Why Make This Recipe

If you crave the deliciousness of Cane’s chicken tenders but want to make them at home, you’re in the right place! This copycat recipe gives you the same juicy, flavorful chicken tenders that everyone loves. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or a fun snack.

How to Make Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken breasts or tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions:

In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper until well mixed. Once combined, cover and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the chicken breasts into three vertical strips each. If using tenderloins, simply remove the tendons.
In a resealable bag, mix the buttermilk with half of the Cajun seasoning. Add the chicken strips, seal the bag, and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour to marinate.
In a shallow dish, mix the remaining Cajun seasoning with the flour. Press each chicken strip into the flour mixture to coat.
Heat oil in a pan to 350°F. Fry 3-4 strips at a time for about 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
For a healthier option, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the chicken tenders for 8-16 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
Serve the chicken tenders hot with your homemade Cane’s sauce.

How to Serve Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are best served hot right out of the fryer or air fryer. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like the homemade Cane’s sauce, or enjoy them with some fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.

How to Store Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven to keep them crispy again.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk overnight.
Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for frying. This helps achieve that perfect crispy texture.
If you’d like, add some garlic powder or onion powder to the flour for more flavor.

Variation

Feel free to spice things up! You can add more Cajun seasoning or try a different seasoning blend like Old Bay or garlic and herb.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating for best results.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! If you prefer to bake them, spray the coated chicken strips with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
They are delicious with fries, coleslaw, or you can make a chicken tender sandwich with some lettuce and tomato!