The Best Fluffy Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
For the Blackening Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
Recipe Video
For homemade restaurant style blackened chicken tenders this tasty recipe has everything you want from your favorite chicken restaurant! These juicy, savory strips are a healthier and cost-effective way to eat out. This copycat Popeye’s recipe comes with a homemade blackened seasoning that takes the mundane pan-fried chicken strips to supremely tasty. The result is beautifully smoky chicken with a little spicy kick that everyone will be begging for seconds of.
What Are Blackened Chicken Tenders and How Do You Make Them?
Blackened chicken tenders are pan-fried chicken strips coated in a homemade spice blend featuring cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and garlic powder. Simply combine the spices, coat chicken tenderloins evenly, then cook in a heated skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.The cooking method creates a smoky, slightly spicy exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender inside. This quick recipe takes just 11 minutes total, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Blackened Chicken Recipe
This blackened chicken recipe is blowing up as one of those amazing reasons. First, you can have this ready in lightning speed!You’re measuring spices and blending them up before coating chicken in spiced flour, then it’s on the stove for a few minutes.
The recipe also happens to be the perfect situation (in my book, anyway) for all of you meal prep enthusiasts who like to cook a batch of chicken at the beginning of each week. These ready-made tenders can make quick work lunches or dinner as well as a high-protein snack on the go during hectic days.
What makes this dish incredibly versatile is how one can use chicken in countless ways. Add them to salads, wraps, and bowls, or serve as the main course alongside vegetables, rice, or potatoes. They’re also fantastic in tacos and sandwiches, making meal planning much easier.
For those following specific dietary approaches, this recipe is naturally low-carb friendly, making cooking for low-carb diets much easier than traditional breaded options. It’s also completely keto-friendly since there’s no breading involved – just no carbs, all protein that fits easily into any healthy diet plan.
What You’ll Need
Chicken
They begin with good chicken tenderloins, also known as chicken tenders. The little nuggets come attached to the bottom of each chicken breast and are usually sold separately in most grocers. They’re fast cooking and super tender, so they’re always accessible and perfect for this recipe.
Otherwise, boneless skinless chicken breast is great when sliced into strips. It offers you versatility and great tasting food however its doing the cooking.
Cooking Oil
Oil choice significantly impacts the final flavor profile. Olive oil provides a classic Mediterranean taste, while vegetable oil offers neutral flavoring. Avocado oil brings healthy fats and high heat tolerance, and grapeseed oil delivers clean flavor notes. Canola oil serves as another excellent neutral option. Choose based on availability and personal preference for optimal results.
Blackening Seasoning Blend
The magic is in the seasoning. Cayenne pepper adds the perfect fiery punch – leave it out or add more to taste for a personalized spice level. Spanish, or smoked, paprika adds peppery richness as well as that gorgeous red color that brightens the dish.
Dried thyme contributes gently floral, savory notes that play well with the heat. Dried oregano, which adds a warm, sharp green flavor that rounds out the herbal profile. Pepper is best freshly ground for flavor, and the garlic powder ensures an even coating in a way that fresh garlic wouldn’t.
Garlic powder is an optional ingredient for more flavor depth, and chili powder adds additional heat and depth of flavor. For the salt part, Kosher salt is best – highly regarded by chefs are Diamond Crystal kosher salt. But table salt or sea salt can stand in, in which case you should use half as much so the guacamole doesn’t become oversalted.
How to Make Blackened Chicken Tenders
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start by making the blackening spice blend. Combine the spices in a pie plate or big bowl.Blackening seasoning, mixed Let’s mix it all up to get that perfect blackening spice mixture. Toss well, so that everything comes together evenly.
Next, heat the pan properly. Heat a skillet or cast iron skillet over medium to high heat and add oil, let it come completely hot. The right amount of heat keeps the chicken from steaming, which would result in an unattractive color and texture.
While pan is heating, dry chicken pieces with paper towels. This is essential because it’s how you get browning right. Then rub the pieces with the blackening spice to cover all sides evenly, no naked spots.
Cook the first side carefully. Add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for around 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they’re beginning to colour. Avoid the temptation of pushing pieces around before you’re ready.
To flip and cook the other side, turn chicken over carefully and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. Check for doneness with an instant thermometer, which should read a minimum of 165°F to ensure food safety.
Finally, rest and serve properly. Transfer chicken onto a platter and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving. The stand time gives the juices a chance to be distributed throughout the meat.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Instructions
For those preferring air fryer preparation, start by preheating the unit to 350 to 380 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat chicken thoroughly with blackened seasoning, then place in the air fryer basket with adequate spacing. Spray generously with nonstick cooking spray to promote browning.
Cook for 5 minutes initially, then flip each piece and cook an additional 4 minutes. For larger pieces, extend cooking time by 2 to 3 minutes as needed to reach proper doneness.
Oven Instructions
Oven preparation offers another excellent method. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while preparing the chicken. Coat chicken with blackened seasoning, then place on an ungreased baking sheet with proper spacing.
Drizzle generously with olive oil or vegetable oil to promote browning and prevent sticking. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. For larger pieces, extend baking time by 5 minutes to ensure complete cooking.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Smart cooks appreciate having spice adjustments available. For less smoky flavor, use regular paprika instead of the smoked variety. Conversely, for more smokiness, use chipotle powder in place of regular chili powder for deeper flavor complexity.
Protein options extend beyond chicken tenderloins. Try boneless skinless chicken thighs for those who prefer dark meat – they offer richer flavor and remain incredibly juicy even with longer cooking times, making them perfect for dark meat lovers.
Oil alternatives provide different flavor profiles to explore. Use avocado oil for clean taste and high heat tolerance, or try peanut oil for subtle nutty notes that complement the spices beautifully.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator Storage
Properly store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days maximum. Label containers with preparation dates for food safety tracking.
Freezer Storage
For longer storage, freeze cooked tenders for up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers. To use frozen chicken, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to ensure even warming.
Reheating Methods
Multiple reheating options ensure flexibility. For microwave reheating, heat in 30-second intervals until heated through completely. The air fryer method works excellently – reheat for a few minutes at 380°F to restore crispiness.
Stovetop reheating involves warming in a pan with a bit of oil over medium heat, turning occasionally. Oven reheating uses a conventional oven set to low heat until warmed through completely.
How to Serve Blackened Chicken Tenders
Low-Carb Options
Serve with ranch dressing alongside crunchy vegetables like celery sticks and green beans for satisfying low-carb meals. These tenders also add perfectly to fresh green salads, especially when topped with creamy avocado ranch dressing for extra richness.
With Carbohydrates
For heartier meals, serve over creamy pasta or alongside crispy French fries. They pair beautifully with dirty rice and other grain dishes for complete, satisfying dinners.
Creative Serving Ideas
Grain bowls become more substantial when you add these protein-rich tenders. Try adding them to Mediterranean grain bowls for extra protein and flavor complexity. They work perfectly in various salads – especially Greek green salads and fresh arugula caprese salads.
These seasoned tenders also make an excellent base for a gluten free chicken salad when diced and mixed with mayo, celery, and herbs – perfect for those avoiding gluten while still enjoying flavorful meals.
For casual dining, pile them onto buttery brioche buns for incredible sandwiches, or use them in blackened chicken tacos for Mexican-inspired meals. They complement roasted vegetables beautifully – serve with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, roasted cherry tomatoes, or roasted broccolini for balanced nutrition.
Sauce Pairings
Complement these flavorful tenders with various sauces. Cilantro crema provides cool contrast to the heat, while creamy dill sauce offers herby freshness. For those who enjoy heat, pineapple habanero salsa adds sweet fire, and classic pico de gallo brings fresh tomato brightness. Traditional ranch dressing remains a crowd-pleasing favorite that never disappoints.
Expert Tips for Perfect Blackened Chicken
But professional techniques can mean the difference between restaurant and home-kitchen quality. Don’t over-crowd the cooking surface- if need be, work in two batches to ensure that chicken pieces have plenty of room between them in pan. This spacing allows for even cooking and to form the proper crust on each individual bread slice.
Try the seasoning mixture before you cook and adjust to taste. Sometimes you’ll want to add based on personal tastes. When breading chicken, be sure to coat it evenly for ultra-flavour in every bite.
Pay attention to cooking time and watch the chicken like a hawk. You want to test it after two minutes on each side so you don’t overcook. Keep in mind that chicken tenders are naturally lean pieces of meat that easily get dry when overcooked, so it matters a great deal to the timing.
And instead of keeping the heat at high, try medium – it’s hot enough to give you that juicy meat inside and browned goodness outside. Last, but not least: Let the chicken sit for a few minutes after cooking to obtain that juicy result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Exactly is Blackening Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning consists of a carefully balanced mix of dried herbs and spices designed to season dishes like blackened chicken, shrimp, and fish. This smoky, spicy blend shares similarities with Cajun and Creole seasoning traditions.
What’s the Difference Between Cajun Seasoning and Blackening Seasoning?
While both seasonings contain essential ingredients like garlic powder, pepper, and cayenne, blackening seasoning typically includes additional dried herbs and spices such as oregano and thyme for more complex flavor layers.
Can One Use This Blackening Spice in Other Dishes?
Absolutely! Try it on other cuts of chicken, fish (it makes incredible blackened cod tacos), shrimp, and other proteins. The versatility makes it worth preparing larger batches for multiple uses.
How Does One Know When The Chicken is Properly Done?
Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F for food safety. Visually, the outside should appear golden brown and slightly charred from the blackening process.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately these nutritional values: 170 calories per serving with 25g protein, 7g fat, and only 2g carbohydrates. This recipe naturally fits low-carb and keto-friendly dietary requirements while delivering substantial protein for muscle maintenance and satiety.
