My obsession with Popeyes Blackened Tenders started throughout a street journey by Louisiana. After an extended day of driving, we pulled into Popeyes outdoors New Orleans. Once I bit into that first tender, the explosion of spices, the right juiciness, and that particular Cajun warmth stopped me. Ever since that journey, I’ve been decided to recreate that genuine blackened taste in my kitchen. After numerous makes an attempt and spice changes, this recipe lastly captures that unmistakable Popeyes magic. Skip the drive-thru and pan-fry up these home made Blackened Popeyes Tenders. One chew of those juicy, daring Cajun-spiced hen tenders may have you considering you’re consuming down on the bayou.
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What makes Popeyes Blackened Rooster Tenders so good?
Popeyes Blackened Tenders carry the warmth and are extremely juicy and loaded with the basic flavors you’re keen on. All of it begins with a fast brine to lock within the moisture after which a beneficiant coating of Cajun spices. A quick dance throughout a sizzling skillet toasts the herbs and spices, bringing out the genuine style of the seasonings.
Whether or not you serve them on their very own with a dipping sauce or stuff them right into a sandwich, they’re certain to impress – assured!
Popeyes Blackened Tenders components and why use them
For the Blackened Popeyes Tenders, you’ll want:
- Water – carries the salt and sugar for the brine.
- Salt (for brine) – enhances the flavour and helps the hen tenders keep moist and tender whereas cooking.
- White granulated sugar (for brine) – balances out the salt and helps to tenderize the hen.
- Rooster tenderloins – are the principle protein, and since they’re small, they cook dinner by shortly with out burning.
- Cajun seasoning OR the Do-it-yourself Cajun Spice Mix from under – offers you the daring Cajun flavors which can be the signature of this recipe.
- Vegetable oil for frying – cooks the hen tenders with out including new flavors.
Whereas you can also make scrumptious tenders utilizing a store-bought Cajun seasoning just like the one from McCormick’s, it’s properly value making your individual mix if you need the genuine taste to return out.
For the Do-it-yourself Cajun Spice Mix, you’ll want:
- Salt – brings out the flavour of all the opposite components within the mix.
- Cayenne pepper – provides warmth and that genuine Cajun taste.
- Paprika – offers the spice mix heat and a spectacular crimson shade.
- Garlic powder – delivers a savory umami richness.
- Floor black pepper – contributes a pointy, earthy warmth.
- Oregano – introduces natural, barely bitter notes.
- Onion powder – provides a wealthy, savory taste.
The best way to make Popeyes Blackened Tenders
To prep the hen:
- Make a brine by combining water, salt, and white granulated sugar in a big container with a lid. Stir till the sugar and salt dissolve.
- Trim the fats from the tenders and add them to the brine.
- Cowl the brine and put it within the fridge for no less than half-hour and as much as two hours.
- Whereas the hen is within the fridge, you’ll be able to put together the Do-it-yourself Cajun Spice Mix (instructions under).
To make the Do-it-yourself Cajun Spice Mix (optionally available):
- Whisk collectively all of the Do-it-yourself Cajun Spice Mix components in a small bowl.
- Switch the spice mix to an hermetic container and maintain for later.
To complete the Popeyes Blackened Rooster Tenders recipe:
- Put about half of the Cajun seasoning mix in a big food-safe bag.
- Add just a few hen tenders to the bag in batches and shake properly to coat. Add extra seasoning mix as wanted.
- Shake off any extra seasoning and place the tenders on a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet to set for no less than 5 minutes earlier than frying.
- When the oil is sizzling however not smoking, cut back the warmth to medium and add the hen tenders. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. In case you are utilizing a smaller skillet, you’ll be able to cook dinner in batches.
- Prepare dinner the hen for 3 to 4 minutes on the primary aspect after which flip the tenders. Prepare dinner till the hen reaches an inside temp of 165°F, about three to 4 minutes extra.
- Drain the hen on paper towels and serve sizzling.
What to serve Blackened Cajun Tenders with
Convey much more New Orleans aptitude to your kitchen desk by pairing Blackened Popeyes Tenders with these Louisiana-inspired sides:
Pink Beans and Rice. Straightforward, low-cost, and filling. There is no such thing as a different rice dish fairly like Cajun Pink Beans and Rice. The smoked ham hock and actual lard make all of the distinction on this recipe, so don’t shrink back from utilizing them!
Cajun Fried Corn. Combining the sweetness of recent corn with the warmth of Cajun spices is genius. Wingstop’s Cajun Fried Corn is probably not authentically Cajun, however that doesn’t forestall this recipe from being scrumptious and a must-try.
New Orleans Rum Cake. Not the whole lot from Cajun nation must be spicy, like this decadent cake. This recipe embraces the town’s historical past with its booze, heat cooking spices, and loads of nuts. With a chew of New Orleans Rum Cake, you’ll be transported to a restaurant within the French Quarter.
The best way to retailer & reheat
You may maintain any unused further Cajun Spice Seasoning Mix in an hermetic container within the cabinet for a number of months. Tightly wrapped hen tenders will keep recent for 3 days within the fridge.
To reheat:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Place a wire rack over a rimmed baking dish and lay out the hen tenders on high.
- Prepare dinner the tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway by the cooking time.
Blackened Popeyes Rooster Tenders | Spicy Cajun Copycat
These juicy home made Blackened Popeyes Tenders ship genuine Louisiana taste with an ideal mix of Cajun spices pan-fried to lock in moisture and maximize warmth.
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Price
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Servings: 6
Energy: 160kcal
Elements
Rooster Tenders
- 1 tablespoon salt for brine
- 1 tablespoon sugar for brine
- 1 1/2 kilos hen tenders
- 3 teaspoons McCormick Cajun Seasoning or home made Cajun spice mix
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Cajun Spice Mix
- 1/2 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 teaspoons floor black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
Directions
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In a big bowl, stir to dissolve the salt and sugar into 4 cups of chilly water. Add the hen tenders to the brine and refrigerate for half-hour to 2 hours.
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If making the Cajun spice mix, place all of the spices in a small bowl and stir to mix.
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Take away the hen tenders from the brine and pat them utterly dry with paper towels. Generously coat the hen tenders on all sides with both the McCormick Cajun seasoning or your home made Cajun spice mix.
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Place a forged iron skillet over medium-high warmth and add the vegetable oil. As soon as the oil is sizzling (however not smoking), fastidiously place the seasoned hen tenders within the skillet, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Prepare dinner for 3 to 4 minutes on both sides till the hen reaches an inside temperature of 165°F.
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Switch the cooked hen tenders to a plate lined with paper towels and let relaxation for two to three minutes earlier than serving.
Diet
Energy: 160kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 24g | Fats: 5g | Saturated Fats: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fats: 2g | Monounsaturated Fats: 1g | Trans Fats: 0.03g | Ldl cholesterol: 73mg | Sodium: 1295mg | Potassium: 443mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 527IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
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