Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders

Let’s take a little trip to flavor town no drive-thru required. These Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders bring all the bold, smoky, spicy goodness of your fast-food favorite straight to your kitchen. No breading, no deep frying, just perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken with that signature blackened crust. It’s a high-protein, low-carb dream, and the best part? You control the spice, the sizzle, and the serving size. Trust me, once you try these, you might never look back.

Why You’ll Love Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Great for meal prep, wraps, salads, sandwiches, or as a main dish
Budget-Friendly: Way cheaper than takeout, with pantry spices and chicken
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes from fridge to fork
Customizable: Dial the spice up or down, swap in your favorite seasonings
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s how we make magic with simple spices and tender chicken:

Chicken Tenders or Breast Strips:
Lean, juicy, and perfect for grabbing that blackened crust boneless and skinless is best

Paprika:
Smoky, earthy, and the base of that deep red color

Cayenne Pepper:
A little heat to mimic that Popeye’s punch adjust to your spice comfort level

Onion Powder & Garlic Powder:
Flavor essentials that add depth and balance

Dried Thyme & Oregano:
A hint of herbal sharpness that elevates the spice blend

Salt & Black Pepper:
Because even bold needs balance don’t skip these

Oil (Avocado or Olive):
Helps the spices adhere and creates that irresistible blackened sear in the pan

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment:

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. This step is key for getting that beautiful blackened crust.

Combine Ingredients:

In a small bowl, mix all the spices together. Pat your chicken dry (this helps it sear better), then rub the seasoning all over each piece, making sure it’s fully coated.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:

Add a bit of oil to your hot pan and swirl to coat. You want just enough to prevent sticking and create a seared surface.

Assemble the Dish:

Place your seasoned tenders in the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd — give them room to breathe and brown!

Cook to Perfection:

Cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until the outside is deeply charred and the inside is fully cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Flip only once to maintain that crust.

Finishing Touches:

Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes off the heat. This seals in the juices and keeps everything extra tender.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve hot and dig in! They’re perfect with dipping sauces, in wraps, over rice, or tossed in a salad.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 190

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Serve with creamy ranch, honey mustard, or chipotle mayo
• Pair with sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad
• Slice and add to a rice bowl or low-carb lettuce wrap
• Tuck into a sandwich or tortilla with pickles and slaw
• Crumble over mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort combo

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for maximum crust
• Use a cast-iron skillet for the best sear and even cooking
• Make a double batch of the spice mix and keep it on hand
• Want it saucy? Toss with buffalo, BBQ, or garlic butter after cooking
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for later

FAQ’s

1 Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice them into strips for even cooking and adjust the time as needed.

2 What makes it “blackened”?
The bold spice rub and high-heat cooking create that signature crust and deep flavor.

3 Is this recipe spicy?
It has a kick, but you can reduce the cayenne for a milder version.

4 Can I cook these in the oven or air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F for about 15–18 minutes or air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.

5 Are these keto-friendly?
Yes — no breading and all low-carb ingredients.

6 Can I make this ahead of time?
Sure! Season in advance and cook just before serving for best texture.

7 What oil works best?
High-smoke point oils like avocado or canola work great — avoid butter which can burn quickly.

8 Can I freeze these after cooking?
Yes! Freeze cooked tenders and reheat in the oven or air fryer until warmed through.

9 Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Nope! The dry rub does all the heavy lifting — just season and cook.

10 How do I keep them juicy?
Don’t overcook! Watch the internal temp and let them rest before slicing.

Conclusion

These Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders are everything you love about the original — minus the drive-thru. They’re quick, flavorful, and full of personality with that perfect smoky sear. Whether you’re eating low-carb, meal-prepping, or just craving something seriously satisfying, this recipe has you covered. So grab your skillet and spice things up — your taste buds will thank you.

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