Walmart Raising Cane’s Copycat Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Juicy Perfection at Home!
Craving that signature Raising Cane’s chicken finger experience but don’t want to leave the house (or spend the money)? Look no further! This copycat recipe delivers unbelievably juicy, tender, and perfectly crispy chicken fingers using ingredients you can easily find at Walmart. We’ll walk you through every step, from marinating to frying, to ensure you achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
## Why This Recipe Works
This recipe meticulously recreates the key elements of Raising Cane’s famous chicken fingers. Here’s what makes it special:
* **The Brine:** A simple brine ensures the chicken stays incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process. It’s the secret weapon against dry, rubbery chicken.
* **The Seasoning:** A blend of carefully selected spices mimics the subtle yet distinct flavor profile of Raising Cane’s. We’ve tested and tweaked the ratios to get it just right.
* **The Breading:** A double dredge in seasoned flour creates an extra-crispy coating that stays crunchy even after cooking. The secret ingredient? A touch of cornstarch!
* **The Frying Technique:** Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving golden-brown perfection without burning the chicken. We’ll provide precise instructions for frying success.
## Ingredients You’ll Need (All Available at Walmart)
**For the Brine:**
* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1 inch thick)
* 4 cups cold water
* 1/4 cup kosher salt
* 2 tablespoons sugar
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
**For the Chicken Seasoning:**
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
**For the Breading:**
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon black pepper
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
**For Frying:**
* Vegetable oil or peanut oil, for frying (about 6-8 cups)
**Optional (for serving):**
* Raising Cane’s Sauce (see our copycat recipe below!)
* Texas toast
* Coleslaw
* Lemon wedges
## Equipment You’ll Need
* Large bowl or container for brining
* Shallow dishes or baking sheets for dredging
* Large pot or deep fryer
* Thermometer (for oil temperature)
* Tongs or slotted spoon
* Wire rack
* Paper towels
## Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Brine**
In a large bowl or container, combine the cold water, kosher salt, sugar, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved. This is crucial for optimal flavor and moisture retention.
**Step 2: Brine the Chicken**
Add the chicken strips to the brine, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl or container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-6 hours (or even overnight for maximum flavor). The longer the chicken brines, the more tender and flavorful it will be.
**Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Seasoning**
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well and set aside. This is your dry rub to enhance the chicken’s natural flavor.
**Step 4: Prepare the Breading**
In a shallow dish or baking sheet, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). The cornstarch is key for achieving that extra-crispy texture.
**Step 5: Season the Brined Chicken**
Remove the chicken strips from the brine and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This is an important step, as excess moisture will prevent the breading from adhering properly. Sprinkle the chicken seasoning evenly over the chicken strips, ensuring they are well coated. This adds another layer of flavor that penetrates the chicken.
**Step 6: Dredge the Chicken**
This is the double dredge technique that makes these chicken fingers extra crispy!
1. Place the seasoned chicken strips, one at a time, into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s completely covered.
2. Press the flour mixture into the chicken to ensure a good coating. This helps the breading stick during frying.
3. Remove the chicken from the flour and shake off any excess.
4. Dip the chicken into the flour mixture again. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered.
5. Press again to ensure the breading adheres.
6. Place the breaded chicken on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This allows the breading to set and prevents it from becoming soggy.
7. Repeat with the remaining chicken strips.
**Step 7: Heat the Oil**
Pour vegetable oil or peanut oil into a large pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and ensure it stays consistent throughout the frying process. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for achieving golden-brown and crispy chicken without burning it.
**Step 8: Fry the Chicken**
Carefully add the breaded chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
**Step 9: Drain and Serve**
Remove the fried chicken strips from the oil with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This will help maintain their crispiness.
Serve immediately with Raising Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, coleslaw, and lemon wedges, if desired. Enjoy your homemade Raising Cane’s experience!
## Walmart Raising Cane’s Sauce Copycat Recipe
No Raising Cane’s experience is complete without their signature sauce! Here’s a simple copycat recipe using ingredients you can find at Walmart:
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more Worcestershire sauce for tanginess or cayenne pepper for heat.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it sits, the better it tastes!
## Tips for Perfecting Your Copycat Chicken
* **Don’t skip the brine!** It’s essential for juicy, flavorful chicken.
* **Pat the chicken dry** before dredging to ensure the breading adheres properly.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pot** when frying. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* **Use a thermometer** to monitor the oil temperature and ensure it stays consistent.
* **Let the chicken drain** on a wire rack to maintain its crispiness.
* **Adjust the seasoning** to your liking. If you prefer a spicier chicken, add more cayenne pepper.
* **Make the sauce ahead of time** to allow the flavors to meld.
* **Serve immediately** for the best taste and texture.
## Variations and Adaptations
* **Spicy Chicken:** Add more cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning and breading for a spicier kick.
* **Buttermilk Brine:** Replace the water in the brine with buttermilk for an even more tender and flavorful chicken.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
* **Air Fryer:** While frying gives the most authentic result, you can also air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
* **Baked Chicken:** For a healthier option, bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil before baking.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Cane’s Meal:** Serve with Raising Cane’s sauce, Texas toast, and coleslaw.
* **Chicken Finger Sandwiches:** Place the chicken fingers on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
* **Chicken Finger Salad:** Top a bed of lettuce with chicken fingers, shredded cheese, and your favorite salad dressing.
* **Chicken Finger Wraps:** Wrap the chicken fingers in tortillas with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
* **Party Appetizer:** Serve the chicken fingers with various dipping sauces for a fun and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**
A: Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before brining.
**Q: Can I brine the chicken for longer than 6 hours?**
A: Yes, you can brine it overnight for even better results. However, don’t brine it for more than 24 hours, as the chicken may become too salty.
**Q: Can I use different types of oil for frying?**
A: Yes, you can use other high-heat oils such as canola oil or sunflower oil. Peanut oil is preferred for its flavor and high smoke point.
**Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?**
A: The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
**Q: Can I reheat the chicken fingers?**
A: Yes, you can reheat them in the oven, air fryer, or microwave. For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
**Q: How long will the leftover chicken fingers last?**
A: They will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
**Q: Can I freeze the chicken fingers?**
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Let them cool completely and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
## Shopping List for Walmart
To make it even easier, here’s a handy shopping list for your trip to Walmart:
* Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* Kosher salt
* Sugar
* Black pepper
* Garlic powder
* Paprika
* Onion powder
* Cayenne pepper (optional)
* All-purpose flour
* Cornstarch
* Vegetable oil or peanut oil
* Mayonnaise
* Ketchup
* Worcestershire sauce
* Texas toast (optional)
* Coleslaw (optional)
* Lemons (optional)
With this comprehensive guide, you can now enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality Raising Cane’s copycat chicken fingers at home, using ingredients readily available at Walmart. Happy cooking!