Craving the irresistible crunch and juicy bite of Raising Cane’s chicken tenders? Now you can recreate that golden, flavorful experience right in your own kitchen with this Raising Cane’s style chicken tenders recipe. Perfectly seasoned, double-breaded, and fried to crispy perfection, these homemade tenders rival the original — and maybe even beat it.
Paired with a creamy, peppery dipping sauce inspired by Cane’s famous recipe, this meal is ideal for game nights, family dinners, or indulgent weekend treats. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love great fried chicken, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Serves: 4 people
Yields: 12 to 16 tenders (depending on size)
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Breading
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
For Frying
- Vegetable oil or canola oil (enough for deep frying)
Optional: Copycat Cane’s Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
Preparation Time
- Marinating time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 to 20 minutes
- Total time: 1 to 5 hours (including marination)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken tenders, making sure they’re fully coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally up to 4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), and salt.
- Set aside a plate lined with paper towels for draining the cooked chicken.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- For extra crunch, dip it back into the buttermilk and dredge a second time in flour.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
- Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Fry the chicken in batches, 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove and place on the paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve hot with copycat Cane’s sauce, fries, coleslaw, or Texas toast for the full experience.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 4 tenders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 35 grams |
| Total Fat | 24 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 30 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Sodium | 720 milligrams |
Key Benefits:
- High protein content makes this dish filling and satisfying.
- Homemade version allows for customization (air-fried or oven-baked for lower fat).
- Buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken naturally while adding rich flavor.
- Balanced macros make it suitable as a post-workout meal or comfort food favorite.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for even frying and no greasy coating.
- Marinate longer for juicier chicken and better flavor absorption.
- Double dredging ensures an ultra-crispy crust that holds up even after cooling.
- Let the coated chicken sit for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better.
Variations to Try
- Oven-baked version: Bake at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a wire rack for best crispness.
- Spicy version: Add hot sauce to the marinade or cayenne to the flour mix.
- Air fryer version: Spray tenders lightly with oil and cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping once.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour with cornstarch blend.
This Raising Cane’s style chicken tenders recipe gives you everything you love about the original — juicy, crispy, crave-worthy tenders with that signature flavor — all made from scratch at home. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a fried chicken fix, this recipe delivers restaurant-level satisfaction without the drive-thru.