Name: Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 4 h 35 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken tenders tendons removed; 5-6 cups vegetable oil for frying; 2 cups buttermilk; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ cup cornstarch; 1 ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika

If you’re craving the perfect crunchy, juicy chicken, you’re going to love this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe that channels the magic of Raising Cane’s. Trust me, making them at home means extra crispiness without the fast-food wait!

A food tray with crinkled fries piled in the top left corner, next to a small black bowl filled with light tan dipping sauce. A woman's hand holds a golden brown crispy fried chicken tender, dipping it into the sauce. Around the bowl and fries, several pieces of fried chicken tenders with crunchy, uneven, golden brown crusts are scattered, showing the varied texture. In the top right corner, a piece of toasted white bread with a golden surface sits on the tray. The tray is lined with white paper, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

From my first bite, I was hooked — these tenders have the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken with a flaky, double-layered crust that’s downright addictive.

Authentic Flavor: Recreates those famous Raising Cane’s tenders you'll want to make again and again.
Juicy Inside, Crispy Outside: The marinade keeps the chicken super moist while the double breading locks in crunch.
Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you probably already have make this recipe easy to tackle.
Great for Entertaining: Serve with fries and Cane’s sauce, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The key to this recipe lies in fresh chicken tenders soaked in a flavorful buttermilk marinade and coated twice in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mix. Be sure to choose good-quality chicken tenders and fresh spices for the best results!

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders trimmed and neatly arranged, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a simple white ceramic bowl of fine all-purpose flour, a white bowl holding smooth cornstarch powder, a small white bowl containing vibrant red paprika powder, a white bowl with ground black pepper, another small white bowl with onion powder, a white bowl with garlic powder, and a cluster of whole uncracked brown eggs, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken tenders: Tender and easy to work with, perfect for that classic shape and taste.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for frying at high heat to achieve that crispy golden crust.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the meat for juicy bites.
Salt: Enhances flavor throughout both the marinade and breading.
Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
Onion powder: Offers a mellow, savory flavor boost.
Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic background note.
Paprika: Gives a mild smoky hint and beautiful color.
All-purpose flour: Forms the base for a crunchy coating.
Cornstarch: Key for that ultra-crispy texture in the breading.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe is how wonderfully adaptable it is. Whether you want to dial up the spices, lighten things up, or add a seasonal twist, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade and breading for a subtle but exciting heat that pairs perfectly with the creamy Cane’s sauce. It turns a family favorite into a bold treat!
Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch blend for a gluten-free flour mix. The double breading still crisps up beautifully, making it a great choice if you’re feeding friends with gluten sensitivities.
Herby Freshness: Stir in some dried thyme or rosemary into the breading mix to give your chicken tenders a fragrant, herbaceous touch that’s especially nice in spring and summer months.
Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter twist, try baking the double-breaded tenders at 400°F for about 15 minutes, turning halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious with a little less oil.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

A close-up shows a woman's hand holding a single crispy golden-brown fried chicken strip, dipping it halfway into a small round black bowl filled with creamy light brown dipping sauce speckled with dark bits. The chicken strip texture is thick and crunchy with uneven crispy layers. Surrounding the bowl, on a white marbled surface, are several more fried chicken strips and crinkle-cut light golden fries. In the background, a small piece of golden cornbread is visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by trimming 2 pounds of chicken tenders, carefully removing any tendons for a tender bite every time. Place the cleaned tenders into a large bowl, ready for their flavorful soak. Removing tendons makes a huge difference in texture and enjoyment—definitely worth the little extra attention here.

Step 2: Marinate to Maximum Juiciness

Whisk together 2 cups of buttermilk, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Pour this marinade over the chicken tenders, toss them gently until fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. This step ensures the chicken absorbs all the spices and stays juicy inside after frying. The longer the better—up to 24 hours is perfect if you have the time!

Step 3: Warm Up That Oil

When it’s time to cook, pour 5 to 6 cups of vegetable oil into a deep pot until it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat over high until the oil reaches a steady 350°F. Use a thermometer if you have one—the perfect temperature is key to getting that crispy golden crust without overcooking the inside.

Step 4: Mix the Perfect Breading

While the oil is heating, combine 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cornstarch, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika in a large bowl. This blend gives you that classic crispy texture and savory flavor that's so addictive.

Step 5: Double Breading for Double the Crunch

Remove each chicken tender from the marinade one by one, letting the excess drip off. Press them into the flour mixture thoroughly, making sure every nook is coated. Then, dip the pieces back into the marinade briefly before dredging again in the flour mixture. This double breading locks in moisture and creates the satisfyingly flaky crust you crave.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the breaded tenders into the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway to brown evenly. Use a thermometer or cut into the thickest piece to confirm it’s reached 165°F inside. Look for a deep golden color and a crunchy exterior that snaps when you bite.

Step 7: Drain and Devour

Transfer the cooked tenders to a wire rack or paper towel-lined pan to drain any excess oil. This keeps the crust crisp and not soggy. Serve them piping hot alongside crinkle-cut fries and a generous side of homemade Cane’s sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect crispy chicken tenders is all about attention to detail. These tips come from my own kitchen adventures and will help you get that irresistible golden crunch every time.

Marinate Thoroughly: Let your chicken soak in that buttermilk marinade for at least 4 hours, but if you've got the time, 24 hours really amps up the flavor and juiciness.
Double Breading is Key: Don’t skip dipping the tenders twice in the flour mixture. That second coating seals in moisture and creates the signature crispy crust.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil steady at 350°F to avoid soggy or burnt tenders. A kitchen thermometer is your best buddy here.
Drain Properly: After frying, place your tenders on a wire rack rather than paper towels when possible—this stops them from sitting in their own oil, keeping them crisp.

How to Serve Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe

A clear round bowl placed on a white marbled surface holds three pieces of raw light pink chicken tenders at the bottom. On top of the chicken, there are small piles of fine spices in colors of red, black, light beige, and white scattered mainly on the right side. A white creamy liquid is being slowly poured over the chicken from a glass measuring cup, partially covering the meat and spices. The textures show the smoothness of the cream and the roughness of the spices against the soft chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over your chicken tenders for a burst of color and fresh herb aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a bright zing that beautifully cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Serve these fantastic tenders with classic crinkle-cut fries for that nostalgic Raising Cane's experience. For a green touch, simple coleslaw or a crisp garden salad balances the meal perfectly. And don’t forget to scoop up that homemade Cane’s sauce alongside!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover crispy chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Remember, the breading will soften as it sits, so reheating is best to bring back that crunch.

Freezing

To freeze your tenders, cool them completely on a wire rack, then pop them in the freezer uncovered for 2–3 hours. Once firm, transfer to a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For reheating, microwave for 1–2 minutes if you don’t mind softer breading. For crispier results, air fry at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, or bake at 400°F for 15 minutes with a flip midway—your choice depending on your crunch preference!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use boneless chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breast into strips similar in size to tenders, and follow the same marinating and breading steps for delicious results.

Why double coat the chicken?

Double coating builds a thicker, flakier crust that locks in moisture and delivers that signature crispy texture that everyone loves in this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe.

Can I bake these tenders instead of frying?

While frying gives the best crunch, you can bake them at 400°F for about 15 minutes flipping halfway. For extra crispiness, an air fryer is a great alternative.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest tender. It should reach 165°F to be safe and juicy.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe at home is a fantastic way to bring the flavors of Raising Cane’s right to your kitchen. With its tender, juicy inside and that crunch you crave, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. Enjoy the process, savor those crispy bites, and don’t forget—the secret is in the love (and the double breading!). Happy cooking!