Hey there chicken tender lover, have you tried Popeye’s new crispy, juicy chicken tenders? If you’re looking for a delicious new chicken tender option, you’ll want to check out Popeye’s latest menu addition. These chicken tenders have a light, crispy breading with a perfectly juicy and tender white meat chicken inside. Popeyes has stepped up its chicken tender game. The flavor and texture combo is hard to beat. Whether you pair it with one of their iconic sauces or eat it on its own, this is a chicken tender you’ll come back for again and again. Stick around for the full scoop on Popeye’s insanely good chicken tenders and why they must be your new go-to order.
An Introduction to Popeyes Chicken Tenders
Popeyes chicken tenders are calling your name if you’re craving some finger-licking good fried chicken. Popeyes is known for its authentic New Orleans-style fried chicken, and their chicken tenders do not disappoint. Made from juicy all-white meat chicken breast fillets, double breaded and fried to perfection, Popeyes chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside.
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Crunchy Coating
The secret to Popeyes Chicken Tenders lies in their double breading technique. After the chicken breast fillets have been marinated in Popeye’s signature blend of Louisiana seasonings, they are coated in a flour dredge and then dipped in a buttermilk batter before being breaded again. This double breading results in an extra crunchy coating that perfectly contrasts the tender chicken inside. The breading gets lightly seasoned as well, with hints of garlic, onion, thyme, and paprika coming through.
Juicy and Flavorful Chicken
The double breading would be nothing without the high-quality, all-white meat chicken breast fillets inside. Popeyes chicken tenders start with chicken that has been marinated to absorb all the flavor of Popeyes signature blend of Cajun and Creole spices. The chicken stays juicy and flavorful even after being fried, with spices like chili peppers, paprika, garlic, and onion permeating each bite. The combination of the flavorful chicken and crispy coating is what keeps people coming back for more of these Southern-style chicken tenders.
A Perfect Sidekick
No meal at Popeyes is complete without a side of their signature sides to accompany your chicken tenders. A batch of Popeyes Cajun fries, smothered in their zesty buttermilk ranch seasoning, is always a good choice. Or try their red beans and rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or coleslaw for a lighter option. And don’t forget a biscuit to soak up all that flavor! Popeyes chicken tenders may be the star of the show, but their sides are the perfect supporting cast.
What Makes Popeyes Chicken Tenders So Tasty?
Popeyes is known for its fried chicken, but have you tried their crazy delicious chicken tenders? Once you sink your teeth into these juicy tenders, you’ll be hooked.
Premium Ingredients
Popeyes uses only the freshest, high-quality chicken breasts to make their tenders. They’re hand-breaded in a crispy coating and fried to golden brown perfection. The coating has the perfect blend of spices like black pepper, garlic, and paprika to give it a kick of flavor without being too spicy.
Double-Breaded and Double-Fried
To get them extra crispy on the outside while keeping the meat tender and juicy, Popeyes double slices of bread and double fries their chicken tenders. This means dipping the tenders in the breading twice and frying them twice at two different temperatures. The result is a light and crispy crust with a burst of flavor in every bite.
Served Piping Hot
There’s nothing like biting into a fresh, hot chicken tender straight from the fryer. Popeyes is known for serving their food right away so you get your meal at peak enjoyment. The hot, crispy coating and melted, tender chicken inside is a flavor experience you won’t soon forget.
Perfectly Pair Them
Popeyes chicken tenders pair perfectly with any of their signature sides like Cajun fries, mashed potatoes, or coleslaw. Or dip them in one of Popeyes’ delicious signature sauces like Bayou Buffalo, Blackened Ranch, or Mardi Gras Mustard. However you serve them, Popeyes chicken tenders are hard to beat for a fast, delicious meal you’ll be craving again and again.
Popeyes Chicken Tenders Nutrition Facts
If you’re watching your waistline but can’t resist Popeyes chicken tenders, here’s what you need to know. A regular order of three tenders contains 370 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 870 milligrams of sodium. Not the healthiest, but also not terrible if eaten in moderation.
Size matters
Opt for the smaller size if you want to cut down. The regular tenders are pretty big, so the snack size of two tenders contains only 290 calories and 13 grams of fat. Another option is to choose the tenders meal which comes with two sides like mashed potatoes and Cajun rice in addition to the tenders. Fill up on the sides instead and only eat one or two of the tenders to save calories.
Healthier sides
Choose a side salad, corn on the cob, or green beans instead of fries to make your meal more balanced. The side salads with light vinaigrette are only 110 calories. Even the Cajun rice is a better choice at 160 calories versus the 350 calories for a small fry.
Sauce on the side
Popeyes tenders are delicious on their own, so you really don’t need to dunk them in sauce to enjoy the flavor. But if you must, ask for the sauce on the side so you can control how much you use. The honey mustard sauce has 70 calories and 6 grams of fat per packet. The bayou buffalo and blackened ranch sauces have 90 calories and 8 grams of fat each. Just dipping one end of your tender in the sauce will save you half the calories and fat.
While Popeyes chicken tenders may not be the poster child for healthy eating, with a few simple swaps you can satisfy your craving without racking up too much damage. Keep your portion in check, choose lighter sides, and go easy on the sauce. Your waistline and taste buds will thank you!
How to Order Popeyes Chicken Tenders Like a Pro
Choose Your Tender Size
Popeyes offers chicken tenders in 3-piece, 5-piece or 8-piece sizes so you can get just enough to satisfy your craving or feed the whole crew. The 3-piece is perfect if it’s just for you, while the 8-piece bucket is ideal for sharing or if you’re really hungry. Either way, you really can’t go wrong.
Pick a Side
Every order of tenders comes with a side of your choice like Cajun fries, mashed potatoes with Cajun gravy, red beans and rice or coleslaw. The classic Cajun fries are always a solid choice, but if you’re in the mood for something heartier, the mashed potatoes and gravy really hit the spot. For a lighter option, the coleslaw is fresh and crunchy. With so many sides to pick from, you may have trouble deciding.
Don’t Forget the Sauce
What’s tenders without dipping sauce? Popeyes signature sauces like Bayou Buffalo, Buttermilk Ranch, Honey Mustard, and Blackened Ranch are made to complement the flavor of the chicken. The Bayou Buffalo packs a spicy kick, while the Buttermilk Ranch is cool and creamy. For something sweet and tangy, Honey Mustard is always a good call. You really can’t go wrong with any of their sauces, so why not try them all?
Wash it Down
To complete your meal, choose a cold drink like fresh-brewed iced tea, lemonade, soda or bottled water. An ice cold beverage is perfect for helping to cool your mouth between bites of spicy chicken and washing everything down.
By following these pro tips, you’ll be enjoying a mouthwatering meal of crunchy, juicy chicken tenders, savory sides and your favorite dipping sauces in no time. Take your taste buds on a trip to New Orleans without ever leaving your seat!
Popeyes Chicken Tenders: FAQs
Are Popeyes chicken tenders fried or grilled?
Popeyes chicken tenders are fried, not grilled. They are coated in a spicy Cajun-style breading and then fried until crispy and golden brown. The frying process is what gives the tenders their signature crunchy exterior and juicy, tender interior. If you prefer a grilled option, you can ask for the blackened tenders which are seasoned and grilled instead of fried.
What comes with an order of Popeyes chicken tenders?
An order of Popeyes chicken tenders comes with your choice of dipping sauce, as well as a side of fries or mashed potatoes and a biscuit. The dipping sauces include honey mustard, ranch, blackened ranch, and bayou buffalo. You can also request extra dipping sauces with your order for no additional charge.
Are Popeyes chicken tenders spicy?
Popeyes chicken tenders have a slight kick of heat from Cajun spices in the breading, but they are not too spicy for most people. If you prefer spicier tenders, ask for the spicy chicken tenders which are tossed in a spicy chili garlic sauce to give them more heat. You can also request extra spice packets to sprinkle on top if the regular tenders are not spicy enough for your tastes.
Can I get Popeyes chicken tenders as a meal?
Yes, Popeyes chicken tenders can be ordered as a full meal. The chicken tender meal comes with 3 or 5 chicken tenders, depending on the size you choose, along with your choice of a side (fries, mashed potatoes, red beans, and rice) and a biscuit. The meal also includes your choice of dipping sauce. The chicken tender meal is a great option if you want to make a full, satisfying meal out of Popeye’s famous fried chicken tenders.
Popeyes chicken tenders are always a crowd favorite, with their irresistible combination of a crunchy coating and juicy, flavorful chicken. Whether you prefer them fried, grilled or spicy, Popeyes has you covered with chicken tenders to suit any taste. Dig in and enjoy!
Conclusion
So, there you have it, friends. Popeyes Chicken Tenders are as good as you remember from childhood. Their secret recipe of herbs and spices delivers a crunchy yet juicy bite every time. While the price may be slightly higher than other fast-food joints, you get what you pay for. The generous portion sizes ensure you walk away satisfied and happy. And don’t even get me started on those biscuits again! Warm, soft, and buttery, they’re the perfect accompaniment. Next time you’re craving comfort food done right, swing by your nearest Popeyes. Treat yourself to an order of their famous chicken tenders and biscuits. You won’t regret it.