Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers Recipe + Cane's Sauce (Copycat) (2024)

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Do you love Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers? They’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. I’m sharing all the tips on how to make cane’s chicken including the famous Cane’s sauce. Now you can try making this copycat recipe in the comfort of your own home!

Raising Cane’s is a fast food chain founded in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1996. Today they have 570 locations across the country. While the menu is limited to fried chicken fingers, many people would argue these are the best ones money can buy.

If you don’t have a location nearby or want to save some money, simply follow this raising cane’s copycat recipe! Many people will say these chicken tenders are better than KFC or Chick-fil-A!

What Are Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers?

Raising Cane’s is a fast-food chain specializing in chicken fingers. These strips of chicken breast meat get breaded and deep-fried until crispy. The menu has different serving presentations, including on their own, with side dishes, or in sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Taste: This recipe delivers the real flavor that you love from Raising Cane’s captures.
• Easy: Making your own chicken fingers is a cinch, even for beginner cooks.
• Versatile: You can adjust the seasoning and spiciness to suit your taste.
• Budget-friendly: Let’s face it – making your own is much more affordable than going to the restaurant itself! Plus, it’s even more economical to feed a crowd.

What Is Cane’s Chicken Made Of?

Here are the ingredients needed for Raising Cane’s chicken fingers:

• Chicken: You want to use boneless skinless chicken breast
• Milk
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed
• Sugar: White granulated sugar
• Cornstarch: This powder is crucial for getting a crispy exterior.
• Salt & pepper
• Breadcrumbs: This recipe uses a mix of Panko and regular breadcrumbs
• Flour: All-purpose flour is what you want to use
• Onion powder: A key seasoning in the canes recipe
• Vegetable oil: This an affordable all-purpose oil for deep frying. Canola oil is another excellent option.

The Raising Cane’s sauce ingredients include: mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and black pepper.

How To Make Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Step 1: Marinate Chicken Strips

Cut the chicken breasts against the grain to make strips about 1-inch wide. Place them into a zip-top bag. Then mix the marinade ingredients.

Pour the marinade into the zip-top bag and gently shake until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Combine Panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, flour, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl.

Remove chicken strips from the bag and add them to the breadcrumb mixture and coat them thoroughly.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Add oil to a large pot or deep fryer and heat to 350˚F. Once the oil is ready, carefully add a few chicken strips into the pot, and fry for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.

Tips And Tricks

• Marinate the chicken tenders before frying: Taking the time to marinate your chicken will result in juicier and more tender fingers. Marinating prevents the meat from drying out or becoming chewy when fried.
• Use vegetable oil such as canola oil for deep-frying: Using oil with a high smoke point is best for deep frying chicken. We recommend using vegetable or canola oil.
• Keep the oil between 300-350˚F: Be sure to keep the temperature of the oil between 300 and 350˚F. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn and if it’s not hot enough, your fingers won’t be crispy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: To allow all your chicken fingers to cook properly, avoid overcrowding your pot. Cook a few pieces at a time for best results.
• Drain the chicken fingers briefly on paper towels after frying: To prevent your chicken fingers from being too greasy, be sure to drain them on paper towels after frying.

Raising Cane’s Sauce

Some say Cane’s sauce is the best part of the Raising Cane’s experience! They claim it’s a secret, but we’ve got it figured out.

If you’ve ever wondered what is in Cane’s sauce, start by combining mayonnaise, ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Then stir in garlic powder, ground black pepper and salt. It’s tangy and creamy, yet satisfying! This Cane’s sauce recipe has all the details.

Serving Suggestions

You can pair it with side dishes like cole slaw, french fries or Texas toast. You can also make them into a crispy chicken sandwich with your favorite condiments.

How To Store Leftover Chicken Fingers

Before storing, first ensure the chicken fingers have reached room temperature.

Then place them in an airtight container in the fridge, keeping them separate from any side dishes or sources of moisture that could make them soggy.

How Long Do Chicken Fingers Last?

When stored properly, leftover fried chicken can last for up to 3 to 4 days according to the USDA. Do not eat older leftovers due to the risk of foodborne illness.

How To Reheat Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

There are a few ways to reheat leftover Raising Cane’s chicken fingers to keep them crispy:

• Air fryer: Preheat to 375°F and air fry for 4 to 5 minutes.
• Speed Oven: Rapidly preheat the oven to 375°F and bake for 8 to 10 minutes.
• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat on a baking sheet for 14 to 16 minutes.

Microwaving will lead to soggy and chewy chicken, so only use it in a pinch. The stovetop also produces uneven results. Note: if the chicken is frozen, reheating times will be longer.

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can make Raising Cane’s chicken in advance and then simply reheat when needed.

Just follow the recipe to make the chicken. Then let it come to room temperature and store in the fridge or freezer depending on when you expect to use it. Reheat using the oven or air fryer for crispy chicken.

FAQS

Is Raising Cane’s chicken fried or baked?

The chicken fingers at Raising Cane’s are all deep-fried. However, when cooking at home, you can make them in the oven for a healthier option.

Can I freeze them?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken fingers for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in freezer paper or plastic wrap and place in an airtight container or freezer bag.

How to cut chicken correctly for Raising Cane’s chicken fingers?

The best way to cut the meat when making chicken fingers is to slice against the grain. Look at the meat and you’ll notice faint lines across the surface. You’ll want to cut perpendicular to these lines. This small step has a huge impact in how tender your chicken will be.

Why is it called Raising Canes?

The founder of Raising Cane’s decided to name the restaurant after his dog, a Labrador called Raising Cane.

What is Creole seasoning?

Creole seasoning is a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and other species such as oregano. This spice mix is part of Cajun and Creole cuisines in the southern US.

Can I fry chicken fingers without a deep fryer?

If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can still deep fry chicken using a deep skillet or pot on the stove, ideally equipped with a deep fry thermometer. Alternate methods that are healthier include air frying and pan frying, although the results are less crispy than deep frying.

Should I use chicken tenders or chicken breasts for this recipe?

Both chicken tenders and chicken breasts are white meat chicken that will work equally well. That being said, chicken tenders require no cutting, whereas you will need to cut up chicken breasts into chicken finger size pieces.

Other Copycat Recipes You May Like

• KFC Crispy Zinger Burger
• KFC Donut Chicken Sandwich
• Chipotle Fajita Veggies
• Burger King Onion Rings
• Popeyes Buttermilk Biscuits
• In and Out Animal Style Burger
• McDonald’s Sausage Egg McMuffin