Craving that mouthwatering Raising Cane’s chicken but don’t want to make a trip to the restaurant? I totally get it! There’s something special about their perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken that keeps us coming back for more.
I’ve spent countless afternoons perfecting this copycat recipe, and trust me, it’s easier than you think. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just want to treat yourself to some delicious comfort food, this recipe brings the Cane’s magic right into your kitchen.
Ingredients
For The Chicken
- 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For The Breading
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For The Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Tools And Equipment
To master this Raising Cane’s Chicken copycat recipe, having the right tools makes all the difference. Here are the essentials I rely on in my kitchen:
- Deep Fryer or Large Cast-Iron Skillet
A deep fryer provides consistent heat for crispy chicken, but a heavy-duty cast-iron skillet works wonderfully if you prefer stovetop frying.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements ensure the perfect balance of spices and sauces, essential for replicating that signature flavor.
- Mixing Bowls
You’ll need at least two: one for marinating the chicken in buttermilk and hot sauce, and another for the seasoned flour coating.
- Wire Rack and Baking Sheet
After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Tongs or a Slotted Spoon
These tools help you safely handle the hot chicken pieces, allowing excess oil to drain away effectively.
- Food Thermometer
Keeping the oil at the right temperature, around 350°F, is crucial for achieving that golden-brown exterior without overcooking the chicken.
- Paper Towels
Use these to blot the fried chicken, removing any stray oil and ensuring each bite remains delightfully crispy.
- Plastic Zip-Top Bags
These are perfect for marinating the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and evenly.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your cooking process and help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your kitchen.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Preparing some components of the Raising Cane’s Chicken Copycat Recipe ahead of time can save you time and enhance the flavors. Follow these steps to streamline your cooking process:
Marinate the Chicken
- Combine Marinade Ingredients
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Marinate the Chicken
- Place 2 pounds of chicken tenderloins into a large zip-top bag.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Breading
- Mix Breading Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Store the Breading
- Combine the ingredients in a shallow dish.
- Store the mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
Make the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Prepare the Sauce
- Whisk all ingredients together in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Refrigerate the sauce in a covered container for up to one week.
Storage Overview
| Component | Preparation Method | Storage Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Marinated Chicken | Refrigerate in a zip-top bag | Up to 2 days or overnight |
| Breading | Airtight container at room temp | Up to 2 days |
| Sauce | Covered container in the fridge | Up to 1 week |
By following these make-ahead instructions, you’ll ensure that each element of your Raising Cane’s Chicken is perfectly prepared and ready to bring together for a delicious meal.
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your own Raising Cane’s Chicken at home. Each stage is crucial for achieving that signature crispy and flavorful taste.
Prepare The Marinade
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups buttermilk, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
- Whisk the ingredients together until well blended.
- Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if necessary to match your preferred spice level.
Marinate The Chicken
- Add 2 pounds chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully submerged.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Occasionally stir the chicken to ensure even marinating.
Prepare The Breading Mixture
- In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- Stir the dry ingredients until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the breading mixture to an airtight container if preparing in advance.
Coat The Chicken
- Remove each chicken tenderloin from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge the chicken in the breading mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for 10 minutes to help the breading adhere.
Fry The Chicken
- Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or cast-iron skillet to 350°F (175°C) using a food thermometer.
- Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook each piece for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken and drain on paper towels.
Make The Cane’s Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon pickle juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more pickle juice for tanginess if desired.
Assemble And Serve
- Arrange the crispy chicken tenderloins on a serving platter.
- Drizzle generously with the Cane’s sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your homemade Raising Cane’s Chicken!
Conclusion
Bringing Raising Cane’s taste into my kitchen has been a game changer for me. There’s something special about biting into that crispy chicken with the perfect sauce. It’s amazing how simple ingredients can come together to create such a flavorful meal. Whether you’re hosting a get-together or craving a comforting dish, this recipe has you covered. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do. Happy cooking!
