Blackened Chicken Tenders are a terrific choice when time is limited. (so basically, always). These versatile chicken strips will become a favorite for everyone in the family.
The seasoning adds an extra punch of flavor, and the blackened chicken tenders will be nothing like your other chicken breast meals
In 10 minutes you will serve juicy and flavorful tenders that everyone will love! This is a meal you'll want to add to your regular meal rotation. Its a perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners!
Your family will love them!
Why I love this recipe
Chicken tenderloins are the innermost muscle of the bird along the breastbone. It is the most tender meat on the bird. So if you want the most tender chicken breast meat, the tenderloin is your very best choice.
Because they are long and thin, each tenderloin cooks very quickly. So tenderloins are also a terrific choice when time is limited. Five minutes in a skillet is usually enough. That's fast!
And don't forget the seasoning. I include a simple recipe made from everyday spices, but for a true shortcut, go ahead and use your favorite Cajun seasoning blend. The seasoning provides just enough of a punch of flavor to keep these tenders from tasting like just another boring chicken breast recipe.
Ingredients
How to make the spice rub
Spice rubs are easy to make from common spices you probably already have on hand.
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It's even easier to use a Cajun seasoning blend!
I've made blacked chicken tenders with my own spice rub as well as with Cajun seasoning and I love them either way. Always tender and delicious!
Make the blackened chicken tenderloins
These blackened chicken tenders are so easy! Just mix up the spice rub (or open the jar LOL), sprinkle it over the tenders, then cook in a hot skillet. I use a cast iron skillet as it gets very hot and holds heat so well.
Once the tenders are done (less than 5 minutes!) simply remove them and cover with foil. Resting the meat for 5 minutes will complete the cooking and result in a juicy and flavorful chicken tender. You'll love every bite!
Want even more of a shortcut? Instead of mixing up the spice rub, use a Cajun seasoning blend. You'll use about 1 ½ tablespoons of seasoning each time you make these delicious tenders.
Serving Suggestions
I love these blackened chicken tenders on a bed of greens with veggies. It makes a delicious and healthy salad meal! But some might prefer them served very simply, with just a veggie on the side. Kids would probably enjoy a dipping sauce. Ranch dressing would be an excellent choice. And of course, there's always ketchup. 😀
Other ideas:
- Place a chicken tender in a tortilla shell and build a taco.
- Cut up the tenders and use the meat to make a quesadilla.
- Cut up leftover tenders and make a blackened chicken salad - yum!
You might enjoy these other chicken recipes
📖 Recipe
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Blackened Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1-1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning see notes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken tenderloins by rinsing in cold water, then patting dry with a paper towel. Lay flat in a single layer on plate and sprinkle half the seasoning over the tenders. Turn over and repeat with the rest of the seasoning.1-1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins, 1-1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- Place chicken tenders in hot skillet in a single layer. Cook 2 minutes, then turn and cook an additional 1-2 minutes, until done. If using a meat thermometer, cook to 160F.
- Remove from pan to a plate, cover with foil and let the meat rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Dawn Conklin
These blackened chicken tenders are so delicious! Love how quick and easy they are to make, perfect for a busy day. We made them with a side of rice and a veggie for a quick meal.
Sula
Sounds like a perfect meal for a busy weeknight!
nancy
i'm really excited to try this recipe. i love ordering blacked chicken at restaurants!
Sula
Yes it's a favorite of mine too!
Christina
The seasoning mix recipe in the notes section was helpful. Comes out delicious. We served them over a salad, perfect. Thanks!
Sula
Oh, blackened chicken on a salad is my favorite!
Bobbie
Love the spices on the chicken! Perfect easy dinner.
Sula
Easy meets delicious - the best combination!
Kayla DiMaggio
These blackened chicken tenders were so delicious! The blackened spice was perfect!
Sula
So glad you enjoyed them!
Cindy Mom the Lunch Lady
My kiddos would love this. These tenders would be great added to an alfredo pasta!
Sula
Oh yes they would be delicious with alfredo sauce!
Addie
I loved the seasonings on this chicken!
Sula
Awesome!
Giangi Townsend
I am excited to make this recipe of Blackened Chicken Tenders. I also love all the suggestions that you listed for us. Love to make more than one meal with a recipe. Thank you for sharing
Sula
You're very welcome!
Gabriela Herrera
What a perfect meal prep recipe. Not only is it full of flavor but can be made quickly and it is so delicious.
Sula
Yes it does make a terrific meal prep option!
Jen Vinuya
Everyone at my house really loved it! I will definitely make it again!
Sula
Wonderful!
Emily Flint
I love this new way to serve chicken. Easy, delicious, and cost-effective. Thanks for the great recipe!
Sula
You're welcome, I hope you have it again very soon!
Jerika
I'm excited to cook this Blackened Chicken Tenders with my family, I'm sure they will love it. Thanks!:)
Sula
I hope you all love them!