Blackened Chicken Tenders (Popeyes Copycat) Recipe
This Blackened Chicken Tenders recipe is a flavorful Popeyes copycat that delivers perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken strips with a spicy kick. Whether pan-fried, air-fried, or oven-baked, these tenders come out juicy and full of bold blackened seasoning, making a delicious homemade alternative to fast food.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
Blackened Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/4 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. dried thyme
Cooking Fat
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for pan frying)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for drizzling (for oven baking)
- Nonstick cooking spray (for air frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the spice blend: In a shallow bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme thoroughly to create the blackened seasoning mix.
- Slice the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips to form tenders for even cooking and seasoning coverage.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge the chicken strips in the spice mixture evenly. You can also place the chicken and seasoning into a large freezer bag and shake to coat thoroughly.
- Pan fry the chicken (Stovetop method): Heat 1/3 cup vegetable oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet. Add the coated chicken tenders and cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side, ensuring they are cooked through. Remove from pan and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
- Air fryer option: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). After coating, place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook an additional 4 minutes. For larger tenders, add 2-3 extra minutes.
- Oven baking option: Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C). After seasoning, place chicken tenders on an ungreased baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil or vegetable oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For larger pieces, bake an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve: Remove cooked chicken tenders from heat and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce like ranch.
Notes
- You can use the air fryer or oven baking methods as healthier alternatives to pan frying.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control the spice level according to your preference.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For crispier tenders, allow cooked chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
- Leftover tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in an air fryer or oven to retain crispiness.
