Description
Juicy, smoky, and perfectly seasoned, these Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders bring all the Cajun flavor you love straight from your kitchen. Quick, healthy, and irresistibly tasty, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Mix all dry spices in a bowl to create the blackened seasoning blend.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Coat the tenders with olive oil and rub the seasoning evenly on all sides.
- Lightly oil the hot skillet, then place the seasoned chicken tenders in, leaving space between each piece.
- Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until blackened and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use a cast iron skillet for the best crust and flavor.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
- These tenders reheat beautifully in an air fryer.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon before serving for extra freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg