Stovetop Blackened Chicken Tenders

Blackened Chicken

I don't recall ever making a blackened chicken recipe before. This recipe had a mild spice which was tolerable (I'm not a big spice person but the spice level we rated a 4/10) but the meal itself was a 10/10. If you are looking for tender chicken that is flavorful and not tough, this is the recipe for you. With only four ingredients, this chicken recipe is simple, savory, with a light crisp on the outside. It is a perfect meal to make during those busy weekdays. 

Blackened Chicken Tenders on a plate with air fried corn on the cob and white rice.
 
Juicy stovetop blackened chicken tenders served with buttery corn on the cob and fluffy white rice for an easy dinner.

• Difficulty Level: Easy
• Serving size: 3
• Total cook time: 10-15 minutes
• Total prep time: 5 minutes
• Family friendly: Yes, all three of us devoured our plates!
• Rating: 10/10
• Serving suggestions: Corn on the cob, white rice, green beans, baked beans, and garlic bread

Why You Will Love This Blackened Chicken Recipe

This chicken was surprisingly tender. Ours was frozen so we did have to change up the cook time, but it was perfectly soft inside. I have never had a blackened seasoning - this was my first time - and I will definitely make these again. This meal was served perfectly with a side of Air Fryer corn on the cob and white rice.  

I haven't tried Popeye's blackened chicken but this recipe is a meant to be a copycat recipe of their chicken. Instead of making a homemade blackened seasoning, I just bought one. It contains all natural spices including paprika, peppers, oregano, salt, onion, and garlic.

Pro Tip

• I tried cooking these in the air fryer, and they definitely didn't turn out. I suggest keeping it as a stovetop recipe
Before taking chicken off the stove, I always cut a slit in it to make sure the center is done. With the tenders being small and thinner, they cook faster so keep that in mind when you are making this recipe

Inspiration

This recipe was inspired by Keto Cooking Chicken. Their recipe added a dipping sauce and instead of making it, we just dipped in ours in BBQ sauce and ranch dressing. They made a homemade blackened seasoning and we bought ours. They also soaked their chicken in butter and oil. We didn't have butter so I combined vegetable oil and cooking spray. I didn't soak the tenders in it but you definitely can. 

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How to Store

Store chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave or warm on the stove. 

Adjust to Your Liking

  • If you don't have butter, you can use a cooking spray, olive oil, or more vegetable oil
  • If you like spice, you can add more blackened seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chili powder
  • If you have butter, feel free to use butter instead of vegetable oil

Ingredients for Stovetop Blackened Chicken Tenders

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Ingredients for Stovetop Blackened Chicken Tenders laid out on the countertop.
Simple ingredients for blackened chicken—just chicken, oil, and bold seasoning for maximum flavor.

How to Make Blackened Chicken Tenders

✓ Step #1: Season chicken - In a mixing bowl, add chicken tenders along with the 3 tbsp blackened seasoning. Combine seasoning and chicken together. 

Chicken tenders and blackened seasoning in a bowl.
Chicken tenders coated generously in blackened seasoning, ready to sear on the stovetop.

✓ Step #2: Add to stovetop - Add vegetable oil and PAM cooking spray to a pan. My chicken was frozen so I cooked on medium heat, 4 minutes per side, and then moved the heat to medium-high for a few minutes. I cooked and kept flipping until the center was done. If not frozen, try 2-3 minutes per side. My tenders were pretty thin as well so keep in mind the thickness of the tender. 

Blackened Chicken Tenders cooking on the stovetop.
Chicken sizzling in the pan, developing that signature blackened crust and smoky flavor.

✓ Step #3: Serve – Add chicken tenders to a plate. Serve with corn on the cob and rice. 

Blackened Chicken Tenders on a plate, ready to serve.
Perfectly cooked blackened chicken tenders—crispy edges, tender inside, and full of spice.

What Did You Think?

Did you enjoy this blackened chicken? Was it super easy to make?

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