to Serve Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a fresh touch. Sometimes, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors, but that’s totally up to you. These simple finishes make the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with these tenders are classic coleslaw and crispy fries—just like at the restaurant. You could also serve them with a fresh garden salad or even some mac and cheese for a more indulgent meal. These tenders are versatile and pair well with just about anything.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I’ve arranged these chicken tenders on a large platter with small bowls of the Cane’s sauce and other dips, letting everyone mix and match. Serving them in mini sandwich buns with some lettuce and sauce also makes for fun sliders your guests will rave about. It’s all about making the eating experience easy and enjoyable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge, usually good for up to 3 days. Pro tip: Let them cool a bit before sealing to avoid sogginess. I’ve found that storing on a paper towel-lined plate inside the container helps keep that crispiness intact.

Freezing

Want to freeze them? Just freeze the cooked tenders flat on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, bake or air fry them straight from frozen. This method surprisingly keeps them nearly as crispy as freshly cooked.

Reheating

To reheat, I avoid the microwave because it tends to make the coating soggy. Instead, I warm them in a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 375ºF for 8-10 minutes. An air fryer also works wonders to bring back that crunch while keeping the chicken juicy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Raising Cane’s Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to whenever I want something comforting and satisfying without heading out to eat. It manages to capture that crave-worthy combo of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful perfectly. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to create that famous Cane’s magic right in your kitchen.

Print