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Why Make This Recipe

If you love chicken tenders, this juicy copycat Cane’s chicken tenders recipe is for you! Not only is it simple to make, but it also brings the famous flavor right to your kitchen. You can enjoy crispy, tender chicken strips without having to leave your home or wait in line at a restaurant.

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 mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Once combined, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Slice the chicken breasts into three vertical strips each. If using tenderloins, remove 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.
In a shallow dish, mix the remaining Cajun seasoning with the flour. Press each chicken strip into the flour mixture.
Heat oil to 350°F. Fry 3-4 strips at a time for about 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Cook chicken tenders for 8-16 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Enjoy the chicken tenders hot with your homemade Cane’s sauce.

How to Serve Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders can be served with a side of fries or a salad. You could also pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard. The simple yet tasty Cane’s dipping sauce is great for enhancing the flavor too!

How to Store Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

If you have leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Tips to Make Irresistibly Juicy Copycat Cane’s Chicken Tenders

Marinate the chicken longer for even more flavor.
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying. This will help the chicken get crispy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Fry in batches to cook evenly.

Variation

For a spicier kick, add a bit more Cajun seasoning to the flour mix or try using spicy mayonnaise for the dipping sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking.

2. What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute using regular milk and vinegar or lemon juice. Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes.

3. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake the chicken tenders on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.