Popeyes Blackened Tenders Price, Calories & Recipe 2025

Craving bold, smoky chicken without the extra carbs? Popeyes blackened tenders might just be your new favorite fast-food option. These unbreaded, spice-packed tenders deliver all the flavor of fried chicken—without the heavy coating or guilt.

Unlike typical fried items, blackened tenders are lean, protein-rich, and surprisingly satisfying. Imagine juicy chicken strips with that signature Cajun kick, ready in minutes at home or at your local Popeyes. These are the lowest calorie and healthiest menu items at Popeyes menu? How? Let’s explore.

Read also: Popeyes Blackened Chicken Sandwich | Price, Recipe & Review | 2025

What Are Blackened Chicken Tenders?

Popeyes Blackened Tenders are crispy, “blackened” crust with juicy interior, flavorful, boneless chicken strips seasoned heavily with a spicy Cajun spice blend (paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, etc.) and cooked without the traditional heavy breading, giving them a crispy, “blackened” crust and juicy interior, often enjoyed as a lower-carb option compared to their classic tenders, sometimes with blackened ranch sauce.

This gives Popeyes blackened chicken tenders their signature flavor: smoky, spicy, and deeper than regular grilled chicken. No flour. No breading. Just pure seasoning.

Compared to the standard fried tender, blackened chicken absorbs seasoning differently. The spices cling directly to the meat, making every bite bold. That’s why customers say these tenders “taste better than expected” and even prefer them over the fried version.

Complete Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders Menu

Popeyes offers blackened tenders in multiple serving sizes and combinations. Availability can vary by location, but the core menu generally looks like this:

3 Pc Blackened Chicken Tenders

Check also: How Many Calories are in 3 Chicken Tenders? Popeyes Comparison

5 Pc Blackened Chicken Tenders

8 Pc Blackened Chicken Tenders

12 Pc Blackened Chicken Tenders

16 Pc Blackened Chicken Tenders

See also: Popeyes Daily Specials 2025 & Tuesday Special Prices

Nutritional Information

Understanding the nutrition helps you compare options clearly. Here’s the breakdown.

	A	B	C	D	E	F	G	H	I	J
1	Serving Size	Calories	Fat (g)	Trans Fat (g)	Cholesterol (mg)	Sodium (mg)	Carbs (g)	Fiber (g)	Sugar (g)	Protein (g)
2	3-Pc Blackened Tenders	460 kcal	20	1	95	1820	375	1	0	38
3	5-Pc Blackened Tenders	770 kcal	33	2	160	3040	58	2	0	63
4	8-Pc Blackened Tenders	570	2	0	80	1790	11	0	2	72
5	12-Pc Blackened Tenders	790	8	0	115	2530	15	0	2	108
6	16-Pc Blackened Tenders	910	11	0	130	2930	16	0	0	144
7	12-Pc Tenders Group Bundle	790	2	0	115	2530	15	0	2	108

If you want a fast-food item with high protein and low calories, these stats speak for themselves.

For comparison:

• A 3-piece fried tender has ~445 calories, more than double the blackened version.
• A fried chicken sandwich often crosses 700+ calories.

This makes calories in Popeyes blackened chicken tenders ideal for people watching daily intake—athletes, gym-goers, or anyone tracking macros.

Read also: Popeyes complete tenders menu

Allergen Information

Popeyes prepares all chicken items in shared kitchens. That means cross-contact is always possible, even if the food itself doesn’t contain the allergen ingredients.

Here’s the simple breakdown:

Allergen	Present in Recipe?	Cross-Contact Risk
Wheat / Gluten	No	Yes – shared fryers & prep areas
Eggs	No	Low
Dairy	No	Low
Soy	No	Medium (shared environment)
Peanuts / Tree Nuts	No	Low
Fish / Shellfish	No	Low

Gluten-Free Information

A lot of people assume blackened chicken is naturally gluten-free because it has no breading. The seasoning itself is typically gluten-free, so on paper, Popeyes blackened chicken tenders should fit gluten-sensitive diets. But there’s the issue:

They are NOT officially certified gluten-free.

Best Pairing Options

Pairing the right sides and sauces can turn Popeyes blackened tenders into a perfect lean meal—or a more indulgent one. It depends on your goal. Here are the smart choices:

• Blackened Ranch (most popular) – adds flavor but watch calories (~140).
• Coleslaw – light and refreshing.
• Green Beans – the lowest-calorie side at Popeyes.
• Red Beans & Rice – high in flavor and energy.
• Cajun Fries – classic pairing, higher calories.
• Mashed Potatoes with Gravy – comforting, great combo with the seasoning.

How to Customize Your Tender Meal

You can easily build your own version of Popeyes blackened tenders by adjusting sauces, sides, and extras. Customization is also possible through the Popeyes app, which gives access to items not always shown in-store.

• Add extra seasoning for more heat.
• Swap fries with green beans for fewer calories.
• Order double protein (5-piece) if you’re aiming for a high-protein meal.
• Add sauces like Bold BBQ or Mardi Gras Mustard for different flavor profiles.
• Build a “blackened bowl” by combining tenders, slaw, and pickles—this has gone viral online as a healthier fast-food hack.

Popeyes Blackened Tenders Recipe (Healthy, Low-Carb Copycat)

If you’re craving a quick, low-carb meal that delivers bold Southern flavor, these Popeyes Blackened Tenders are exactly what you need.
Made with lean chicken tenderloins coated in a smoky Cajun-inspired spice blend, this homemade version mimics the restaurant-style sear without unnecessary carbs or breading.

This recipe is keto-friendly, high in protein, fast to make, and incredibly satisfying.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8 tenders
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Why This Recipe Works

It’s true—Popeyes is known for fried chicken indulgence (yes, including that viral chicken sandwich). But these blackened tenders are the exception:

• No breading
• No carbs
• Full Cajun flavor
• Perfectly juicy inside, crisp outside

Once you try these homemade blackened chicken tenders, you’ll want them in your weekly rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenderloins
  (If using whole breasts, slice into strips.)

For the Blackened Seasoning

Homemade seasoning ensures the perfect balance of heat and smokiness:

• 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
• ½ Tbsp cayenne pepper
• ½ Tbsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp dried thyme

For Cooking

• ⅓ cup vegetable oil (or avocado oil)

Tip: Double or triple the spice blend and store in an airtight jar for future use.

What Is Blackened Seasoning?

Blackened seasoning originates from Cajun cooking, known for its bold flavor, smoky aroma, and spicy kick. When the spices toast in a hot pan, the mixture forms a rich, dark crust on the chicken—hence the name “blackened.”

Instructions

1. Prepare the Seasoning

Mix all spices in a shallow bowl until evenly combined.

2. Season the Chicken

Coat the chicken strips thoroughly in the spice blend.
(Alternatively, place the chicken and seasoning in a freezer bag and shake.)

3. Pan-Fry the Chicken

• Heat the vegetable oil over medium heat in a cast-iron or nonstick skillet.
• Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown with a dark crust.
• Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm.

Why medium heat?
It gives a perfect sear without burning the spices, keeping the chicken tender inside.

Read also: Popeyes Gravy Recipe: Taste Popeyes Style Cajun Seasoning at Home

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for 2–3 days
• Reheat in the oven (best texture) or microwave

FAQs