If you’ve ever found yourself dreaming about those iconic crispy chicken tenders or craving that tangy, creamy dipping sauce, you’re not alone. Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce brings all the crave-worthy flavors of the original right to your kitchen, with impressively tender strips, a double-dipped crunchy coating, and that unforgettable sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to treat yourself, this ultimate comfort food recipe guarantees the pure joy of Raising Cane’s at home.

Copycat Raising Cane's Chicken & Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to perfect Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce lies in the details—simple, familiar ingredients carefully chosen to create the iconic taste, texture, and color you love. Each plays its own part, from the tender marinated chicken to the irresistible sauce that ties it all together.

Egg: Gives the marinade body and helps the coating stick to every chicken tender.
Buttermilk: Works its magic on the chicken, making it extra juicy and flavorful.
Kosher salt: Seasons both the marinade and breading, drawing out big flavor.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warm, peppery bite.
Chicken tenders: The real star—always choose fresh, plump tenders for that classic bite.
All-purpose flour: Foundation for that crunchy, golden breading.
Cornstarch: Helps the breading stay crisp and ultra-light.
Paprika: Boosts color and brings gentle warmth to every bite.
Garlic powder: Adds a craveable savory note to chicken and sauce alike.
Onion powder: Subtly rounds out the seasoning blend for depth.
Vegetable oil: Neutral and high smoke point—perfect for frying the tenders to golden perfection.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for that signature Cane’s sauce.
Ketchup: Lends color, sweetness, and tang to the iconic dip.
Worcestershire sauce: Umami-packed, it transforms regular sauce into something irresistible.
Crinkle fries: Because you can’t imitate Raising Cane’s fully without a pile of golden, crispy fries!

How to Make Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together your egg, buttermilk, part of the salt, and a few cracks of black pepper in a big mixing bowl. Add your chicken tenders, turning each piece to make sure it’s completely coated and bathed in that creamy goodness. Cover it up and slide it into the fridge so all those flavors can mingle for at least 2 hours or, if you have extra time, let it soak overnight. The longer the chicken sits, the juicier and more flavorful it becomes—just like the real deal.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading

While your chicken chills, it’s time to mix up the all-important breading. In a large shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, remaining salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a fresh grind of black pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s evenly blended. This flour mixture is responsible for giving Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce that signature crunch and beautiful golden color.

Step 3: Double-Dip the Chicken

Take your chicken out of the fridge, and working piece by piece, lift each tender from the marinade, letting the extra drip off. Roll it thoroughly in the flour mixture, then—here’s the trick—dunk it back into the buttermilk marinade before giving it another solid coat in the flour mix. This double-dip technique is what makes the crust thick, craggy, and utterly crave-worthy.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Fill a large heavy pot with vegetable oil until it reaches about 2 inches deep, and attach a frying thermometer if you have one. Heat the oil over medium-high until it reaches 350°F. Keeping the oil at the right temperature throughout frying ensures your chicken cooks up perfectly crispy without soaking up too much oil.

Step 5: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Carefully lower a few tenders at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re a deep golden brown and a meat thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. Transfer each batch to a wire rack set over a baking sheet so they stay crunchy as you finish the rest.

Step 6: Whip Up the Signature Cane’s Sauce

While your chicken cools just slightly, mix together all the sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder—in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. This Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce dip is magic: just the right amount of tangy, peppery, and creamy to keep you reaching for more.

Step 7: Plate and Serve

Arrange your golden-crispy chicken tenders on a platter, serve with a generous bowl of sauce for dipping, and don’t forget the crinkle fries on the side. That’s it—the taste of the drive-thru, now just steps from your kitchen.

How to Serve Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce

Garnishes

A little fresh pop goes a long way: sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over your platter for a touch of color, or add a few lemon wedges for squeezing to brighten up every bite. Some folks love a dusting of extra black pepper right before serving for that signature finish.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong with a classic: crinkle-cut fries are the iconic partner for Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce. Pair with a thick slice of buttery Texas toast, or add a quick slaw for a bit of tang and crunch. Even a pile of simple pickles will round out the meal and cut the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party platter, arrange tenders in a basket lined with parchment—or go handheld by stuffing chicken, fries, and sauce into a toasted hoagie roll. Make sliders using Hawaiian rolls, or serve sauce in mini cups for dunking to make it picnic-friendly and playful for both kids and adults.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately to keep everything as fresh as possible; this helps the breading stay crisp and the sauce stay zippy.

Freezing

After frying and cooling, arrange chicken tenders on a tray and freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziptop bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making it easy to satisfy that Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce craving any time.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is in a 375°F oven or toaster oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the breading crisps back up and the chicken is hot through. Microwave works in a pinch, but for maximum crispness, skip it if you can. Re-stir your sauce if it separates after chilling.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts or thighs into strips about the same size as tenders—this way they’ll cook evenly and still soak up all that marinade and breading goodness.

Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the marinade?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can quickly make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for five minutes and you’re good to go.

Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

You can, but for the truest Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce experience, frying is best for that signature crunch. If you bake, spray tenders generously with oil and bake at 425°F until golden and cooked through, flipping once.

How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce has just a gentle kick from black pepper, but you can ramp up the heat with a dash of hot sauce, extra pepper, or even a pinch of cayenne if you love things spicy.

How far ahead can I make the sauce?

The sauce is a great make-ahead star! You can mix it up to three days in advance. Store it in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Copycat Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce recipe is pure homemade fun—a surefire crowd-pleaser that delivers serious flavor and crispy, juicy bites every time. Once you see just how easy (and delicious) it is to recreate at home, you’ll want to make it again and again. Grab your favorite friends and gather ‘round—it’s time to dig in!