Description
Enjoy the flavors of your favorite restaurant at home with these crispy, spicy, and flavorful Copycat Popeye’s Blackened Chicken Tenders. Perfect for any occasion, these tenders are quick to make and easy to customize.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Blackened Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons blackened seasoning
Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Egg
- 1 large egg
Oil
- For frying
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken tenders, then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a better sear when frying.
- Season the Chicken: Generously sprinkle the blackened seasoning over both sides of the chicken tenders to fully infuse them with flavor. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
- Set Up Breading Stations: In one bowl, beat the egg until frothy. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. This two-station system will help create that perfect coating.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off before coating it thoroughly in panko breadcrumbs. Press down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
- Frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the chicken tenders, cooking them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Notes
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and perfect juiciness.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry in batches if necessary to maintain consistent heat and crispiness.
- Rest Before Serving: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying allows the juices to redistribute.
- Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to mix in your favorite spices to the panko for a unique twist.
- Keep the Oil at Right Temperature: Adjust heat as needed to keep the oil hot enough for frying but not smoking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg