Popeyes Blackened Tenders (2026): Calories, Protein, Price & Deals
🗓️ 2026 Update (October 11, 2026): Blackened Tenders are still on the Popeyes menu in 2026 next to Classic and Spicy. They were included in this year’s tender deals, such as 12 tenders for $12 for Rewards members (July) and the $9.99 Tenders Deal (through August 30). Popeyes does not publish one national price for a regular order, so check the Popeyes app for your store’s price. See the full Popeyes menu for October 2026.
If you want Popeyes flavor without the heavy breading, Blackened Tenders are the order. They are chicken breast tenders coated in a peppery Cajun spice blend instead of batter, which makes them one of the lowest-calorie, highest-protein items at any fried chicken chain. Here is what they are, how they taste, their nutrition, the 2026 deals that include them and how to order them.
What Are Popeyes Blackened Tenders?
Blackened Tenders are whole chicken breast tenders that skip Popeyes’ buttermilk batter and breading. Instead, they are seasoned with a dark “blackened” Cajun spice blend. Some fans call them “naked tenders.” Without the coating, they don’t have the famous crunch, but they keep a juicy texture and a bold, peppery flavor. Taste testers at Mashed described the heat as a dry, black-pepper-style Cajun spice.
Blackened Tenders Nutrition
| Order | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-pc Blackened Tenders | 170 | 2 g | 3 g | 27 g |
| 5-pc Blackened Tenders | 290 | 3 g | 5 g | 45 g |
That is roughly 16 grams of protein for every 100 calories, which is why Blackened Tenders often top “healthiest Popeyes order” lists. A dipping sauce can easily add more calories than the tenders themselves, so use sauces lightly if you are counting. See more lighter options in our Popeyes Nutrition Guide.
Blackened vs. Classic and Spicy Tenders
| Blackened | Classic | Spicy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coating | Cajun spice rub, no breading | Buttermilk batter and breading | Spicy batter and breading |
| Texture | Tender, no crunch | Very crunchy | Very crunchy |
| Heat | Peppery, dry heat | Mild | Medium |
| Calories and carbs | Lowest | Higher (breading) | Higher (breading) |
| Best for | High protein, lower carb | Classic fried flavor | Crunch with a kick |
In July 2026 Popeyes announced upgraded tenders with more consistent hand-breaded flavor and larger portions. The upgrade focused on the breaded tenders; Popeyes did not describe major changes to the Blackened version. Read more in our Popeyes Tenders guide.
Confirmed 2026 Deals with Blackened Tenders
| Deal | What You Get | Price | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Tenders Rewards Deal | 12 tenders (Classic, Spicy or Blackened) with sauces | $12 | Popeyes Rewards app offer, July 2026 |
| $9.99 Tenders Deal | 4 tenders (Classic, Spicy or Blackened), regular side, regular drink, biscuit | $9.99 | Ran through August 30, 2026 |
Tenders also appear in the $6 Big Box, the $5 Faves menu (3-pc tenders) and the $20 Family Meal (11 tenders). Whether you can choose Blackened in those deals depends on the store, so pick your restaurant in the Popeyes app to check. See our Big Box, $5 Faves and Family Meal guides.
Best Sauces for Blackened Tenders
⭐ CLASSIC PAIRING
Blackened Ranch
Buttermilk ranch mixed with garlic, peppers and blackened seasoning. It cools the spice while matching the flavor of the tenders.
🍯 SWEET CONTRAST
Sweet Heat or Honey Mustard
A sweet sauce balances the peppery rub. Chowhound also suggests slicing tenders over Mac & Cheese with a ranch drizzle.
See every dip in our Popeyes Sauces guide.
Are Blackened Tenders Gluten-Free?
They have no breading, so they contain far less wheat than breaded tenders, but Popeyes does not label them gluten-free. The seasoning and shared kitchen equipment mean cross-contact is possible. If you have celiac disease or a serious allergy, check Popeyes’ official allergen guide and read our Allergen Menu and gluten-free guide.
🍽️ How to Order Blackened Tenders
- Choose “Blackened” as the flavor when you order any tenders item or combo in the app or at the counter.
- Make it a lighter meal with Coleslaw or Red Beans & Rice instead of fries. See our Sides guide.
- Put them in a wrap or on a biscuit for a quick sandwich. See our Chicken Wraps guide.
- Watch app offers for tender deals like the $12 Rewards offer. See our Coupons page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Popeyes still have Blackened Tenders in 2026?
Yes. Blackened is one of three tender flavors in 2026, along with Classic and Spicy, and it was included in this year’s tender deals.
How many calories are in Popeyes Blackened Tenders?
About 170 calories for 3 pieces and about 290 calories for 5 pieces, before sauces.
How much protein is in Blackened Tenders?
About 27 grams in 3 pieces and about 45 grams in 5 pieces.
Are Popeyes Blackened Tenders spicy?
They have a moderate, peppery heat from the Cajun seasoning. Most people find them milder than a hot sauce but spicier than Classic tenders.
Is there a Popeyes blackened chicken sandwich?
Popeyes sold a Blackened Chicken Sandwich in the past, but it is not part of the 2026 menu. See the current lineup in our Chicken Sandwich guide.
More Popeyes guides: Full Popeyes Menu with Prices · Tenders · Nutrition · Sauces · Combo Meals
Sources: Cheat Day Design (2026 nutrition figures), Nation’s Restaurant News ($9.99 Tenders Deal, August 2026), Nation’s Restaurant News (tender upgrade, July 2026), Slickdeals ($12 Rewards deal, July 2026), Mashed via AOL (taste test), Chowhound (sauce and ordering tips). MenusHouse is an independent website and is not affiliated with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. Prices, nutrition and availability vary by location.
