Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders 🍗🥥
If you’re in the mood for a tropical twist on a classic favorite, these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are just the ticket. Coated in sweet coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection, these tenders are a delightful treat. They’re perfect for a family dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering. Plus, they come with a delicious sweet chili sauce for dipping!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- ½ cup flour
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water (or milk)
- ⅔ cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
- ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
- Oil for frying
- Sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional)
- Sweet chili sauce (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set out four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with water or milk. Place coconut flakes in the third bowl, and panko bread crumbs in the fourth bowl.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, followed by the coconut flakes, and finally coat with the panko bread crumbs. Make sure each piece is well-coated at every step.
- Fry the Chicken: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders without crowding the pan, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes total. Work in batches if necessary.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cooked chicken tenders drain and cool slightly on a wire rack set over paper towels. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt flakes. Serve warm with sweet chili sauce for dipping.
Alternate Baking Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
These chicken tenders offer a fantastic combination of sweet and spicy flavors, with a satisfying crunch that’s sure to please. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit! Enjoy them as a delicious main dish or a fun appetizer with friends and family.
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders 🍗🥥
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts, cut into strips) 🍗
½ cup flour 🌾
½ teaspoon chili powder 🌶️
½ teaspoon salt 🧂
¼ teaspoon pepper ⚫
2 eggs 🥚
2 tablespoons water (or milk) 💧🥛
⅔ cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes 🥥
⅔ cup panko bread crumbs 🍞
Oil for frying (see notes for alternate baking method) 🛢️
Sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional) 🧂✨
Sweet chili sauce (for serving) 🌶️🍯
Instructions
1️⃣ Get out four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. 🥣
2️⃣ In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk). 🥄
3️⃣ Fill a third bowl with coconut flakes, and a fourth bowl with panko bread crumbs. 🍚🍞
4️⃣ Toss chicken tenders first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, followed by the coconut flakes, and ending with the bread crumbs. Ensure each chicken tender is thoroughly coated at each step. 🍗
5️⃣ For frying, fill a large skillet with 1 inch of oil. Heat over medium temperature. 🍳🔥
6️⃣ Use tongs to transfer chicken tenders into the oil, making sure not to crowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes, then turn the chicken tenders over and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. ⏳
7️⃣ Repeat with remaining chicken tenders as needed. Allow to cool slightly on a wire cooling rack over paper towels. 🌬️
8️⃣ Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired and serve warm with sweet chili dipping sauce. 🌶️🍯
Alternate Baking Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). 🔥
Place coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. 🍗🕒
- Prep Time: 15min
- Cook Time: 15min
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal