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Few things rival a big platter of crispy homemade chicken fingers with cool tangy sauce for pure comfort I set out to recreate Raising Canes famous chicken fingers for a family movie night and the result was shockingly close With the right seasonings and a tender soaking step these are unbelievably juicy inside and golden crisp outside
I remember the first time I made these for a crowd and everyone was fighting for the last stick even my picky nephew asked for seconds
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: Juicy and tender by nature and cook up fast look for plump even pieces when shopping
- Allpurpose flour: The secret to that crisp golden crust use fresh flour for best flavor
- Buttermilk: Extra tang and helps tenderize the chicken if you have time let your chicken soak overnight for even more flavor
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Add loads of savory flavor to the breading look for garlic powder that smells pungent
- Paprika: Lends color and gentle warmth try smoked paprika if you like a hint of woodsy taste
- Black pepper: Brings mild kick and rounds out the spices grind fresh for more punch
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors I always use kosher salt for frying
- Cayenne pepper: Adds optional heat just a pinch wakes up the coating
- Vegetable oil: Pick a neutral highsmoke point oil like canola or peanut for crisp results and less greasiness
StepbyStep Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Soak chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least twenty minutes and up to overnight in the refrigerator This step makes your chicken meltingly tender and lets the flavor seep in
- Mix the Seasoned Flour:
- Combine flour garlic powder onion powder paprika salt black pepper and cayenne in a deep bowl Mix thoroughly with a fork making sure all spices are evenly distributed
- Dredge and Coat:
- Lift the chicken from the marinade drip off any excess and toss it straight into the flour Press each piece into the mixture so the coating sticks to every bit
- Double Dipping:
- For crazy crisp fingers put the floured chicken back in the buttermilk and then again in the flour pile This double coat gives them an irresistible crunch
- Heat the Oil:
- Fill a deep skillet or sturdy pot with at least two inches of oil Heat to about three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit Use a thermometer for best results The oil should shimmer and a pinch of flour should dance when tossed in
- Fry in Batches:
- Slip the chicken fingers into the hot oil three or four at a time Fry slowly for about four to five minutes per side You want deep golden brown with no pale spots Cook thoroughly but do not let them burn
- Drain Well:
- As soon as they finish cooking lift the chicken out with tongs and rest on a kitchen towel lined plate This keeps them crisp and not oily
- Make the Sauce:
- Whisk together mayonnaise ketchup Worcestershire sauce garlic powder paprika salt and pepper in a small bowl Taste and add more seasoning if needed The sauce should be tangy zippy and a little sweet
- Serve Hot:
- Pile your crisp chicken fingers on a platter and put a generous bowl of sauce on the side Serve immediately for the absolute best crunch
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My favorite part of making these is coating the chicken right alongside my kids We turn it into a game and laugh when flour flies everywhere It always makes dinner feel like a little party
Storage Tips
Leftover chicken fingers store beautifully Chill them in an airtight container for up to three days To reheat set them on a wire rack over a baking sheet and warm in a three hundred seventyfive degree oven until crisp about ten minutes Avoid microwaving or they will lose that signature crunch The sauce can be sealed and kept in the fridge for one week
Ingredient Substitutions
Out of buttermilk Mix one cup milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice let it stand for a few minutes If youre out of chicken tenderloins use chicken breast strips instead For glutenfree try a oneforone flour blend and doublecheck your spices are glutenfree
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken fingers with a pile of crispy French fries creamy coleslaw or pickle spears For a twist offer several dipping sauces like honey mustard or hot sauce These also make crowdpleasing sliders packed in a soft roll with lettuce
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A Little History
The secret behind Raising Canes style is in the simplicity Their menu focuses on doing one thing exceptionally well crisp chicken fingers with a signature sauce When you make them at home you can adjust to taste but keeping it simple is the true magic
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What makes the chicken fingers so tender?
Soaking the chicken in buttermilk before breading helps break down proteins, resulting in juicy, tender chicken every time.
- → How do I achieve extra crispy breading?
Double-coating by dipping the chicken back into buttermilk and flour ensures a thick, crunchy exterior once fried.
- → What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil with a high smoke point is perfect for frying, maintaining stability at high temperatures for even cooking.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, adding cayenne pepper to the flour mix boosts heat. For milder chicken, simply omit this ingredient.
- → What gives the sauce its unique flavor?
The blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and seasonings creates a tangy and savory profile reminiscent of the original.
- → How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Fry until golden brown and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.