Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

I’m always on the hunt for tasty copycat recipes. Recently my quest led me to tackle Popeyes chicken tenders. Let me tell you these crispy delights pack a flavor punch!

Whipping up this dish at home ain’t rocket science. With a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be serving restaurant-quality tenders in no time. Trust me your taste buds will do a happy dance.

I must admit I was nervous about nailing that signature Popeyes crunch. But boy oh boy did this recipe deliver! The secret? A zesty blend of spices and a double-dredge technique.

Now I can’t wait to share my kitchen adventure with you all. Get ready to impress your fam and friends with these finger-lickin’ good tenders. No need to hit the drive-thru anymore!

What is Popeyes Chicken Tenders?

Popeyes chicken tenders are juicy white meat strips with a zesty crispy coating. They’re famous for their crunchy texture and Cajun-inspired flavor.

These tenders start as chicken breast pieces marinated for extra taste. Then they’re coated in Popeyes’ secret spice blend and flour mix. A double-dredge technique creates that thick crunchy exterior.

Fried till golden these tenders are served hot with yummy dipping sauces. Fans rave about their unique taste compared to other fast food chicken. They’re perfect alone or as part of a bigger meal.

Popeyes Chicken Tenders Ingredients

let’s dive into the heart of our copycat Popeyes chicken tenders! I’ve cracked the code on these bad boys after some serious kitchen experiments. While not as spicy as Chipotle Chicken Al Pastor, these tenders pack their own flavor punch.

Get ready to learn the secret ingredients that’ll make your homemade tenders taste just like the real deal from Popeyes.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

Required Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Two shallow dishes for dredging
• Large heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
• Thermometer
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Required Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Marinating time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cooking time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes

How to Make Popeyes Chicken Tenders (Step By Step Instructions)

Let’s dive into making these mouth-watering Popeyes-style chicken tenders! Follow these steps and you’ll be munching on crispy deliciousness in no time.

Just thinking about it makes my tummy rumble!

Step 1

Prep your chicken: If you’ve got whole breasts slice ’em into strips about 1 inch wide. For pre-cut tenderloins, you’re already good to go!

Step 2

Whip up the marinade: In a big bowl mix buttermilk and egg till smooth. This tangy bath will make your chicken super juicy.

Step 3

Give it a soak: Toss your chicken strips in the marinade making sure they’re all coated. Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Overnight is even better if you can wait!

Step 4

Make the magic dust: In a shallow dish mix flour with all those yummy spices. This is what’ll give your tenders that signature Popeyes kick.

Step 5

Get the oil hot: Pour veggie oil into a deep pot. Heat it up to 350°F. Use a thermometer ’cause eyeballing it won’t cut it here.

Step 6

Dredge time: Take each tender from the marinade. Let excess drip off then roll it in the spicy flour mix. Make sure it’s totally covered!

Step 7

Fry ’em up: Carefully lower a few tenders into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd or they’ll get soggy instead of crispy.

Step 8

Watch ’em sizzle: Let those bad boys fry for about 3-4 minutes. They should turn golden brown and be cooked through.

Step 9

Drain and cool: Fish out your crispy tenders and let ’em rest on paper towels. This’ll soak up extra oil and keep ’em crunchy.

Step 10

Serve and enjoy: Once they’re cool enough to handle dig in! Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce for maximum yumminess.

What Part of the Chicken Are Popeyes Chicken Tenders Made From?

Popeyes chicken tenders come from the tenderloin, which is a strip of lean meat found along the inside of the chicken breast. This part of the chicken is prized for its softness and juiciness, making it perfect for crispy fried dishes.

The tenderloins are easy to cook and absorb flavors well, which helps them stay moist under a crunchy coating. Because they’re lean, they make the tenders light yet satisfying, giving that famous crispy outside with a juicy inside every time.

Popeyes Chicken Tenders Nutrition

Let’s see about the nutritional side of these tasty Popeyes chicken tenders. While they’re a treat for your taste buds it’s good to know what you’re putting in your body.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts for a 3-piece serving of Popeyes chicken tenders:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340
Total Fat	14g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	80mg
Sodium	1440mg
Total Carbs	24g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	0g
Protein	31g

These tenders pack a protein punch! They’re relatively low in carbs but watch out for that sodium. As with any fried food moderation is key. Enjoy ’em as an occasional treat rather than a daily staple for a balanced diet.

Conclusion

Making Popeyes-style chicken tenders at home is easier than you might think. With the right blend of spices, a double-dredge technique, and tender chicken, you can recreate the crispy, flavorful tenders everyone loves, much like you would with a Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt or a Chipotle Chicken Tinga Burrito.

Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these tenders are sure to impress, just like a Panera Chipotle Chicken sandwich. So skip the drive-thru and treat yourself to a batch of homemade, finger-licking goodness!