Raising Cane’s Tenders offer a crispy, flavorful experience that elevates the typical chicken tender. Famous for their juicy insides and golden crispy coating, these tenders have become a beloved dish. With a blend of spices and a unique frying technique, you can recreate this iconic meal at home with minimal ingredients and effort. Perfect for any casual dinner or party, these tenders will surely impress your guests!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)

• 1 egg

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)

• Oil for frying

Directions

1. Marinate Chicken: Combine chicken tenders and buttermilk in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for extra tenderness.

2. Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3. Whisk Egg: Beat the egg in a separate bowl to create an egg wash.

4. Preheat Oil: Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

5. Coat Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, dip it in the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly with the flour mixture.

6. Fry Chicken: Fry the coated tenders in hot oil for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.

7. Drain Oil: Once done, place the tenders on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

8. Serve Hot: Enjoy the tenders while they are hot for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrients

Per Serving (Approx. 4 tenders)

• Calories: 400 kcal

• Fat: 20g

• Protein: 30g

What Makes Raising Cane’s Tenders So Special?

Raising Cane’s Tenders stand out for several reasons. First, they are made with whole chicken tenders, which are naturally tender and juicy. Unlike other fried chicken dishes, these tenders are not battered but instead coated with a crispy, flavorful breadcrumb crust that holds its crunch without being overly greasy.

The secret to their success lies not just in the high-quality chicken but also in the unique blend of spices and the technique used to fry them. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (optional for those who like a little heat) creates a flavor profile that is savory and slightly smoky, yet perfectly balanced.

The frying technique is another key element. The oil is heated to the ideal temperature, ensuring that the chicken gets crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. This ensures each tender delivers the signature crunch, paired with a moist and flavorful chicken center.

Why You Should Make These Tenders at Home

While it’s always easy to grab a quick bite at your local Raising Cane’s, making these tenders at home has its own set of benefits. First, it allows you to enjoy the fresh-out-of-the-oil crunch at its peak. Homemade tenders give you control over the ingredients, which means you can adjust the seasoning or spice levels to suit your taste.

Additionally, making these tenders at home is a fun and rewarding cooking experience. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish to prepare, and the results are sure to impress your family or guests. You can even double or triple the recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.

Lastly, the cost savings are significant. Raising Cane’s tenders may be a delicious treat, but making them at home allows you to serve several servings for the price of just a few orders from the restaurant.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients

To make these homemade tenders, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:

• Chicken tenders: The star of the show. Using fresh, whole chicken tenders is key to ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy.

• Buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the tenders.

• Flour and breadcrumbs: The combination of flour and breadcrumbs (preferably panko) creates a crispy, golden-brown coating that holds together perfectly when fried.

• Egg: The egg wash helps the breading adhere to the chicken, ensuring that every tender is evenly coated.

• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (optional) create the flavorful base for the breading. These simple ingredients bring a savory depth to the tenders that is hard to resist.

The Secret to a Crispy, Juicy Fry

The key to achieving the perfect crispy chicken tender lies in the frying process. When frying chicken, it’s essential to maintain the right oil temperature. Too high, and the outside will burn before the inside cooks; too low, and the tenders will absorb excess oil, resulting in a greasy texture.

To achieve that golden, crispy coating, heat 1-2 inches of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer ensures the oil is at the correct temperature, so your tenders cook evenly.

Once the oil is hot, dip each marinated chicken tender into the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly with the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Be sure to press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well. Fry each tender for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to not overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and cause the tenders to cook unevenly.

When the tenders are done, drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. This will help maintain their crispy texture and keep them from becoming soggy.

Serving Your Homemade Raising Cane’s Tenders

Now that you’ve created the perfect homemade Raising Cane’s tenders, it’s time to enjoy them! These tenders are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces.

For a classic combination, serve the tenders with crinkle-cut fries and a refreshing coleslaw. You can also try making a dipping sauce inspired by Raising Cane’s signature Cane’s Sauce. This sauce is tangy and creamy with a slight kick, and it pairs wonderfully with the tenders.

Another great option is to serve these tenders on a sandwich or in a wrap with your favorite toppings. The crispy texture and juicy flavor of the chicken work perfectly with fresh veggies, pickles, or a slather of your favorite sauce.

Nutritional Information

While these tenders are undoubtedly delicious, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content. On average, one serving of 4 tenders provides around 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. The combination of healthy protein from the chicken and the crispy coating provides a satisfying meal that will fill you up.

However, they are still fried, so it’s best to enjoy them in moderation. Pair them with a light salad or vegetable side to balance out the meal and make it a more well-rounded option.

Customizing Your Tenders

One of the best parts about making these tenders at home is the ability to customize them. If you like a little heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the breading or even add some hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. For a more flavorful coating, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for extra richness.

You can also adjust the seasoning to match your preferences, whether that means more garlic powder, a dash of smoked paprika, or a pinch of dried herbs like oregano or thyme. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to tailor these tenders to your exact taste.

Conclusion: A Delicious Homemade Treat

Raising Cane’s Tenders are beloved for a reason: they’re crispy, flavorful, and utterly satisfying. By recreating this dish at home, you can enjoy the same delicious tenders with a fraction of the cost and effort. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can make the perfect homemade tenders that rival the restaurant version.

Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, a party, or simply satisfying a craving, these tenders will surely impress everyone at the table. Enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of Raising Cane’s Tenders in the comfort of your own home—it’s a treat you won’t soon forget!