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

Alright, if you're craving that perfectly golden, crunchy chicken just like Raising Cane’s, you’re in the right place! This Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is all about juicy, tender meat wrapped in an irresistibly crispy coating that’s marinated to perfection. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever ordered takeout.

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 this crispy chicken tender recipe more times than I can count, and every single time it turns out juicy inside with that fantastic crispy crust on the outside. It’s quickly become a family favorite and I’m excited to share it with you!

Flavor-packed marinade: The buttermilk soak infused with spices makes the chicken tender and flavorful like no other.
Double breading technique: Dipping the tenders twice gives that unbeatable flaky, crunchy crust you’ll crave.
Simple ingredients: No fancy spices here, just everyday pantry staples that come together beautifully.
Perfect for sharing: Makes about 6 servings, ideal for family dinners or game day snacking.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we get frying, let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in getting those chicken tenders crispy on the outside and juicy inside. Make sure to grab fresh chicken tenders—removing the tendons makes for a nicer bite—and choose vegetable oil with a high smoke point perfect for deep frying.

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: Using tenderloin strips makes for quick cooking and a juicy result once marinated.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
Buttermilk: Acts as the marinade base, tenderizing the chicken while imparting tangy flavor.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors, both in the marinade and the breading.
Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth.
Onion powder: Brings a subtle savory note.
Garlic powder: Essential for that classic comforting aroma.
Paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone and a gorgeous color to the crust.
All-purpose flour: The main coating component that crisps up beautifully.
Cornstarch: Combined with flour, it helps give that light, extra-crispy 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 parts of this Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe is how easy it is to adapt it to your personal taste and needs. Whether you want to spice things up, lighten it for a diet, or add some seasonal flair, there’s so much room for creativity here!

Spicy Kick: I love adding a bit of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra punch of heat that wakes up the flavors perfectly.
Gluten-Free Version: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use potato starch instead of cornstarch to keep the coating crispy and delicious.
Herb Infusion: Mix some dried thyme or rosemary into the breading mix to bring out a lovely earthy aroma that complements the chicken beautifully.
Oven-Baked Option: For a lighter twist, try baking instead of frying. Coat the tenders as usual, then bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Seasonal Twists: In fall, sprinkle a little cinnamon or nutmeg into the breading for a hint of warmth. In summer, fresh lemon zest in the marinade adds a nice bright note.

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: Trim and Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor

Start by trimming your 2 pounds of chicken tenders—removing any tough tendons so each bite is tender and juicy. Toss these into a large bowl. Pour in the marinade made with 2 cups buttermilk, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix everything well so that each tender is fully coated. Then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or even overnight if you can—it really amps up the flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Heat Your Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

When you're ready to cook, pour 5-6 cups of vegetable oil into a large deep pot—just enough so it’s about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil over high heat until it reaches 350°F. This temperature is key for that golden, crispy crust without being greasy. Keep a thermometer handy to maintain consistent heat throughout frying.

Step 3: Mix Up the Crispy Seasoned Breading

While the oil heats up, combine 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour, ¾ cup cornstarch, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika in a large bowl. This flavorful breading blend is what gives your chicken that irresistible crispy texture and that classic Raising Cane’s flavor we all love.

Step 4: Double Coat the Chicken for Extra Crunch

Remove chicken pieces from the marinade one at a time, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it gently so it sticks well. Then dip it back into the marinade briefly and coat it again with flour. This double dredge creates an extra flaky, crunchy crust that holds up perfectly when fried.

Step 5: Fry the Tenders to Golden Perfection

Carefully place the breaded tenders into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry each batch for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature hits 165°F and the coating is a gorgeous golden brown. Remove with tongs and drain on a wire rack or paper towels to keep them crisp.

Step 6: Serve Fresh and Enjoy!

Serve your crispy homemade chicken tenders immediately alongside crunchy crinkle-cut fries and a side of homemade Cane’s Sauce for that authentic Raising Cane’s experience. Watching these tenders disappear around the table is one of the best compliments to this recipe!

Top Tip

Mastering the perfect "Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe" comes down to a few key techniques that elevate your tenders from good to unforgettable. These tips are the result of hands-on experimenting and help you get that juicy inside and crispy outside every time.

Double Breading Magic: Don’t skip dipping the chicken back into the marinade between the two flour coatings. It’s the secret to that extra flaky, crispy crust that holds up wonderfully.
Oil Temperature Control: Keep your oil at a steady 350°F. Too hot, and the coating burns before the chicken cooks; too cool, and the breading absorbs too much oil and turns greasy.
Patience With Marinating: Allow at least 4 hours, but for best flavor and extra tenderness, 24 hours in the refrigerator is a game-changer.
Drain Right: Place your fried tenders on a wire rack instead of paper towels when possible to keep the crust crispy—not soggy—from sitting in excess oil.

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

Fresh garnishes add brightness and flavor contrast to your chicken tenders. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives over the tenders just before serving. A wedge of lemon on the side adds a lovely tang when squeezed over. You can also serve with pickles or sliced jalapeños for a little kick.

Side Dishes

Nothing quite matches the classic combo of crispy tenders, crinkle-cut fries, and homemade Cane’s Sauce. For variety, consider coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy counterpoint, baked macaroni and cheese for creamy comfort, or a simple green salad to lighten things up. Cornbread or soft dinner rolls also pair beautifully with these flavorful tenders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep in mind that the breading may soften a bit as it sits, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Freezing

To freeze your tenders, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack so excess oil drains away. Freeze uncovered for 2–3 hours until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy your Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe any time with minimal prep.

Reheating

Reheat gently to keep the crispy texture. Microwave for 1–2 minutes for a softer breading experience or use an air fryer set to 360°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, for a crispier finish. Alternatively, bake at 400°F for about 15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. If reheating from frozen, air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk for the marinade?

While you can, buttermilk’s acidity helps tenderize the chicken and adds tangy flavor that regular milk lacks. If you don’t have buttermilk, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk can mimic the effect.

Why double coat the chicken tenders?

Double coating creates a thicker, extra crispy crust that holds up well during frying and stays crunchy longer. It ensures the tender coating isn’t soggy and offers more texture in every bite.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature?

A deep-fry or candy thermometer is best to keep your oil steady at 350°F. If you don’t have one, you can test with a small piece of bread or batter—if it sizzles and browns in about 1 minute, the oil is ready.

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?

Yes! Baking can be a healthier option. For the best results, bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, turning once, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and the breading is crispy.

Final Thoughts

Making your own “Crispy Homemade Chicken Tenders Recipe” truly transforms a beloved comfort food into something special and homemade with love. With juicy, marinated chicken and a perfectly crispy crust, it’s a meal that brings smiles around the table every time. Whether you’re serving a family dinner or treating friends, I hope this recipe and tips inspire you to enjoy that golden crunch and tender bite again and again.