My obsession with Popeyes Blackened Tenders started throughout a street journey by way of Louisiana. After an extended day of driving, we pulled into Popeyes exterior New Orleans. After I bit into that first tender, the explosion of spices, the proper 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 do-it-yourself Blackened Popeyes Tenders. One chunk of those juicy, daring Cajun-spiced rooster tenders can have you considering you’re consuming down on the bayou.
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What makes Popeyes Blackened Hen Tenders so good?
Popeyes Blackened Tenders convey 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 rooster tenders keep moist and tender whereas cooking.
- White granulated sugar (for brine) – balances out the salt and helps to tenderize the rooster.
- Hen tenderloins – are the principle protein, and since they’re small, they prepare dinner by way of shortly with out burning.
- Cajun seasoning OR the Home made Cajun Spice Mix from under – provides you the daring Cajun flavors which are the signature of this recipe.
- Vegetable oil for frying – cooks the rooster tenders with out including new flavors.
Whereas you may make scrumptious tenders utilizing a store-bought Cajun seasoning just like the one from McCormick’s, it’s effectively value making your personal mix if you’d like the genuine taste to come back out.
For the Home made 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 – provides the spice mix heat and a spectacular purple 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.
Methods to make Popeyes Blackened Tenders
To prep the rooster:
- 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 a minimum of half-hour and as much as two hours.
- Whereas the rooster is within the fridge, you may put together the Home made Cajun Spice Mix (instructions under).
To make the Home made Cajun Spice Mix (non-obligatory):
- Whisk collectively all of the Home made 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 Hen Tenders recipe:
- Put about half of the Cajun seasoning mix in a big food-safe bag.
- Add a couple of rooster tenders to the bag in batches and shake effectively 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 a minimum of 5 minutes earlier than frying.
- When the oil is sizzling however not smoking, scale back the warmth to medium and add the rooster tenders. Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you’re utilizing a smaller skillet, you may prepare dinner in batches.
- Cook dinner the rooster for 3 to 4 minutes on the primary facet after which flip the tenders. Cook dinner till the rooster reaches an inner temp of 165°F, about three to 4 minutes extra.
- Drain the rooster on paper towels and serve sizzling.
What to serve Blackened Cajun Tenders with
Carry much more New Orleans aptitude to your kitchen desk by pairing Blackened Popeyes Tenders with these Louisiana-inspired sides:
Crimson Beans and Rice. Simple, low cost, and filling. There isn’t a different rice dish fairly like Cajun Crimson 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 stop 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 town’s historical past with its booze, heat cooking spices, and loads of nuts. With a chunk of New Orleans Rum Cake, you’ll be transported to a restaurant within the French Quarter.
Methods to retailer & reheat
You’ll be able to maintain any unused additional Cajun Spice Seasoning Mix in an hermetic container within the cabinet for a number of months. Tightly wrapped rooster 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 rooster tenders on high.
- Cook dinner the tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, turning halfway by way of the cooking time.
Blackened Popeyes Hen Tenders | Spicy Cajun Copycat
These juicy do-it-yourself 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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Servings:6
Energy:160kcal
Elements
Hen Tenders
- 1tablespoonsaltfor brine
- 1tablespoonsugarfor brine
- 1 1/2kilosrooster tenders
- 3teaspoonsMcCormick Cajun Seasoningor do-it-yourself Cajun spice mix
- 2tablespoonsvegetable oil
Cajun Spice Mix
- 1/2tablespoonsalt
- 1/4teaspooncayenne pepper
- 1 1/2teaspoonspaprika
- 3/4teaspoongarlic powder
- 3teaspoonsfloor black pepper
- 1/4teaspoonoregano
- 3teaspoonsonion powder
Directions
In a big bowl,stir to dissolve the salt and sugar into 4 cups of chilly water. Add the rooster tenders to the brine and refrigerate for half-hour to 2 hours.
If making the Cajun spice mix,place all of the spices in a small bowl and stir to mix.
Take away the rooster tenders from the brine and pat them fully dry with paper towels. Generously coat the rooster tenders on all sides with both the McCormick Cajun seasoning or your do-it-yourself Cajun spice mix.
- Place a forged iron skilletover medium-high warmth and add the vegetable oil. As soon as the oil is sizzling (however not smoking),fastidiously place the seasoned rooster tenders within the skillet,ensuring you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook dinner for 3 to 4 minutes on either side till the rooster reaches an inner temperature of 165°F.
Switch the cooked rooster tenders to a plate lined with paper towels and let relaxation for two to three minutes earlier than serving.
Vitamin
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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