Name: Crispy Homemade 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

Let me tell you, this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone craving that perfect crunchy, juicy bite. Inspired by Raising Cane’s iconic tenders, it nails the crispy, flaky crust and tender, flavorful chicken inside—trust me, you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.

A white tray with seven golden, crispy fried chicken tenders spread out around a small black bowl filled with light brown dipping sauce with black pepper specks; one chicken tender is partly dipped into the sauce, held by a woman's hand. Above the bowl and chicken tenders, there is a portion of crinkle-cut French fries in a pale yellow color. To the right of the fries and chicken, a piece of toasted white bread with a shiny, golden-brown surface rests on the tray. The tray lies on a white marbled surface with a red and white striped cloth peeking from the bottom edge. 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 Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m seriously obsessed with how close this recipe gets to that crave-worthy Cane’s flavor without leaving home. Once you try it, fried chicken nights will never be the same.

Incredible Flavor: The spiced buttermilk marinade tenderizes and infuses the chicken with loads of savory goodness.
Double Breading Magic: That extra coat locks in moisture and creates a flaky, crispy crust you won’t stop crunching.
Perfect Crunch Every Time: Deep-frying at 350°F ensures golden-brown, crispy tenders with juicy centers.
Great for Sharing: Makes 6 servings, perfect for family dinners or game day snacking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you head to the store, note that the key to amazing homemade tenders is fresh, good-quality chicken tenders and a flavorful blend of spices in both the marinade and breading. Having buttermilk on hand is essential for that tenderizing soak that makes the difference.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken tenders with visible texture, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl containing fine all-purpose flour, another small white ceramic bowl holding white cornstarch powder, a few whole uncracked brown eggs, small white bowls with vibrant ground black pepper, bright paprika powder, aromatic onion powder, and garlic powder, a few pinches of coarse salt scattered neatly in a small white bowl, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and naturally 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: I always remove the tendons for a perfect, tender texture that’s easy to eat and cook evenly.
Vegetable oil: Ideal for deep frying because it holds steady heat and doesn’t impart unwanted flavors.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a subtle tang that balances the spices beautifully.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings that elevate every bite and enhance all the other spices.
Onion powder and garlic powder: These give the marinade and breading a deep, savory aroma.
Paprika: Adds a warm smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
All-purpose flour: Creates the base for the crispy coating that clings to every piece.
Cornstarch: Mixed with flour for an extra light and flaky crust texture.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you want to spice things up, cater to dietary preferences, or adapt it for different occasions, there’s lots of room to customize.

Spicy Kick Variation: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the marinade for a little heat. It gives the tenders a nice spicy undertone that’s addictive alongside the cool Cane’s Sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten, swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free flour blend and potato starch combination. Just make sure to check your spices are gluten-free too!
Herb-Infused Twist: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary mixed into the breading bring a lovely earthy aroma and flavor, perfect when you want a slightly different al fresco vibe.
Oven-Baked Version: For a lighter alternative, you can bake the double-breaded tenders at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. While it won’t have quite the same crisp as deep frying, it’s a crowd-pleaser with less oil.

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

A close-up image shows a crispy golden brown fried chicken tender being dipped into a light peach-colored creamy sauce inside a small black bowl, with the chicken's crunchy texture clearly visible. The chicken tender is held by a person's fingers from the top right corner, dipping into the smooth sauce that clings to the chicken. Surrounding the bowl, there are more fried chicken tenders scattered tightly together on a white tray, along with some pale yellow crinkle-cut fries on the left and a piece of golden cornbread behind the fries. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep and Trim Your Chicken

Start by trimming 2 pounds of chicken tenders to remove any tendons—this makes for a more tender bite. Place the cleaned tenders in a large bowl, ready for their flavorful bath. Taking time here ensures every piece is perfect for that signature crispy texture.

Step 2: Marinate for Flavor and Tenderness

In the bowl with your chicken, pour in 2 cups of buttermilk and add 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Toss everything thoroughly so each tender is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours—or up to 24 hours if you can wait! This long marinating time is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken every time.

Step 3: Heat the Oil Just Right

When you’re ready to cook, pour 5–6 cups of vegetable oil into a large, deep pot until the oil is about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over high flame and use a thermometer to watch carefully—350°F is your target temperature. This ensures the tenders cook crisp and golden without soaking up too much oil.

Step 4: Mix Your Crispy Breading

While your oil heats, mix 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cornstarch, 1 ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika in a large bowl. This combination creates the right balance of crispiness and flavor that clings beautifully to each tender.

Step 5: Double-Dip for Extra Crunch

Grab one chicken tender at a time from the marinade, letting the excess drip off a little. Press it firmly into the flour mixture so it’s fully coated, then dip it back into the marinade briefly before coating it again with the flour mix. This double breading technique is what gives you that irresistibly flaky, crispy crust that feels just like the originals from Raising Cane’s.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently place the breaded tenders in the hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot or the temperature will drop. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway, until the thickest part of each tender hits 165°F on a meat thermometer. The sizzling sound and beautiful golden color are your cues that crispy, juicy goodness is happening.

Step 7: Drain and Serve Immediately

Transfer the fried tenders onto a paper towel-lined tray or wire rack to drain off extra oil. Serve these finger-licking delights hot and fresh with crinkle-cut fries and your homemade Cane’s Sauce for that authentic experience. Trust me, your family and friends will be asking for seconds!

Top Tip

Mastering this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe hinges on a few simple but essential tips that guarantee that perfect crunchy crust and juicy interior every time.

Double Breading Magic: I’ve found that dipping the chicken back into the marinade between flour coats really seals in moisture and creates that flaky crust just like Raising Cane’s.
Temperature Control: Keeping the oil steady at 350°F ensures the tenders cook evenly without burning the breading—trust me, I learned this the hard way by rushing the heat!
Patience Pays Off: Marinating your chicken for at least 4 hours, or even up to 24, deeply infuses flavor and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in batches so the oil temperature doesn't drop drastically—this keeps your tenders crispy, not soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding several raw light pink chicken strips arranged loosely. On top of the chicken, there are four separate piles of powdered spices in colors of orange, reddish-brown, black, and white, positioned near the center of the chicken. Thick white milk is being poured into the bowl from a glass measuring cup at the top left, creating a smooth white layer over part of the chicken and spices. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Keep it simple and fresh with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onions to brighten up the plate. A wedge of lemon on the side is also fantastic for those who like a subtle tang that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Classic crinkle-cut fries are the ideal companion, but don’t stop there. Crispy coleslaw, buttery corn on the cob, or a crisp garden salad all pair wonderfully with the tenders to balance flavors and textures.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken tenders (though they rarely last!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind the breading will soften over time.

Freezing

To freeze, cool your fried tenders completely on a wire rack, freeze them there for 2–3 hours to prevent sogginess, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For crispy reheated tenders, rewarm in an air fryer at 360°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway as well. If you’re okay with softer breading, microwaving for 1–2 minutes also works in a pinch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes! You can cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. Just be sure to remove any tendons and adjust frying time as needed to ensure they cook through to 165°F internally.

What if I don’t have buttermilk for the marinade?

No worries! You can make a buttermilk substitute by combining 2 cups of milk with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.

How do I know the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Using a kitchen thermometer is best. Heat your oil to 350°F before adding the chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small bit of breading into the oil—it should sizzle and float up quickly without burning.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

While frying gives the crispiest crust, you can bake the breaded tenders at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be delicious but with a slightly different texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe brings a bit of that Raising Cane’s magic right into your kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about achieving that perfect crunchy, flavorful bite with homemade love—it’s comfort and joy all on one plate. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a weekend treat, these tenders never fail to impress. Happy frying!