Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen may be known for its fried chicken, but it also offers a secret keto-friendly menu item: blackened chicken tenders. These tenders are a breading-free, low-carb option, perfect for those on a ketogenic diet. The tenders are made by tossing chicken breast tenderloins in Cajun seasonings and frying them, resulting in a crispy exterior and moist interior. A three-piece serving contains 170 calories, 2g carbs, 2g fat, and 26g protein, while a five-piece serving contains 280 calories, 3g carbs, 3g fat, and 43g protein.
Popeyes also offers low-carb sides, sauces, and drinks to accompany the tenders, making it a convenient option for those on a keto diet.
What You'll Learn
Popeyes' blackened chicken tenders are keto-friendly
Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders: A Keto-Friendly Option
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen may not be the first place that comes to mind when you're looking for keto-friendly food options, but surprisingly, it offers a delicious and convenient choice for those following a ketogenic diet. The Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders are a keto-friendly option that won't derail your low-carb journey.
The blackened chicken tenders at Popeyes are a truly low-carb treat. Unlike their traditional fried chicken offerings, these tenders are not breaded, making them a better choice for those watching their carbohydrate intake. The tenders are made with chicken breast tenderloins tossed in Cajun seasonings and fried without any breading, resulting in a crispy exterior and a moist, juicy interior. This preparation method keeps the carb count low while delivering a satisfying texture and flavour.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional profile of the blackened chicken tenders varies depending on the serving size you choose. Popeyes offers a range of portion options to suit different appetites:
- 3-piece serving: With 170 calories, 2 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, and 26 grams of protein, this option is perfect for a snack or a lighter meal.
- 5-piece serving: Packing 280-283 calories, 3 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, and 43 grams of protein, this larger serving is a more substantial meal.
- 10-piece serving: For those with heartier appetites or who want leftovers, the 10-piece serving provides 566 calories, 6 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, and 86 grams of protein.
Customising Your Keto Meal
When ordering the blackened chicken tenders at Popeyes, you can customise your meal to ensure it aligns with your keto diet. Here are some tips to keep it keto-friendly:
- Choose a keto-approved sauce: Sauces can make or break the keto-friendliness of your meal. Opt for sauces with lower carb counts, such as blackened ranch, buttermilk ranch, or Mardi Gras mustard. Avoid sugary sauces like Bayou Buffalo, Sweet Heat, Creole Cocktail, and Bold BBQ.
- Select a low-carb side: While Popeyes is known for their biscuits and mashed potatoes, these are definitely not keto-friendly. Instead, opt for their green beans, which are a suitable low-carb option. A regular side of green beans has 4-5 grams of net carbs and pairs well with the tenders.
- Drink wisely: Sugary sodas and juices are a no-go on a keto diet. Instead, choose unsweetened iced tea, water, or diet soda. If you're a coffee drinker, go for Popeyes coffee but sweeten it with stevia instead of sugar.
When you're following a keto diet, finding convenient and tasty fast-food options can be challenging. Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders offer a delicious and satisfying solution. They are a great option when you're on the road or short on time but still want to stick to your keto diet. With their unique seasoning and crispy texture, these tenders deliver on flavour without compromising your low-carb goals. So, the next time you're craving some fast food, remember that Popeyes Blackened Chicken Tenders are a keto-friendly choice that won't leave you feeling deprived.
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The tenders are fried without breading
The blackened tenders are a healthier alternative to the traditional fried chicken offerings at Popeyes. They are also a tasty option for those on a ketogenic diet, as they are high in protein and lower in fat. The macros for the blackened tenders are as follows:
- 3 pieces: 170 calories, 2 grams of fat, 2 grams of carbs, and 26 grams of protein
- 5 pieces: 280-283 calories, 3 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, and 43 grams of protein
- 10 pieces: 566 calories, 6 grams of fat, 6 grams of carbs, and 86 grams of protein
The blackened tenders are a popular choice among keto dieters, with many praising their delicious flavour and convenience as a fast food option. The tenders can be ordered as a combo, which includes a side, drink, and biscuit. However, it is important to note that the biscuit is not keto-friendly and should be avoided.
In addition to the blackened tenders, there are a few other keto-friendly options at Popeyes. The green beans and bacon side dish is a good low-carb option, with 4 grams of net carbs per regular serving. When ordering a drink to accompany your meal, unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, or water are recommended.
Overall, the blackened tenders at Popeyes are a tasty and convenient option for those following a ketogenic diet. With their crispy texture and moist interior, they are a satisfying choice that can be customised with various low-carb sauces and sides.
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The tenders are high in protein and low in fat
The blackened chicken tenders are a great option for those wanting a hefty serving of meat without the extra fat. The tenders are also low in carbs, with only 2-3 grams of carbs per serving, depending on the size. This makes them a perfect option for those following a ketogenic diet.
The blackened tenders are also a good source of protein and can help you meet your daily protein goals. They are also a more affordable option, costing only $4.49 for a 3-piece serving.
The blackened chicken tenders from Popeyes are a tasty and convenient option for those following a keto diet. They are high in protein, low in fat and carbs, and affordable, making them a great choice for a quick and easy meal.
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The tenders are tossed in cajun seasonings
The cajun seasoning adds a unique flavour to the chicken tenders, making them a popular choice for those following a ketogenic diet. The tenders are also high in protein and can be paired with various dipping sauces, such as blackened ranch, buttermilk ranch, or Mardi Gras mustard. The blackened tenders are a great option for those who want a hearty and flavourful keto meal.
The tenders are first coated with the cajun seasoning, ensuring an even distribution of spices. They are then cooked in a skillet or air fryer, giving them a nice sear on both sides. Finally, they are placed in the oven to finish cooking, resulting in juicy and tender chicken.
The cajun seasoning not only adds flavour but also helps create a crispy texture to the tenders. This cooking method is a great way to enjoy chicken that is both healthy and tasty. The tenders can be served as is or used in wraps and sandwiches, making them a versatile option for keto dieters.
The blackened chicken tenders from Popeye's are a great option for those looking for a quick and convenient keto-friendly meal. They are a tasty treat that can be enjoyed on the go, satisfying your cravings without sacrificing your diet. So, if you're looking for a spicy and crispy keto option, the tenders tossed in cajun seasonings are definitely worth trying!
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Popeyes' green beans are a keto-friendly side
If you're on a keto diet, you may be wondering if you can still eat at Popeyes. The answer is yes, but your options are limited.
While the green beans are a keto-friendly option, they are the only side dish at Popeyes that fits the bill. Other sides, like onion rings, Cajun fries, and coleslaw, are starchy or have added sugars.
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Frequently asked questions
Popeye's blackened chicken tenders are a keto-friendly option on the fast-food chain's menu. They are chicken breast tenderloins tossed in cajun seasonings and fried without breading.
The macros for the blackened chicken tenders vary depending on the number of pieces. A three-piece serving has 2g carbs, 2g fat, and 26g protein, while a five-piece serving has 3g carbs, 3g fat, and 43g protein.
Yes, Popeye's offers green beans and bacon as a side dish, which is a good keto option. A regular order has 4g net carbs, 1.5g fat, 6g carbs, 2g fiber, and 4g protein.
The blackened ranch, buttermilk ranch, and Mardi Gras mustard sauces are all keto-friendly options. The blackened ranch has 2g carbs, buttermilk ranch has 3g carbs, and Mardi Gras mustard has 4g net carbs.