This easy popeyes blackened tenders recipe is so versatile! Use it for spicy sandwiches, to top a crunchy salad, or serve with a cool dipping sauce!
This recipe for creamy squash casserole is a delicious side dish for this spicy chicken!
Table of Contents
❤️ Why you'll love it
- Lean chicken tenders that are bursting with bold flavor that tastes just like the ones at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. (Honestly, better!)
- This copycat recipe is perfect for those on a ketogenic diet because they are low carb but still have that amazing Louisiana flavor.
- No need to wait in line or pay high restaurant prices when you are craving this classic Popeye's menu favorite.
First of all - you can't get the blackened tenders at all Popeye's Chicken locations so if you want to try this o-m-g-so-amazing flavor you *may* have to make it yourself...
Which is fine because it's just so easy!
I love these served with copycat Red Robin campfire sauce!
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🔪How To Make Blackened Chicken Tenders
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- If you're using a breast slice it the long way into 2-inch wide strips.
- Toss into the seasoning mix and oil until well coated, then allow it to stand for 20 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge. The longer you leave it the more flavor it will have.
- Heat oil in the skillet and sear chicken on both sides.
- Add to a parchment paper lined pan and bake for 10 minutes. Brush with melted butter.
📖 Variations
- You can also cook blackened chicken tenders in the air fryer at 380 degrees for 10 - 12 minutes if you don't want to pan fry them.
- If you don't have chipotle powder on hand, you can use chili powder to avoid an extra trip to the grocery store.
- Not a fan of using peanut oil? You can use vegetable oil, avocado oil or even ghee to fry in.
- You can use boneless skinless thighs if you like. Cut in strips just as instructed in the recipe.
This blackened chicken and huli huli chicken are two of our favorite recipes. There's just so much flavor!
🥫 Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap.
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees for 8 - 10 minutes or in the microwave for one minute or until warm all the way through.
You can also freeze the chicken cooked or uncooked.
I like to toss the raw tenders in the seasoned oil then add to a freezer bag and freeze. It is fine in the freezer for up to three months.
When ready to cook just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and continue on with the recipe! This is especially helpful during football season when we go through tons of these!
They're perfect for tailgating!
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Don't skip the butter at the end of the cooking process, this really increases the flavor.
- Dip cooked blackened chicken strips in sour cream, spicy mayo, regular ranch, hot sauce, blackened ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Make delicious sandwiches by placing a couple of tenders on a toasted brioche bun with your favorite "fixin's".
- You can increase the heat level by adding more chipotle powder to your seasoning blend.
- I recommend removing the connective tissue if you are using store bought chicken tenderloins rather than cutting strips of chicken breast. That way it doesn't come out chewy.
- Even with the brown sugar this recipe has only 3 grams of carbs - but you can leave the brown sugar out or replace it with a brown sugar type sweetener to make it keto-friendly.
- I prefer peanut oil for frying because it fries cleaner. If you have allergies or prefer not to use it then use on of the oils suggested in the variations section.
- Leftovers are great in this bbq chicken salad.
👩🍳 FAQs
It's the term for chicken that is coated in a spice blend that caramelized and gets very dark when grilled or seared in a skillet.
Although the tendon won't hurt anything, it is very tough and chewy after it's cooked. I recommend removing it - it only takes a minute.
There is a little bit of heat in this blackened chicken tenders recipe, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy for most people.
📚 Related recipes
- This crispy oven baked wings recipe is an excellent addition to your weeknight dinner routine or for weekend snacking.
- French onion chicken is simple to make and is great for busy weeknights when you need something quick and delicious for dinner.
- If you love Popeye's you'll also like these copycat crispy Popeye's chicken tenders recipe.
- If your family enjoys spicy chicken recipes, then give this buffalo chicken bake a try.
- Air fryer boneless chicken thighs are done in less than 15 minutes! Quick and easy!
- This green chile chicken casserole is absolutely delish!
🍽️ Serve blackened chicken tenders with...
This chicken recipe is so simple that I like to keep the rest of the meal easy, too. I'll make some of my favorite Southern green beans or crockpot collard greens with bacon for a hot side dish.
I love potato salad with spicy food to add a cooling touch so I'll often serve that, as well. Buttermilk biscuits are a requirement around here - hot, steaming, and dripping with butter.
For dessert you just can't go wrong with old fashioned banana pudding!
Check out 70 more ideas for what to serve with blackened chicken
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Popeye's Blackened Chicken Tenders Recipe
Print Pin Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breasts sliced
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar, optional
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
Instructions
- If you're using chicken breast slice it the long way into 2-inch wide strips.
- Add the seasonings to a bowl and mix well.
- Place the chicken, 2 tablespoons of the oil, and the seasoning mixture into a large bowl.
- Mix until the chicken is completely coated with seasoning.
- Let stand for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours. If you're letting it stand more than 20 minutes cover the bowl and refrigerate. You can also place in a freezer bag and freeze at this point.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a large cast iron skillet over high heat.
- When the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders in an even layer. Don't crowd!
- Sear the tenders for 1 ½-2 minutes on each side working in batches. Avoid overcrowding your pan.
- Once the chicken is seared transfer the pieces to the prepared pan.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken reaches 160F.
- Remove from oven.
- Let stand for 10 minutes. During this time it will continue to cook to a safe 165F.
- While chicken is resting add the butter to the skillet and melt it, scraping the bottom of the skillet with a spatula and stirring constantly - don't let it burn.
- Brush the melted butter over the chicken tenders and serve hot.
Air Fryer
- Skip the pan searing and bake in the air fryer at 380° F for 8 to 10 minutes. Check often.
Notes
- Don't skip the butter at the end of the cooking process, this really increases the flavor of your chicken tenders.
- You can increase the heat level by adding more chipotle powder to your seasoning blend.
- If you are using store bought chicken tenderloins I recommend removing the connective tissue, so that your chicken doesn't come out chewy.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
📞 The last word
Funny story - these blackened chicken tenders were so good that we couldn't stop eating them.
I have one son that works nights so I reminded everyone to save some for him.
He ended up with peanut butter and jelly.
Next time give this grilled chicken breast a try.
First published April 4, 2022. Last updated June 10, 2023 for editorial improvements.
Kimbarly says
Just whipped up these delicious blackened tenders and they were a hit! I've always been a fan of Popeye's version, but making them at home lets you control the spice just right.
Tammy says
Forgot to rate this! This is a must try! Don’t forget the butter sauce. That’s what takes it over the top.
Tammy says
I made this last week. My hubs doesn’t like chicken so he wasn’t interested. That’s sick, right? Anyway, I’m not ashamed to tell you this was so good I ate all of it! All by myself! I’m not sorry!!
Janett says
Turned out Delicious. I didn’t use the brown sugar or chipotle seasonings. But I did add 1 tsp of blackened seasoning. Loved the butter sauce.
Very good recipe.