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 teaspoons salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika

There’s something irresistible about perfectly crispy, juicy chicken strips that just hit the spot every time. That’s why I’m excited to share this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe, inspired by the beloved Raising Cane’s style, so you can enjoy that golden crunch right in your own kitchen.

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 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’ve made plenty of crispy chicken tenders in my day, but this double breaded, buttermilk-marinated version truly stands out. It’s like getting a little crunchy, tender hug with every bite—trust me, it’s a keeper!

Perfectly Crispy Exterior: The combination of flour and cornstarch in the breading creates that signature flaky crunch you crave.
Juicy, Tender Chicken: Marinating in a flavorful buttermilk blend for at least 4 hours makes all the difference in tenderness.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: You probably have everything on hand already, and the seasoning mix brings classic savory depth.
Great for Sharing: This recipe yields about 6 servings—ideal for family dinners or game day snacking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get cooking, let’s chat about the key ingredients making this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe shine. Fresh chicken tenders and a trusty buttermilk marinade set the stage, while the double coating of seasoned flour and cornstarch ensures that irresistible crunch.

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: Choose fresh tenders and trim off the tendons to keep every bite tender and easy to eat.
Vegetable oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is perfect for frying to golden perfection.
Buttermilk: This tangy ingredient tenderizes the chicken and adds moisture while infusing flavor.
Salt: Essential for seasoning both the marinade and breading for balanced flavor.
Ground black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness to brighten the flavor profile.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to both marinade and breading.
Garlic powder: A savory punch that complements the other spices beautifully.
Paprika: Adds mild earthiness and a lovely color boost to your breading.
All-purpose flour: The main component of the breading, providing structure and crunch.
Cornstarch: Helps create that extra crispy, flaky texture we all crave in fried chicken.

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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 Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is how versatile it is—you can tweak the seasoning and cooking methods to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment to make it your own!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for a subtle spicy warmth that pairs perfectly with the buttermilk marinade.
Herb Infusion: Try mixing in some dried thyme or oregano to the flour blend to give the tenders a fragrant, herbal note—perfect for a more sophisticated flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as is to enjoy crispy tenders without gluten. Just make sure your oil and other ingredients are gluten-free!
Oven-Baked Alternative: If you’re looking to cut down on oil, you can bake the double-breaded chicken tenders at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Not quite the same crunch, but still delicious!
Seasonal Twist: During cooler months, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to your breading for a subtle warmth that surprises your palate.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Homemade 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 Your Chicken With Care

First things first, trim those chicken tenders by removing any tendons. This little prep step ensures every bite is tender and easy to chew. Place your cleaned chicken strips in a large bowl ready for the marinade. Taking this extra moment to prep your chicken right sets the stage for juicy, flavorful results.

Step 2: Create the Flavorful Buttermilk Marinade

Combine 2 cups of buttermilk with salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika directly in the bowl with your chicken. Toss everything together until each strip is fully bathed in this tangy, spiced marinade. Cover and pop the bowl into your fridge for at least 4 hours—or better yet, let it marinate up to 24 hours for that extra tender, juicy bite. The buttermilk does wonders here, breaking down the proteins subtly while infusing flavor deep inside.

Step 3: Heat Your Oil to the Perfect 350°F

When you're ready to cook, pour 5-6 cups of vegetable oil into a large, deep pot so it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat it over high heat and keep a reliable thermometer handy to get that perfect frying temperature of 350°F. This sweet spot crisps the coating beautifully without absorbing too much oil, locking in moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Seasoned Double Breading Mix

While the oil heats, combine your breading ingredients: all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly to make sure every sprinkle carries even seasoning. This blend, with cornstarch added, gives us that incredibly flaky, crackly crust we all crave.

Step 5: Double Coat Your Chicken for Maximum Crispiness

Remove each chicken strip from the marinade, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Now dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently but firmly so the breading sticks to every nook and cranny. Then, dip the strip briefly back into the buttermilk marinade before coating it a second time with the flour blend. This double-layer technique gives you that extra flaky crust synonymous with Raising Cane’s style chicken tenders.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower the breaded tenders into your hot oil in batches—don’t overcrowd the pot! Fry them for 5-7 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even golden browning. Use a thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature hits a safe 165°F. When you see that irresistible golden crust and feel the sizzle, you know they're done just right—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender within.

Step 7: Drain and Serve Immediately

Transfer your crispy tenders onto a baking pan lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This step keeps them from getting soggy while you finish frying the batch. Serve these hot alongside crinkle-cut fries and that iconic homemade Cane's Sauce for the full experience. Trust me, the first bite will make all that marinating and frying worth it!

Top Tip

Mastering the Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about the little details. These tips will help you achieve that perfect golden crust and tender, juicy inside every time.

Double Breading is Key: Dipping the chicken back into the buttermilk marinade between coatings locks in extra moisture and creates the flaky, crispy crust Raising Cane’s is known for.
Don’t Skimp on Marinating Time: I learned that letting the chicken soak for at least 4 hours, and ideally up to 24, really amps up tenderness and flavor — it makes a noticeable difference.
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil steady at 350°F ensures your tenders cook evenly without becoming greasy or overcooked. I check with a thermometer rather than guessing by eye every time.
Drain Properly: After frying, resting the tenders on a wire rack (instead of just paper towels) helps prevent sogginess and keeps the coating crisp longer.

How to Serve Crispy Homemade 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

Simple garnishes like fresh parsley or chopped green onions add a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich, fried tenders. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the flavors just before eating.

Side Dishes

Nothing pairs better than classic crinkle-cut fries to replicate the Raising Cane’s experience. For lighter options, try a crisp coleslaw, steamed green beans, or a tangy cucumber salad. Homemade Cane’s Sauce or your favorite ranch dressing rounds out the plate beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store your leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just keep in mind the breading may soften a bit over time, but the flavor remains delightful.

Freezing

After frying, let the tenders cool completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. Then freeze them on the rack before transferring to a freezer bag or container. This method stops them from sticking together. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For reheating, microwave for 1-2 minutes if you don’t mind softer breading. To retain crispiness, air fry at 360°F for 6-8 minutes flipping halfway, or bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes flipping halfway. Frozen tenders can be reheated directly by air frying at 400°F for 12-15 minutes or baking at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

While you technically can, the buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and adds essential flavor. Skipping it will result in less juicy tenders and a less flavorful crust.

How do I know when the oil is at 350°F without a thermometer?

If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of bread or batter into the oil; it should sizzle immediately and turn golden brown in about 60 seconds. However, investing in a thermometer is worth it for perfect results.

Why double coat the chicken tenders?

Double coating by dipping back into the marinade and then the flour mixture creates an extra thick, flaky crust that’s signature to this recipe’s crispiness.

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

This recipe is best fried for that signature crispy crust and juicy inside. Baking will produce a different texture, but if you prefer baking, use a convection setting and consider spraying the tenders lightly with oil for better crispness.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe at home means you get all the deliciousness of Raising Cane’s without leaving your kitchen. With a little patience during marinating and the double breading technique, you’ll enjoy golden, tender tenders that everyone will love. So grab your fryer, prep that marinade, and get ready to savor some seriously tasty chicken!