There’s nothing quite like the mouthwatering crunch of perfectly fried chicken tenders fresh from your own kitchen. The moment I took my first bite of crispy copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken, I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. Tender pieces of chicken marinated in a flavorful buttermilk mixture, coated in a seasoned breading, and served with a tangy homemade sauce—it’s a meal that’s comforting, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to make.
You don’t need to be a culinary expert to enjoy this dish; with just a few simple ingredients, you can impress your friends and family while savoring every crispy bite. Whether it’s a cozy dinner on a weekday or a gathering with friends, this copycat recipe is sure to delight. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into the delicious world of homemade crispy chicken tenders!
Why will you love this Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce?
Crispy Chicken: Experience the satisfying crunch that rivals your favorite fast-food chicken.
Tender Perfection: Buttermilk marinade ensures juicy, flavorful meat every time.
Easy to Follow: Simple steps make this an achievable dish for home cooks of all levels.
Homemade Sauce: Customize flavor profiles with a creamy sauce that’s far better than store-bought.
Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for parties or cozy dinners, this recipe is sure to impress anyone.
Time-Saving: Quick prep and cooking keep you in and out of the kitchen in no time.
Get ready to bring that restaurant-style comfort into your home!
Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce Ingredients
For the Marinade
- Buttermilk – Ensures chicken tenderness and flavor infusion; can be substituted with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a splash of vinegar.
- Large Egg – Acts as a binding agent, helping the coating stick to the chicken.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances the overall flavor throughout the marinade.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat and flavor, elevating the marinade’s profile.
For the Breading
- Chicken Tenders – The main protein, creating a juicy tenderness when fried.
- All-Purpose Flour – Forms the base of the coating for that desired crispy texture.
- Cornstarch – Contributes to extra crispiness in the breading, making each bite delightful.
- Paprika – Infuses a mild smokiness, complementing the chicken beautifully.
- Garlic Powder – Adds a savory depth to the chicken.
- Onion Powder – Complements garlic flavor, enhancing the overall savory profile.
For Frying
- Vegetable Oil – Necessary frying agent to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
For the Dipping Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Forms the rich and creamy base of the sauce.
- Ketchup – Adds a touch of sweetness, balancing the sauce’s tang and enhancing flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Provides depth of flavor, enriching the overall taste of the sauce.
Optional Side
- Crinkle Fries – A classic pairing that adds texture and rounds out this indulgent meal.
With these key ingredients in hand, you’re just steps away from creating your own copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce right at home!
How to Make Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
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Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Immerse the chicken tenders in the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated; marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor.
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Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and any additional seasonings. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Prep Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will create a flavorful coating that adds a perfect crunch.
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Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. This indicates that the oil is ready for frying; hot oil is key for crispy tenders!
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Coat Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating to promote that delicious crunch.
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Fry Chicken: Carefully fry the coated tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a wire rack to maintain their crispness.
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Serve: Plate the warm chicken tenders alongside the homemade sauce and optional crinkle fries for a delightful meal everyone will love.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor and color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
- Fridge: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days to maintain their flavor and texture.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months. They will still taste delightful when reheated!
- Reheating: Reheat chicken tenders in an oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispy exterior, making them just as enjoyable as fresh from the skillet.
- Sauce: The homemade sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it sealed tightly to preserve its creamy goodness, perfect for pairing with your copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken!
Make Ahead Options
These crispy Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the buttermilk marinade and soak the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring they’re infused with flavor and tenderness. The homemade dipping sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain quality, keep the sauce tightly covered and refrigerate. When you’re ready to serve, simply coat the marinated chicken and fry them to golden perfection. This way, you’ll have a delightful meal on the table with minimal effort, making busy weeknights so much easier!
What to Serve with Crispy Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce?
Create a balanced and delightful meal experience that elevates your crispy chicken with these tasty pairings.
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Crinkle Fries: Classic and crispy, their texture complements the chicken perfectly while making for an indulgent treat.
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Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, tangy crunch adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the fried richness of the chicken.
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Garlic Breadsticks: Soft and buttery, these little bites offer a comforting side with a delightful garlicky flavor.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy, grilled or boiled corn will brighten your plate with a touch of summer sweetness.
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Fresh Garden Salad: A light and crisp salad brings freshness and color, enhancing the meal while adding healthy elements.
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Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: A sweet and tangy alternative to the classic, it offers a delightful flavor twist for your chicken.
These accompaniments combine to create a full and satisfying meal, perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners!
Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce Variations
Feel free to explore and customize these crispy tenders to fit your taste and dietary preferences—there’s no limit to the delicious possibilities!
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Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery flavor burst that delights spice lovers. A little heat goes a long way in transforming this classic dish!
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Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh or dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the flour coating to elevate flavor. This adds a beautiful aroma and depth while giving your chicken a twist of homegrown goodness.
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Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or almond flour to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing crunch. It’s encouraging to know that everyone can indulge in this meal!
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Zesty Citrus: Incorporate lemon or lime juice into the buttermilk marinade for a refreshing zing. The citrus will brighten flavors and make your chicken feel festive and vibrant.
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Cheesy Breading: Fold grated parmesan or cheddar cheese into the flour mixture for added flavor and richness. Every bite will be a cheesy surprise that will have everyone coming back for more!
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Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, spray coated tenders with oil and bake at 425°F for 25 minutes. They’ll still be tender and delightful without the frying fuss.
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Crunchy Coating: Use crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs in the coating for an extra crispy texture. This twist will provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the eating experience!
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Sweet & Tangy Sauce: Mix in a bit of honey or BBQ sauce with your mayonnaise and ketchup for a sweet twist on the classic dipping sauce. This small change creates a flavorful complement that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
Dive into these variations and make this recipe your own, bringing new flavors and fun to the table!
Expert Tips for Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
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Hot Oil Check: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying by dropping in a small amount of flour. It should sizzle immediately!
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Even Coating: Shake off any excess buttermilk before dredging the chicken in the flour mixture to avoid soggy coatings.
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Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets crispy and evenly cooked.
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Stay Warm: Keep the cooked tenders warm in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches to retain their crunch.
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Extra Sauce: If you and your guests love dipping, consider doubling the sauce recipe—it’s the perfect accompaniment for your copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken!
Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce Recipe FAQs
What kind of buttermilk should I use for the marinade?
I recommend using buttermilk for its rich, tangy flavor and tenderizing qualities. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How long can I store the leftover chicken tenders?
You can store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months. Just remember to place parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together!
Can I freeze the chicken tenders after cooking?
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Flatten the bag to remove excess air and prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy.
What should I do if my breading isn’t sticking to the chicken?
If you find that the breading isn’t sticking well, ensure you’ve shaken off the excess buttermilk before dredging. You could also try adding an extra egg to the marinade to act as a better binding agent. Additionally, pressing the chicken into the flour mixture gently can help the coating adhere more effectively.
Is this recipe suitable for people with allergies?
This recipe contains common allergens such as eggs, wheat (from the flour), and dairy (from the buttermilk and mayonnaise). If you’re looking for alternatives, I recommend using gluten-free flour for the breading and a dairy-free mayo to accommodate dietary restrictions. Always check packaging for allergen warnings that may apply.
How can I ensure my chicken stays crispy after frying?
To maintain that delicious crunch, avoid stacking the fried chicken directly on top of each other. Instead, place them on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep the hot air circulating around them. You can also warm them in a 200°F oven while frying the remaining batches, helping to keep everything crispy!
Crispy Copycat Raising Cane's Chicken & Sauce at Home
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together buttermilk, salt, and pepper. Immerse the chicken tenders in the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated; marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight for optimal flavor.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and any additional seasonings. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.
- In a shallow dish, mix together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, heat 4-6 cups of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture.
- Carefully fry the coated tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a wire rack.
- Plate the warm chicken tenders alongside the homemade sauce and optional crinkle fries.
