Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders Copycat Recipe
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Popeyes’ blackened chicken tenders is a copycat recipe of Cajun-inspired spicy chicken tenderloins served at the famous fast-food restaurant Popeyes.
Blackened chicken is quite a popular dish among spice lovers. While the outside is seared to a crispy perfection, the inside is juicy and tender. The dark color of blackened chicken, contrary to popular opinion, comes from the spice mix and cooking it on high heat with butter.
With this recipe, you can recreate the bold and spicy flavors of Popeyes right in your kitchen, even on a tight budget.
Whether craving a spicy snack or a full meal, these New Orleans style blackened chicken tenders will satisfy your taste buds. Ready for the best part? You don’t need to make a drive-thru stop to enjoy them.
This recipe is also an excellent option for meal prepping. Marinating the chicken tenders longer in the seasoning makes them even tastier.
What is Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders?
Popeyes blackened chicken tenders is a popular spicy dish served at Popeyes. The chicken tenders are coated with a smoky spice blend and quickly seared until the outside is crisp and finished in the oven.
The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper gives the chicken its characteristic black color.
Everyday Simple Approach
We are transforming lives with the Everyday Simple Approach, which promises to help you find joy in homemaking with quick, easy, and affordable recipes and tutorials. Let’s see how this recipe stacks up and why you’ll love it.
- Simple ingredients – Most ingredients are dry pantry staples that are readily available and versatile.
- Short prep and cooking time – You can make this recipe in under 30 minutes, with only 5 minutes of active cooking time.
- Amazing flavor – The combination of spices and herbs gives it a distinctive smoky and spicy taste.
- Budget-friendly – You can make the whole recipe in less than $7 per serving.
- Basic kitchen equipment – All you need is a cast iron or a nonstick skillet.
- Easy-to-follow directions – You can make this chicken recipe in just four easy steps.
- Freezer-friendly – You can meal prep ahead of time or freeze leftovers for later.
How to Make Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
The chicken tenders are seasoned with homemade blackened seasoning made with readily available pantry ingredients. Then, the seasoned chicken first pan-fried to lock in the juices and then finally finished in the oven.
Ingredients You Need
- Chicken tenders
- Butter
- Smoked paprika
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Onion powder
- Oregano powder
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
For this recipe, powdered herbs are preferred over whole ones because they give the best final texture and signature look.
Ingredient Substitutions
Even though this is such a simple recipe, you might be missing one of the key ingredients. Review the recommendations here for quick and clever substitutions.
Here are suggested substitutions:
- Chicken tenders – You can also use skinless chicken breasts. Just slice the breast lengthwise into two-inch wide strips.
- Butter – Avocado oil, olive oil, and coconut oil are great substitutes.
- Smoked paprika – Sweet paprika or ground chili powder works too.
- Garlic powder – Use half a tablespoon of garlic paste instead of garlic powder. However, this could alter the texture and appearance of the chicken.
- Cayenne pepper – For a milder version of this dish, you can substitute the cayenne pepper with paprika or leave it out altogether.
- Oregano powder – Use dried oregano leaves or minced fresh oregano instead.
- Brown sugar – White sugar, demerara sugar, or coconut sugar are great alternatives.
Variations
Want to add your own spin? Make these fun variations and stretch this recipe into more delightful renditions.
Try these blackened chicken tender variations:
- Overnight buttermilk blackened chicken tenders – Soak the chicken in buttermilk overnight before tossing it in the spice mix. Then, proceed with the recipe.
- Air fryer blackened chicken tenders – Air fry the spiced chicken tenders in a preheated air fryer at 380ºF, 6 minutes on each side, or until an instant meat thermometer registers 165ºF.
- Blackened fish – Instead of chicken, use cod or tilapia fish. Toss the fish in the same spice mix and pan-fry it until it is done.
- Curry chicken tenders – Use your favorite curry powder to make Indian-inspired chicken tenders.
- Everything bagel chicken tenders – Toss the chicken tenders in everything bagel seasoning and proceed as per the instructions.
- Herb-crusted chicken tenders – Taking inspiration from our Texas Roadhouse herb chicken recipe, use the herb mix instead of the cajun spice mix.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Making this copycat recipe is super easy! Follow these simple directions, and you can’t go wrong!
Step 1: Make the Seasoning
In a small bowl, mix together all the blackened seasoning ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and sprinkle the seasoning over the meat.
Seal closed and mix until the seasoning evenly coats the chicken. Let sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes and up to 24 hours.
This is a great stopping point if you’re meal-prepping. Pick up the recipe later before serving. You could also freeze the spice-coated chicken for up to three months and thaw it to cook later. Be sure to label and date the bag clearly to know what’s inside and how long it’s been in the freezer.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or frying pan over high heat and add half a tablespoon of butter. Once the butter is hot and bubbling, add the seasoned chicken tenders to the skillet. Sear the chicken tenders for about 2 minutes per side, working in batches.
For a good sear, avoid moving the chicken and ensure the pan isn’t too crowded. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Wipe the pan clean and repeat with the rest of the chicken tenders.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 400F. Remove the seared chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on the baking sheet. Then, bake in the oven for 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160F. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165F.
Expert Tips
- Taste and adjust! I always recommend tasting while cooking so you can get to know the dish and adjust the seasoning as you like best.
- Instant-read thermometer – I recommend buying a quality instant-read thermometer. This has saved so many dinners, allowing me to check the meat without cutting into it.
- Cast-iron skillet – It is cheaper than a nonstick pan (in the long run) and gives the most gorgeous sear on meats. Plus, it’s a free source of iron in your diet.
- Big batch blackened spice seasoning – If you love spicy food, make a big batch of this spice mix. You can make pan-fried tofu, white fish, shrimp, and roasted veggies using the same seasoning.
How to Store Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Leftover blackened chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for five to six days. I prefer using see-through glass containers to help me organize and prepare my meals more effectively.
To reheat, microwave for one to two minutes till it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can heat it in a covered pan over low heat.
Can I make Blackened Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely. This is a great recipe for meal prep. Make it on your free day, portion it out, and enjoy nutritious protein-packed meals throughout the week.
Can I freeze Blackened Chicken Tenders?
You can freeze these spicy chicken tenders two ways. Freeze the seasoned uncooked chicken tenders or freeze the cooked chicken tenders.
To cook raw, seasoned chicken tenders, thaw the chicken and proceed per the recipe instructions.
If you freeze the cooked chicken tenders, you can reheat them in the microwave or thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and slowly heat them in a covered pan over low heat.
What to serve with Blackened Chicken Tenders
You can serve these blackened tenders in many different ways. It makes for a delicious appetizer or a 4 p.m. snack and even as a quick, low-carb meal.
Here are my suggestions:
- As an appetizer – Serve it simply with ketchup or a nice creamy dipping sauce. You can also make your own blackened ranch sauce, salsa ranchera, or Wingstop ranch dressing.
- Blackened Chicken Tacos – Serve on a toasted tortilla with sour cream, salsa, and slices of avocado.
- Salad – Chop it up and serve it on top of a salad.
- Classic chicken sandwich – Make a blackened chicken sandwich with a toasted brioche bun, lettuce leaves, crispy chicken tenders, pickles, and copycat Popeyes spicy mayo.
- Serve with soup – Pair with a hearty soup like Outback potato soup or baked potato soup from Chilis for a comforting meal.
- Serve with a side of grilled veggies – Buttery green beans, asparagus, or roasted carrots are some great side dishes to serve with this chicken.
- Serve with rice – Serve with your choice of rice or a rice casserole for a hearty meal. These chicken tenders are delicious with broccoli rice casserole. Make ahead mashed potatoes are a great choice, too!
- Over pasta or noodles – This is a fantastic dinner idea. The chicken tenders go exceptionally well with creamy pasta like Alfredo and mac and cheese.
More Copycat Recipes To Try
Here are more flavorful copycat recipes for you to try:
If you make this copycat Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders recipe, please leave a review! I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment.
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders
Equipment
- 1 Resealable plastic bag
- 1 Shallow dish or bowl
- 1 Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano powder
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all the blackened seasoning ingredients until well combined. Set aside.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and sprinkle the seasoning over the meat. Seal closed and mix until the seasoning evenly coats the chicken.
- Let it sit in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or up to 24 hours
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Heat a large skillet or frying pan over high heat and add the butter, ½ tablespoon at a time.
- Once the butter is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer to the skillet. Sear for about 2 minutes per side, working in batches.
- Remove the blackened chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on the baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 8 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160F.
- Remove from the oven and rest for 5 to 10 minutes until the chicken has an internal temperature of 165F.
Notes
- Taste and adjust! I always recommend tasting while cooking so you can get to know the dish and adjust the seasoning as you like best.
- Instant-read thermometer – I highly recommend buying a quality instant-read thermometer. This has saved so many dinners of mine because it can tell me the internal temperature with just a simple poke and saves me the trouble of cutting the meat open early and seeing it’s still undercooked (or worse, already overcooked!).
- Cast iron pan – It is cheaper than a nonstick pan( in the long run) and gives the most gorgeous sear on meats. Plus, it’s a free source of iron in your diet.To find alternate ingredient suggestions, visit the section called Ingredient Substitutions above.
