Pin
My go-to Raising Cane's sauce knockoff has totally changed how I serve plain chicken strips at home. This smooth, zesty dip mixes rich and sweet notes perfectly, making even basic meals taste amazing.
I came up with this copycat after spending way too much on Cane's takeout for my teens. After tweaking it a few times, they now actually like my homemade version better and ask for it whenever their friends come over.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Makes up the smooth foundation - grab actual mayo instead of sandwich spread for the best outcome
- Ketchup: Brings sweetness and zip - pick a good brand without corn syrup for a cleaner taste
- Worcestershire sauce: Gives that deep savory kick that makes this dip stand out - go for real stuff like Lea & Perrins
- Garlic powder: Adds flavor without the sharp taste of raw garlic - get fresh powder for maximum punch
- Black pepper: Provides gentle heat - chunky ground creates little flavor spots throughout
- Salt: Lifts all the other tastes - kosher salt works great here
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- Put mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt in a medium bowl. Be exact with measurements since getting the flavor balance right is key to matching the famous sauce.
- Mix Thoroughly:
- Grab a whisk or fork and blend everything together until it's completely smooth with even color. Don't rush this part - about 1-2 minutes of mixing makes sure you won't see any streaks of mayo or ketchup.
- Rest and Refrigerate:
- Put the mixture in a sealed container and chill for at least 6 hours, but leaving it overnight works even better. This sitting time lets the garlic powder fully soak in and all flavors come together for that true Cane's taste.
Waiting is truly the magic touch with this sauce. I made it just before dinner once and while it wasn't bad, it didn't come close to when I prep it the night before. The Worcestershire needs time to blend into the mayo, creating that special flavor that makes everyone beg for my recipe.
The Perfect Pairings
This dip really shines with crunchy chicken strips, but it's super flexible. Dunk your french fries in it, spread it on your hamburger, or add a twist to deviled eggs with it. The creamy texture and well-balanced flavors work with pretty much any savory food that needs a taste boost.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep your homemade sauce in a sealed container in the fridge to stay fresh. It'll taste best for about 7 days, though the garlic might get a bit stronger over time. Don't leave it out for more than two hours since it's mayo-based. If it looks separated after sitting in the fridge, just stir it up before serving.
Quick Substitutions
Missing something? No problem. If you're out of Worcestershire, mix some soy sauce with a bit of vinegar and sugar instead. Want a healthier option? Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt and still get that creaminess. No garlic powder? Garlic salt works too - just cut back on regular salt so it doesn't get too salty.
Mix this sauce up a day early for best results—trust me, it's totally worth waiting for!
Recipe Q&A
- → How long should I let the sauce sit before serving?
You'll want to keep the sauce in your fridge for at least 6 hours before you dig in. The ingredients need time to work their magic together. Making it a day ahead will give you the best flavor.
- → What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Don't have Worcestershire sauce handy? Just use the same amount (1.5 tablespoons) of balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, or fish sauce instead.
- → What does this sauce pair well with?
This sauce tastes amazing with chicken strips, fries, onion rings, on sandwiches, or as a dip for veggies. It's especially yummy with anything fried chicken.
- → How long does this sauce keep in the refrigerator?
When you store it in a sealed container in your fridge, this sauce stays good for about 1-2 weeks. Since it's made with mayo, always keep it cold.
- → Can I adjust the spice level of this sauce?
Sure thing! Throw in more black pepper for extra kick, or add a splash of hot sauce or cayenne if you want your sauce to pack more heat.
- → Is this sauce gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you get Worcestershire sauce without malt vinegar. Always look at your ingredient packages if you can't have gluten.