Raising Canes Style Chicken Tenders

Crispy, golden, and flavorful, these Raising Canes style chicken tenders are the ultimate comfort food. With a perfectly spiced breading and a signature creamy dipping sauce, every bite is juicy, tender, and irresistible. This recipe brings the famous restaurant experience right into your kitchen.

Behind the Recipe

The first time I tried making Raising Canes style tenders at home, I was obsessed. The key is in the marinade, which keeps the chicken tender, and the crispy breading that delivers the crunch we all love. The signature sauce ties everything together with creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Trust me, it’s worth every minute to make these from scratch.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Raising Canes is famous for its chicken tenders and secret sauce. The chain started in Louisiana and quickly became a fan favorite due to its simplicity—quality chicken, seasoned perfectly, and a signature dipping sauce. This recipe mimics their style, with a marinade, spiced breading, and sauce to recreate that crave-worthy taste at home.

Why You’ll Love Raising Canes Style Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are perfect for any occasion:

Versatile: Great for lunch, dinner, or a party platter.
Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, big flavor.
Quick and Easy: Minimal prep and fast cooking.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare marinade and sauce ahead of time.
Great for Leftovers: Reheat for sandwiches or salads.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get that perfect restaurant-style crisp:

• Marinate the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 2 hours.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure crispiness.
• Press the breading firmly onto the chicken for a uniform crust.
• Cook at a consistent medium-high heat to avoid burning.
• Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

A few simple tools make all the difference:

Mixing Bowls: For marinade and breading.
Whisk: To blend sauce and spices.
Tongs: For handling chicken without losing breading.
Deep Fryer or Skillet: For frying to golden perfection.
Paper Towels: To drain excess oil.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For accurate seasoning.

Ingredients in Raising Canes Style Chicken Tenders

Each ingredient contributes to juicy, flavorful, and crispy tenders:

For Chicken Tenders:

1. Chicken Tenderloins: 10 (1.5 lbs), the star of the dish.
2. Buttermilk: 2 cups, tenderizes the chicken.
3. Hot Sauce: ¼ cup, adds flavor and subtle heat.
4. Paprika: 1 tbsp, for color and mild smokiness.
5. Garlic Powder: 1 tbsp, enhances savory flavor.
6. Chili Powder: 1 tbsp, adds warmth and depth.
7. Pickle Juice (optional): 2 tbsp, boosts flavor and tenderness.

Dry Batter:

8. Self-Rising Flour: 2 cups, or all-purpose with baking powder.
9. Corn Starch: ⅔ cup, ensures a crisp coating.
10. Paprika: 1 tbsp, for color and flavor.
11. Garlic Powder: 1 tbsp, enhances aroma.
12. Chili Powder: 1 tbsp, gives mild heat.

Canes Style Sauce:

13. Mayonnaise: 1 cup, creamy base.
14. Ketchup: 1 cup, adds sweetness and tang.
15. Worcestershire Sauce: ¼ cup, umami depth.
16. Salt: 1 tsp, enhances flavor.
17. Black Pepper: 1 tsp, seasoning balance.
18. Garlic Powder: 1 tsp, aromatic punch.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can tweak this recipe without losing flavor:

Chicken: Use chicken strips or breast meat.
Buttermilk: Substitute with milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Hot Sauce: Any preferred chili sauce works.
Self-Rising Flour: Mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1½ tsp baking powder.
Corn Starch: Arrowroot powder works as well.
Sauce: Adjust mayo or ketchup ratio for creamier or tangier taste.

Ingredient Spotlight

Buttermilk: Tenderizes chicken and adds subtle tang, keeping it juicy.
Corn Starch: Creates an ultra-crispy coating without heaviness.

Instructions for Making Raising Canes Style Chicken Tenders

Follow these steps for perfect restaurant-style tenders:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).

2. Combine Ingredients:
Mix chicken with buttermilk, hot sauce, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, and pickle juice. Marinate for at least 2 hours.

3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
Whisk together dry batter ingredients in a shallow dish.

4. Assemble the Dish:
Remove chicken from marinade and coat evenly in dry batter.

5. Cook to Perfection:
Fry chicken in batches until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 4–5 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

6. Finishing Touches:
Whisk sauce ingredients together until smooth and well-combined.

7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve hot with Canes-style dipping sauce on the side.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The marinated chicken remains tender and juicy while the corn starch in the batter ensures a crisp, golden exterior. The balance of spices in the marinade and breading gives that signature Raising Canes flavor. The sauce adds creamy, tangy, and slightly savory notes that complement the crunchy tenders perfectly.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.
• Pat tenders dry before breading for maximum crunch.
• Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
• Serve immediately for best texture.

What to Avoid

• Overcrowding the fryer or skillet, which can lead to soggy tenders.
• Skipping corn starch, which reduces crispiness.
• Using cold chicken straight from the fridge; let it come to room temperature for even cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 480

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes + marinating
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes + marinating

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Marinate chicken up to 8 hours ahead. Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

How to Serve Raising Canes Style Chicken Tenders

Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a simple salad. Offer dipping sauces on the side, such as the signature Canes sauce, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Chop into salad topping.
• Slice for sandwiches or wraps.
• Mix with pasta for a crispy pasta salad twist.

Additional Tips

• For extra heat, add cayenne to the dry batter.
• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for a crunchy coating.
• Use fresh spices for best flavor.

Make It a Showstopper

Plate tenders in a rustic basket lined with parchment. Garnish with parsley or a few lemon wedges for a vibrant presentation.

Variations to Try

• Spicy Style: Add more hot sauce to marinade.
• Oven-Baked: Bake coated tenders at 425°F for 20 minutes.
• Herb Crusted: Add dried oregano or thyme to the breading.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix grated parmesan into the dry batter.
• Air Fryer: Cook in an air fryer for a healthier crispy option.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A1: Yes, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes for a crisp exterior.

Q2: How long should I marinate the chicken?
A2: At least 2 hours, up to 8 hours for maximum flavor.

Q3: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A3: Yes, store in the fridge up to 3 days.

Q4: Is corn starch necessary?
A4: It ensures a crisp coating but can be replaced with flour if needed.

Q5: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A5: Fresh works best; thaw fully before marinating.

Q6: How do I keep the tenders crispy after frying?
A6: Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

Q7: Can I adjust spice levels?
A7: Yes, reduce or increase hot sauce, chili powder, or paprika.

Q8: Can I use skinless chicken breast strips?
A8: Yes, they will work well with this marinade and breading.

Q9: Can I air fry them?
A9: Yes, set to 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Q10: How should leftovers be stored?
A10: In an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

These Raising Canes style chicken tenders bring the classic flavor and crunch of the restaurant right into your home kitchen. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and paired with the signature sauce, they’re a game-changer for lunch, dinner, or parties. Enjoy them fresh, and watch them disappear fast!

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