Homemade Raising Cane's Chicken Tenders and Sauce

Ingredients

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 0.25 cup ketchup
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (for the sauce)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (more for that signature peppery bite; for the sauce)
• 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins (or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1.25 cup buttermilk
• 1.25 cup all-purpose flour
• 0.25 cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for the chicken breading)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground mustard
• 1 tsp msg (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (for the chicken breading)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Steps

1. 1

   In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until smooth.

2. 2

   Cover the sauce and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is best for the flavors to develop.

3. 3

   Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and cover with the buttermilk. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or longer in the fridge).

4. 4

   In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, 1 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, chicken bouillon powder, smoked paprika, ground mustard, msg (if using), salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.

5. 5

   Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

6. 6

   Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere.

7. 7

   Fry the chicken in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

8. 8

   Drain the cooked tenders on a wire rack or paper towels and serve immediately with the chilled Cane's sauce.

Notes

For the best flavor, make the sauce a day in advance. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• chicken
• fried chicken
• copycat
• comfort food
• appetizer