This crispy, golden chicken takes me straight back to late-night drive-thrus with friends. Now, it’s homemade and even better with that signature sauce!
Introduction
In a world filled with fast food and quick meals, there’s something special about homemade dishes. This crispy, golden chicken recipe brings back memories of late-night drive-thrus with friends. It combines convenience with deliciousness, and when made at home, it becomes even more enjoyable. You can savor every bite and remember those fun, carefree nights.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser. The crispy coating and juicy inside will have everyone asking for seconds. The best part? You can make it in your kitchen anytime you want. It’s perfect for family dinners, game nights, or just a treat for yourself. Plus, when you pair it with the signature sauce, every bite is full of flavor. You will love the satisfying crunch and the rich taste. Making this dish at home means you can customize it just how you like. No more waiting in long lines or wondering how fresh it is – you’ll create your own version that’s even better!
How to prepare Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
Preparing this delicious chicken is easy and fun. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to create a meal that will take you back to those memorable times. The flavors of this homemade version will remind you of the drive-thru experience, but with a personal touch.
Ingredients:
To make this delightful crispy chicken and sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb of chicken breast
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
For the signature sauce:
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of ketchup
- 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- Start by cutting the chicken breast into strips. Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the chicken and adds moisture.
Prepare the Coating:
- In another bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the chicken its crispy coating.
Heat the Oil:
- In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the oil over medium-high heat. You will need enough oil to submerge the chicken strips for frying.
Coat the Chicken:
- After marinating, take the chicken strips out of the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. Then, coat each piece in the flour mixture. Make sure each strip is evenly coated.
Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken strips in the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Drain the Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb any excess oil.
Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken is draining, prepare the signature sauce. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the crispy chicken hot with the signature sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
How to serve Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
Serving this delicious chicken is as easy as pie! You can place the crispy chicken strips on a large platter, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Pair the chicken with some sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad to make it a complete meal. Don’t forget to serve the signature sauce in a small bowl for dipping. It adds a tasty kick that complements the chicken perfectly. You can also add some pickles or fresh veggies to the platter for an extra touch.
How to store Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
If you have leftovers or want to make the chicken in advance, storing it properly is essential. Let the chicken cool down to room temperature. Then, place the crispy chicken strips in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, and it will last for up to 3 months.
When you are ready to eat the frozen chicken, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy. The sauce can also be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.
Preparation tips for Raising Cane’s Chicken & Sauce
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and quality spices will make a big difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Marinating: Allow the chicken to soak in the buttermilk. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
- Heat the Oil Properly: Ensure the oil is hot before frying. You can test it by dropping a small piece of batter in – if it sizzles, it’s ready.
- Fry in Batches: Frying too much chicken at once can lower the oil temperature, making the chicken greasy instead of crispy. Fry in small batches for the best results.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an even crunchier coating, you can double dip the chicken by dipping it back in the buttermilk and then in the flour mixture again before frying.
Variation (if applicable)
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste! You can add various spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or dried herbs for added flavor. If you prefer baking over frying, you can coat the chicken similarly and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
For those looking for a lighter option, you can use skinless chicken and reduce the amount of oil used in frying or switch to air frying.
Frequently asked questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat. They will also turn out juicy and delicious!
2. How can I make the chicken extra spicy?
To make the chicken spicy, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade or the flour mixture. Adjust the amount to your taste.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free flour instead of regular all-purpose flour. Just check that all ingredients are gluten-free.
4. What can I serve with this chicken?
This chicken pairs well with various sides, including coleslaw, fries, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
This crispy, golden chicken will not only satisfy your cravings but also bring back lovely memories of fun nights with friends. Enjoy making it at home, and share with loved ones to create new memories around the table!
