Crisp Coated Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Craving that crispy, juicy goodness of Popeyes’ chicken tenders but want to skip the drive-thru? You’re in luck! Today, we’re unlocking the secrets behind this fast-food favorite with a homemade Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe.

We’ll be recreating that shatteringly crisp coating and all that flavorful, tender chicken underneath. So ditch the delivery fees, grab your apron, and get ready to make restaurant-quality chicken tenders right in your own kitchen!

Ingredients For Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready to enjoy the deliciousness of homemade Popeyes Chicken Tenders. This recipe will guide you through creating crispy, spicy tenders that rival the fast-food favorite. Perfectly seasoned and juicy, these chicken strips are a hit for any meal. Let’s dive into the details to get you started.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• ⅓ cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
• ½ cup buttermilk
• Peanut oil (for frying)
• ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 3 eggs

Required Equipment

• Deep fryer or heavy skillet
• Air fryer (optional)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Instant-read thermometer
• Paper towels
• Baking sheet (optional, for reheating)

Required Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Marinating Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Step By Step Instructions for Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Creating Popeyes Chicken Tenders at home is easier than you might think. Follow these detailed steps to make perfectly crispy, spicy chicken tenders that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re frying them in a deep fryer, a skillet, or using an air fryer, this guide ensures you get that signature crunch and flavor every time.

1. Marinate the Chicken
   • Cut 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts into strips.
   • In a bowl, combine ⅓ cup of Louisiana-style hot sauce and ½ cup of buttermilk. Mix well.
   • Place the chicken strips into the hot sauce and buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Coating

• In a separate bowl, mix ⅔ cup of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder.
• In another bowl, beat 3 eggs and combine with the remaining buttermilk mixture.

3. Coat the Chicken

• Remove the marinated chicken strips from the bowl.
• Dredge each strip in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
• Dip the flour-coated chicken strips into the egg mixture.
• Return the strips to the flour mixture for a second coating. Set them aside on a plate.

4. Fry the Chicken

• For Deep Fryer: Heat the deep fryer to 360°F. Fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This should take about 5-7 minutes per batch. Avoid overcrowding the fryer.
• For Skillet: Add about 2 ½ inches of peanut oil to a heavy skillet. Heat on medium until the oil reaches 360°F. Fry the chicken strips in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
• For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Place a few chicken strips in the basket, ensuring they do not touch. Cook for 10 minutes, then turn the strips and cook for another 10 minutes until crispy and cooked through.

6. Serve

• Once all the chicken strips are cooked, keep them warm in a preheated oven at 200°F until ready to serve.
• Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.

Tips for Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Achieving that perfect blend of crispy and juicy in your Popeyes Chicken Tenders can be simple with a few handy tips. These suggestions will help you enhance the flavor, ensure the best texture, and make the cooking process smoother. Let’s dive into some expert advice to make your tenders truly irresistible.

1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the chicken strips marinate in the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes. This step not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also tenderizes the meat.
2. Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: Dipping the chicken in the flour mixture twice creates a thicker, crunchier coating. Be sure to press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well.
3. Maintain Oil Temperature: Whether you’re using a deep fryer or skillet, keep the oil at a steady 360°F. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the heat as needed to avoid burning or undercooking.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Fry the chicken in small batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping. Overcrowding can lead to soggy, unevenly cooked tenders.
5. Rest on a Wire Rack: After frying, place the chicken strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet instead of directly on paper towels. This keeps them crispy while draining excess oil.
6. Keep Warm in the Oven: If you’re frying in batches, keep the finished chicken tenders warm in a 200°F oven. This ensures they stay hot and crispy until serving time.
7. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotle chili powder or hot sauce. Customize the flavor to suit your preference.
8. Reheat for Crispiness: To reheat leftovers, place the chicken tenders on a wire rack in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. This helps them regain their crispiness without drying out.

Get details about more mouthwatering dishes

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Serving Tips for Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Serving your homemade Popeyes Chicken Tenders can be a delightful experience with the right presentation and accompaniments. Here are some straightforward, effective serving tips to elevate your meal and ensure that every bite is savored.

1. Pair with Classic Sides: Serve your chicken tenders with traditional sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or French fries. These classic accompaniments complement the crispy, spicy tenders perfectly.
2. Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to enhance the flavor. Favorites include ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and chipotle aioli. This variety caters to different taste preferences and adds excitement to the meal.
3. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro over the chicken tenders adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness, enhancing the visual appeal of the dish.
4. Serve with a Salad: Balance the richness of the fried chicken with a fresh, crisp salad. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw can provide a refreshing contrast.
5. Create a Sandwich: Use the chicken tenders to make a delicious sandwich. Place them on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, and your favorite sauce. This can be a satisfying and portable meal option.
6. Keep It Warm: If serving a crowd, keep the chicken tenders warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve. This ensures they stay crispy and hot.
7. Presentation: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces around the edges. This makes for an attractive and easy-to-serve presentation, perfect for parties or family dinners.
8. Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, serve the chicken tenders immediately after cooking. The crispy coating is at its peak right out of the fryer or oven.

Nutrition in Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Understanding the nutritional content of your homemade Popeyes Chicken Tenders is essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, ensuring you know exactly what’s in each delicious bite.

• Calories: Each serving of Popeyes Chicken Tenders contains approximately 335 calories. This includes the energy provided by the proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the dish.
• Protein: With around 35 grams of protein per serving, these chicken tenders are a substantial source of this essential nutrient, helping to build and repair tissues in the body.
• Fat: Each serving includes 15 grams of fat, which is necessary for absorbing vitamins and providing energy. This total comprises both healthy unsaturated fats and saturated fats.
• Carbohydrates: The recipe provides about 12 grams of carbohydrates per serving, primarily from the flour used in the coating. Carbohydrates are crucial for providing energy to the body.
• Saturated Fat: There are approximately 4 grams of saturated fat per serving. While some saturated fat is necessary for bodily functions, it’s important to consume it in moderation.
• Cholesterol: Each serving contains about 99 milligrams of cholesterol, which should be considered if managing cholesterol intake.
• Sodium: The recipe includes 1275 milligrams of sodium per serving, contributing to the flavor but also important to monitor for maintaining heart health.
• Potassium: Each serving offers around 440 milligrams of potassium, which helps regulate fluid balance and muscle contractions.
• Fiber: With 1 gram of dietary fiber per serving, these chicken tenders contribute modestly to daily fiber intake, aiding in digestion.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Each serving provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, including 607 IU of Vitamin A, which supports vision and immune function, and 10 milligrams of Vitamin C, which aids in the absorption of iron and the maintenance of healthy skin. Additionally, there are 42 milligrams of calcium and 2 milligrams of iron, important for bone health and oxygen transport in the blood, respectively.

Conclusion

Creating your own Popeyes Chicken Tenders at home is a satisfying culinary adventure. Not only do you get to enjoy the deliciously crispy and juicy chicken tenders you love, but you also have the flexibility to tweak the flavors to your liking. With clear instructions and handy tips, making this fan-favorite dish is easier than ever.

These homemade tenders are perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to casual get-togethers. They offer a delightful blend of spices and textures that are sure to impress. Plus, knowing exactly what goes into your food allows for a healthier, more mindful eating experience.

So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this recipe. With each bite, you’ll taste the care and effort put into making these homemade delights. Enjoy the process, savor the results, and most importantly, share the joy of these mouth-watering chicken tenders with your loved ones.

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