Chicken Fingers from Raising Cane's feature tender, juicy chicken breast strips hand-battered and fried to a golden crisp, served with a signature tangy Cane's dipping sauce, offering a satisfying combination of crunchy exterior and flavorful, moist interior.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Sheet pan or tray
- Wire rack
- Meat thermometer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
- Sauce serving container
Ingredients
- Chicken Fingers:
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken breast tenders
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Cane’s Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Ensure the chicken breast tenders are patted dry before coating to achieve a crispy, golden crust when fried. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Maintain the oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) for even cooking and prevent greasy chicken fingers. Whisk the batter thoroughly to combine all spices for consistent flavor in each strip. You can recreate the authentic taste of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers by following this precise copycat recipe that balances crunchy texture and juicy interior perfectly.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken tenders with 1/2 tablespoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In another bowl, combine flour, remaining salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture, then dip into egg mixture, and dredge again in flour mixture.
- Place prepared chicken on a tray or wire rack.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches for 5–7 minutes or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove fried chicken and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika to make Cane’s sauce.
- Serve chicken fingers hot with Cane’s sauce in a serving container.
Substitution
Chicken Fingers from Raising Cane's copycat menu can be easily adjusted for dietary preferences by substituting all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends or using almond flour for a low-carb option. If a deep fryer is unavailable, frying in a heavy skillet with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken fingers will yield similar crispy results. You can replace whole milk with buttermilk for a more tender, flavorful batter or use a dairy-free milk alternative if needed. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a golden crisp without greasy chicken, and always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165degF for safe consumption. Keep paper towels handy to drain excess oil and maintain the ideal crunch for your chicken fingers.
Tips
Ensure your chicken tenders are patted completely dry before seasoning to help the flour coating adhere properly and create a crispy texture. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat. Avoid overcrowding the deep fryer to maintain the oil temperature and achieve an even golden brown crust. For your Cane's sauce, whisk ingredients thoroughly and let it chill before serving to enhance the flavor blend.
Nutritions
Chicken fingers from Raising Cane's provide a good source of protein due to the use of chicken breast tenders, which helps support muscle maintenance and repair. The breading and frying process increases the calorie and fat content, as vegetable oil adds significant lipids, while the seasoned flour contributes carbohydrates. Your meal's sodium intake will be elevated from the salt and spices used in both the chicken coating and Cane's tangy dipping sauce, which combines mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Keep portion sizes in mind to balance indulgence with nutritional goals, especially if monitoring fat and sodium consumption.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain crispiness and food safety. For best texture, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and prevent sogginess. Your Cane's dipping sauce should be stored separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute buttermilk for whole milk in the egg wash to tenderize the chicken fingers further and add a subtle tangy flavor. Swapping vegetable oil with peanut or canola oil might give a higher smoke point, enhancing crispiness during frying. For a gluten-free option, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. Consider seasoning the flour mixture with cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to add a spicy or smoky twist to your chicken fingers.
Allergies
Chicken Fingers from Raising Cane's contain common allergens such as eggs, milk, and wheat due to the use of all-purpose flour, eggs, and whole milk in the batter. The Cane's Sauce includes mayonnaise, which may also contain eggs, posing an additional risk for those with egg allergies. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to verify with Raising Cane's regarding cross-contamination or alternative options.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Fingers from Raising Cane's are beloved for their perfectly crispy, juicy texture and a unique, blend of seasonings that enhance each bite. The signature Cane's Sauce offers a tangy, creamy complement that sets the meal apart from typical fast-food options. You'll find that mastering this copycat recipe allows you to recreate that crave-worthy taste at home, saving money and customizing flavors to your preference. Emulating Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers is worth the effort for a satisfying, restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen.