Description
This Blackened Chicken Tenders recipe is a flavorful Popeyes copycat that features juicy chicken breasts coated in a bold blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and other spices, then cooked to crispy perfection. With versatile cooking methods including stovetop pan-frying, air frying, and oven baking, this dish provides a quick and delicious way to enjoy spicy, tender chicken tenders at home, perfect for a satisfying meal served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
Seasoning Blend
- 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 Oil
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for stovetop pan frying)
Additional for Alternative Methods
- Nonstick cooking spray (for air fryer method)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil (for oven method, to drizzle)
Instructions
- Prepare the seasoning blend: In a shallow bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, chili powder, dried oregano, and dried thyme. Mix well to create the blackened spice mix.
- Slice the chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips suitable for tenders.
- Coat the chicken with spices: Toss the chicken strips in the seasoning blend until evenly coated. Alternatively, place the chicken and seasoning in a large freezer bag and shake to coat thoroughly.
- Stovetop pan-frying method: Heat 1/3 cup vegetable oil over medium heat in a large cast iron or nonstick skillet until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Serve warm with ranch or your preferred dipping sauce.
- Air fryer method: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Coat the seasoned chicken strips lightly with nonstick cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4 minutes. For larger pieces, increase the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to ensure doneness.
- Oven baking method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the seasoned chicken strips on an ungreased baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil or vegetable oil to keep them moist and promote browning. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through if desired. For larger pieces, add an additional 5 minutes of baking time.
Notes
- The recipe offers three cooking options: stovetop pan-frying, air frying, and oven baking to accommodate different kitchen setups.
- Adjust cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness level.
- Allow the chicken strips to rest on a wire rack after pan frying to keep them crispy.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- For even coating, shaking the chicken and spices in a sealed bag works well to ensure all pieces are covered.
- Serve with ranch, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-35 minutes depending on method (20 min oven, 12 min air fryer, 12-14 min stovetop)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
