Spicy Fried Chicken Tenders | Just Like Popeye’s Recipe
This spicy fried chicken tenders recipe delivers crispy, juicy, and flavorful tenders just like Popeye’s. Marinated in tangy buttermilk and coated with a blend of Cajun spices, these tenders cook quickly to golden perfection and offer a tender pull with every bite.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts cut into ¼" strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt for marinade
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for marinade
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 cup Franks Hot Sauce optional
- 1.5 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper double for more heat
- 0.5 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon salt for flour mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder for flour mix
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper for flour mix
Instructions
Instructions
- Combine 1 cup buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, and hot sauce in a big bowl. Toss chicken strips in and let soak for at least 1 hour, overnight preferred.
- Mix flour, salt, cajun seasoning, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, white pepper, and poultry seasoning in another bowl for the coating blend.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or skillet to 350°F to get the right temperature for frying.
- Remove chicken from marinade, let excess drip off, then dredge each strip in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Place coated chicken strips carefully in hot oil without overcrowding. Fry in batches.
- Fry each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove tenders and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy plain.
Notes
Marinate chicken overnight for best tenderness. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture.