Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

Golden chicken tenders on a plate, paired with a side of fries, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Crispy, golden Popeyes-style chicken tenders made with juicy chicken breast, buttermilk, seasoned flour, and crunchy breadcrumbs. A total game-changer!

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I have a confession: I wasn’t always a fried chicken person. I know, I know—what kind of monster was I? But let me explain. Growing up, my family was all about home-cooked meals, and deep frying? That was strictly for special occasions. So, my first real introduction to Popeyes Chicken Tenders didn’t happen until college, when my roommate brought home a box. One bite in, and I swear, something inside me changed forever. The crispy, golden crust? The juicy, tender chicken? The way the breading shattered with every bite? I was hooked.

Fast forward to now, and let’s just say I no longer wait for takeout. I make these Popeyes chicken tenders at home, and (not to be dramatic) they might be even better than the drive-thru version. Maybe it’s because they’re fresh, or because I can tweak the seasoning exactly how I like it. Either way, once you try this homemade version, you’ll understand why my family practically demands them on a weekly basis.

Why You’ll Love This Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe?

If you’re wondering why these tenders are a must-try, let me break it down for you:

  • Crispy AF – We’re using a double-breading method to make sure these babies are seriously crunchy.
  • Juicy & Flavorful – Buttermilk marination = the key to ultra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken.
  • Better Than Fast Food – No more drive-thru disappointment. You control the flavors, spice, and freshness.
  • Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, some flour, and the desire for fried food greatness.

Golden chicken tenders on a plate, paired with a side of fries, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredient Notes:

Before we dive into the frying process, let’s talk about what makes these Popeyes chicken tenders tick.

Key Ingredients & Why They Matter

  • Chicken Breast – The star of the show! I like to cut mine into thick strips, but if you want a juicier bite, swap in boneless thighs.
  • Buttermilk – If you skip this, we can’t be friends. Buttermilk keeps the chicken ultra-tender and infuses flavor into every bite. No buttermilk? Mix 1 cup of milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice—works like a charm.
  • Flour + Baking Powder – This is where the crispiness happens. The flour gives the chicken that signature golden crunch, and the baking powder helps create that airy, light texture.
  • Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and a little cayenne (if you like a kick). If you love Popeyes’ spicy tenders, you’ll want to up the cayenne.
  • Breadcrumbs – This is the secret weapon for that crunchy, textured coating. If you want an extra crispy bite, use panko breadcrumbs.
  • Egg – The glue that holds everything together. Without it, your breading will slide off, and that’s just sad.

Close-up of crunchy, fried chicken tenders stacked on a plate, showcasing their crispy texture.

How To Make Popeyes Chicken Tenders?

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. This isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks to getting that perfect crunch.

1. Marinate the Chicken

Marination is where the magic starts. In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Add your chicken strips and toss them around until they’re fully coated. Now, here’s the part where patience is key—let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight, if you can wait that long). This step makes sure your chicken stays juicy and packed with flavor.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

While your chicken is marinating, let’s get the breading ready. You’ll need three bowls:

  1. Flour Mixture – Combine flour, baking powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Egg Wash – Beat an egg in a bowl. Nothing fancy.
  3. Breadcrumbs – Dump them into a separate bowl.

Trust me, having everything lined up makes the process way smoother.

3. Bread the Chicken (The Double-Dip Trick!)

Now for the fun part! Take each chicken strip and follow this sequence:

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  1. Coat in seasoned flour (shake off the excess).
  2. Dip into the beaten egg (let the extra drip off).
  3. Roll in breadcrumbs to fully coat.
  4. Repeat steps 1-3 for an extra thick, crispy coating.

Yes, double-dipping is the key to that next-level crunch.

4. Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a deep pan or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully drop in your breaded tenders and fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. When they’re golden brown and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.

5. Enjoy!

These tenders are best when eaten immediately. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce and dig in!

A plate of crispy golden-brown chicken tenders served with a side of fries, garnished with fresh parsley.

Storage Options:

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days (if they last that long).
  • Freezer: Freeze cooked tenders for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating Tip: Skip the microwave unless you enjoy sad, soggy chicken. Instead, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispiness.

Variations and Substitutions:

Want to mix things up? Try these tweaks:

  • Extra Spicy – Add more cayenne and a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
  • Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Air Fryer Method – Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Panko-Crusted – Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for an even crispier texture.

Chicken tenders with a crispy coating, served alongside dipping sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

What to Serve with Popeyes Chicken Tenders?

These tenders deserve the best sides. Here’s what pairs perfectly:

  • French Fries – Because crispy chicken + fries is the ultimate duo.
  • Coleslaw – The cool crunch balances the heat.
  • Biscuits – Soft, buttery, and perfect for dipping.
  • Mac & Cheese – Comfort food at its best.
  • Dipping Sauces – Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or spicy mayo—take your pick!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can, but they won’t be as crispy. If you go this route, bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Press the coating onto the chicken and don’t skip the double-dip method!

What’s the best oil for frying?
Use vegetable, canola, or peanut oil—they can handle the heat without burning.

And there you have it—Popeyes chicken tenders, homemade and even better than takeout! Seriously, once you try these, you might never go back to the drive-thru.

Give them a go and tell me—do they live up to the hype? Drop a comment and let’s talk crispy chicken!

A serving of crispy fried chicken tenders with a light garnish, served with dipping sauce for extra flavor.

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Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:

Close-up of crunchy, fried chicken tenders stacked on a plate, showcasing their crispy texture.

Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Popeyes Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and seasoned to perfection. Made with a buttermilk marinade and a double-breading technique, they deliver the same crunch and flavor as the fast-food favorite—right from your kitchen!
Servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb chicken breast cut into strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For the Seasoned Flour Mixture:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional for additional heat
  • 1 tsp baking powder

For Breading and Coating:

  • 1 egg beaten
  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs

For Frying:

  • Vegetable or canola oil for deep frying

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Submerge the chicken strips in the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop and tenderize the meat.

Prepare the Breading Stations

  1. While the chicken marinates, set up three separate bowls for the breading process:
  2. Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and baking powder.
  3. Egg Wash: In a second bowl, beat the egg thoroughly.
  4. Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Bread the Chicken

  1. One at a time, remove each chicken strip from the buttermilk marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then, follow this sequence for breading:
  2. Dredge the chicken strip in the seasoned flour mixture, coating all sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  3. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, ensuring it is fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
  4. Roll the chicken strip in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
  5. Repeat the process for a second coating if a thicker, crunchier crust is desired.

Fry the Chicken

  1. In a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy.
  2. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

  1. Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with your preferred dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Notes

To make this Popeyes Chicken Tenders Recipe gluten-free, follow these substitutions:
  • Flour Substitute: Replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or a combination of cornstarch and rice flour for extra crispiness.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for a crunchy texture.
  • Ensure Gluten-Free Ingredients: Double-check all seasonings and buttermilk to confirm they are gluten-free.
This modification will maintain the crispy texture while making the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
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< Hi, I'm Bitty! >

I'm Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my "About Me" page for more info!

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