This easy chicken recipe is so versatile! Use it for spicy sandwiches or serve with a cool dipping sauce!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
- Lean chicken tenderloins 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 chicken tenders at all Popeye's 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!
🧾 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.
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- boneless skinless chicken breasts
- butter
- oil
- smoked paprika
- salt
- garlic powder
- ground black pepper
- onion powder
- dried oregano
- brown sugar
- chipotle powder
🔪 Instructions
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.
- Heat oil in the skillet and sear chicken on both sides.
- Add to a parchment paper lined pan and bake for 10 minutes. rush with melted butter.
🥄 Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
You'll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
🥫 Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. You can also freeze the chicken cooked or uncooked.
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.
I like to add the raw tenders to a freezer bag after I've tossed it in the seasoned oil. 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!
📖 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.
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Don't skip the butter at the end of the cooking process, this really increases the flavor.
- Dip 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.
- 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 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.
- 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 Variations.
👩🍳 FAQs
There is a little bit of heat in this blackened chicken tenders recipe, but it is not overwhelmingly spicy.
This chicken is coated in seasoning and then given a good sear over high heat, but it is not deep fried.
It is called blackened because the chicken chars on the outside, giving it a black color.
📚 Related recipes
- This crispy oven baked wings recipe is an excellent addition to your healthy weeknight dinner routine.
- 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 recipe 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 with...
Wondering what to serve with a big batch of blackened chicken tenders? Try these!
- Southern green beans is a healthy side dish that pairs perfectly with copycat Popeyes blackened chicken tenders.
- I love potato salad with spicy food to add a cooling touch! In the winter I'm more likely to reach for fried potatoes.
- Southern creamed corn helps cool down this spicy dish.
- You can't enjoy this famous fast food restaurant chicken tenders recipe without Buttermilk biscuits to go with them.
- Baked mac and cheese is my go-to side dish when I am craving some New Orleans flavor.
📞 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 try this grilled chicken breast.
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! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Blackened Chicken Tenders
Print Pin Recipe SaveEquipment Needed
Ingredients
- 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
- Dip these chicken strips in sour cream, spicy mayo, regular ranch, hot sauce, blackened ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Make delicious chicken sandwiches by placing a couple of tenders on a toasted brioche bun.
- 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.
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