Cane's Chicken Recipe (Copycat)

There's something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tender from Raising Cane's. That distinctive crunch giving way to tender, flavorful chicken has earned a cult following across the country. Today, I'm sharing my meticulously tested Copycat Cane's Chicken Recipe that brings that same restaurant magic right to your kitchen.

Why You'll Love This Cane's Chicken Recipe

This copycat Cane's chicken recipe brings the restaurant experience home with spot-on flavor and texture. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or whenever those Cane's cravings hit. While it takes some time to prepare, the result is worth every minute – crispy, juicy chicken tenders that rival the original.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Cane's Chicken Recipe
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Pro Tips for Perfect Cane's Chicken Recipe
• Equipment
• Storage Instructions
• Recipe Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• FAQ
• HOW DID YOUR CANE'S CHICKEN RECIPE TURN OUT?
• Related
• Pairing
• Copycat Cane's Chicken Recipe
•  

Ingredients

the Marinade:

• 2 pounds chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon MSG (optional, but adds authentic flavor)

the Breading:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk (for dredging)

Frying:

• 4-6 cups peanut oil (or vegetable oil)

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and MSG (if using).
2. Add chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Breading Station

1. In a large shallow dish, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
2. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow dish.
3. Set up your breading station in this order: marinated chicken, seasoned flour, buttermilk, seasoned flour again.

Breading the Chicken

1. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
2. Dredge each tender in seasoned flour, shaking off excess.
3. Dip in buttermilk.
4. Dredge again in seasoned flour, pressing gently to ensure good coating.
5. Place breaded tenders on a wire rack and let rest for 10 minutes.

Frying

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place 3-4 tenders in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
3. Fry for 4-5 minutes, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Remove to a wire rack set over paper towels.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cane's Chicken Recipe

• Don't skip the marination time – it's crucial for tender, flavorful chicken
• Double-breading creates that signature thick, crunchy coating
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispiness
• Let the breaded chicken rest before frying to help the coating adhere better
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is properly cooked

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Shallow dishes for breading
• Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
• Wire rack
• Meat thermometer
• Paper towels
• Tongs for frying

Storage Instructions

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
• Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes to maintain crispiness
• Not recommended for freezing as it may affect the coating's texture

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Version: Double the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture
• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
• Air Fryer Method: Spray breaded tenders with oil and cook at 400°F for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway

Serving Suggestions

Serve your homemade Cane's chicken tenders with:

• Classic Cane's sauce (see FAQ below)
• Crispy crinkle-cut fries
• Texas toast
• Creamy coleslaw
• Fresh lemon wedges

FAQ

HOW DID YOUR CANE'S CHICKEN RECIPE TURN OUT?

How did your Cane's Chicken Recipe turn out? Ready to savor something new? This recipe is sure to impress with its perfect balance of crispy, crunchy breading and tender, juicy chicken. If you're a fan of Southern fried chicken and dippable finger foods, be sure to try our Boneless Beef Ribs Recipe next – another easy-to-make yet delicious treat!
Did you make this Cane's Chicken Recipe? We'd love to hear about your experience! Leave a star rating and share your thoughts in the comments. Did you try any creative twists or use any unique ingredients? I added some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick of heat. I also used buttermilk instead of regular milk for the marinade to make the chicken extra tender.
Your feedback not only helps others but also contributes to our growing community of home cooks. Don't forget to share a photo of your culinary creation! As you can see from the mouthwatering photo I uploaded, my Cane's Chicken turned out fantastic! The breading was perfectly crisp and golden brown, and the meat was so moist and flavorful. Dipping it in the zesty signature sauce took it over the top. I'll definitely be making this recipe again and again - 5 stars all the way!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Copycat Cane's Chicken Recipe