Description
Learn how to make delicious and spicy Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders at home with this easy recipe. These tender chicken strips are packed with flavor and perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
Spice Blend:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then coat evenly with olive oil. Rub the spice blend generously over all sides of the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the chicken tenders in the hot pan and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until nicely blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra juiciness, marinate the tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes before seasoning.
- These tenders pair perfectly with ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy dipping sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in an air fryer or skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Seared, Grilling
- Cuisine: American, Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
