Homemade Cane's Chicken Tenders, Sauce, and Toast

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Marinate chicken in the buttermilk mixture for 4 hours to overnight (no more than 24 hours).
  2. 2In a separate bowl, whisk together all ingredients for the dredge.
  3. 3Drizzle a small amount of the marinade into the dry mixture and mix together to create flaky bits.
  4. 4One piece at a time, gently remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off.
  5. 5Toss the chicken into the dry mixture, coat and press lightly, then shake off excess.
  6. 6Heat oil to 350F (preheat to 375F to buffer initial drop in temp).
  7. 7Fry chicken for 4-6 minutes until golden.
  8. 8Remove chicken to a wire rack and salt immediately after frying.
  9. 9For the sauce, combine 1/2 c mayo, 1/4 c ketchup, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
  10. 10Make Tangzhong: over medium heat, cook 1/4 c flour + 1/2 c milk in a small saucepan until thick like mashed potatoes, then cool to lukewarm.
  11. 11Activate Yeast: Warm 1/2 c milk + 1/4 c cream (110°F), stir in 1/4 c sugar + 3 tsp yeast, let sit 5-10 min until foamy.
  12. 12Mix 3+3/4 c flour + 2 tsp salt.
  13. 13Combine everything in stand mixer: Add Tangzhong, yeast mixture, and 2 eggs.
  14. 14Knead on low for about 2 minutes until a shaggy dough ball forms.
  15. 15Incorporate 4 tbs butter 1 tbs at a time and knead on medium speed for 8-10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and tacky (not sticky!).
  16. 16First Rise: Form a smooth ball, cover, and let rise for 1.5 hours until doubled.
  17. 17Punch out the air.
  18. 18Shape & Second Rise: Divide into 8 equal balls, use a rolling pin to roll into rectangles, then roll tightly (from the short side) into logs.
  19. 19Pinch the seams closed and arrange them in a parchment-lined baking tray seam-side down (9x9 tray ok, logs should be slightly touching).
  20. 20Rise for 1 hour until puffy.
  21. 21Brush with 1 egg + 1 tbs milk egg wash, sprinkle sesame seeds, and bake for 25-30 minutes at 350°F until golden.
  22. 22Toast: Brush slices with melted butter + garlic powder, toast in pan until crisp.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins
  • High smoke point oil for frying
  • 1 c buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tsp hot sauce
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp msg
  • Salt to taste
  • 1.25 c AP flour
  • 0.25 c cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder
  • 2 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp chicken bouillon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 c mayo
  • 0.25 c ketchup
  • 0.5 tsp Worcestershire
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
  • Black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • 0.25 c bread flour
  • 0.5 c milk
  • 3.75 c bread flour
  • 0.5 c milk
  • 0.25 c heavy cream
  • 3 tsp instant dry yeast
  • 0.25 c sugar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 4 tbs unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbs milk
  • Sesame seeds

Equipment

stand mixersmall saucepanparchment-lined baking trayrolling pinwire rackpan

Tips

  • Don't move the chicken for the first minute of frying so the coating can set.
  • Do not crowd the pan when frying chicken.
  • Salt the chicken immediately after frying.
  • Buttermilk can break down protein too much if marinated for more than 24 hours.