Zesty Coconut-Coated Chicken Tenders Recipe

Weeknight dinners get a delightful tropical spin with these crispy coconut chicken tenders that promise a perfect crunch in every bite.

Coated generously with shredded coconut, the chicken emerges golden and irresistibly crisp from the oven.

The blend of panko breadcrumbs and coconut creates a magical exterior that seals in succulent chicken flavor.

Each tender offers a satisfying crackle that hints at the deliciousness within.

The combination of simple ingredients and quick preparation makes this recipe a weeknight winner for anyone seeking something beyond ordinary chicken.

Serve these tantalizing tenders with a zesty dipping sauce, and watch them disappear from the plate in record time.

Ways to Serve Crispy Coconut Tenders

• Tropical Dipping Delight: Pair these crispy coconut chicken tenders with a refreshing mango salsa for a burst of tropical flavors that complements the coconut coating perfectly.
• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange the chicken tenders on a large wooden board with multiple dipping sauces like sweet chili, honey mustard, and ranch for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
• Family Fun Meal: Transform this recipe into a build-your-own chicken tender station where everyone can choose their favorite dipping sauce and create their perfect plate of crispy goodness.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Slice the chicken tenders and toss them over a fresh green salad with a light citrus vinaigrette for a protein-packed midday meal that's both delicious and nutritious.

How to Store & Reheat Coconut Chicken Later

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken tenders in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal carefully to maintain crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Quick Reheating Technique: Restore crispy texture by warming tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent soggy coating and maintain original crunchiness.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then store in freezer-safe bags for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents to track freshness. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare multiple batches during weekend cooking sessions. Keep uncooked, breaded tenders separated by parchment paper in freezer containers for convenient future meals. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunch preparations.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 15min

Total Time: 30min

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Guide for Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Flour: Provides the first crispy layer and helps other coatings stick securely to chicken.
• Chili Powder: Adds a subtle heat and warm depth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken tenders.

• Eggs, Water (or Milk): Creates a sticky binding layer that helps coconut and breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to chicken.

• Coconut Flakes: Delivers a tropical, sweet crunch and golden-brown exterior with signature tropical fragrance.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Provides extra crispy texture and light, airy coating that ensures maximum crunchiness.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep frying for achieving crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Optional finishing touch that adds subtle saltiness and elegant presentation.
• Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Complements the coconut chicken with tangy, sweet heat for dipping.

• Chicken Tenders: Lean, tender meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and cooks quickly.

Tools to Get Crispy Coconut Chicken Right

• Large skillet: Essential for frying chicken tenders evenly and creating a crispy exterior.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely transferring chicken in and out of hot oil without splashing.
• Four shallow bowls: Crucial for coating chicken in flour, eggs, coconut flakes, and bread crumbs.
• Whisk: Great for mixing eggs and blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Baking sheet: Needed for oven-baking method, ensures even cooking.
• Parchment paper: Prevents chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps drain excess oil and keeps chicken crispy.
• Paper towels: Absorbs extra oil from fried chicken.

Frying Instructions for Coconut Chicken Tenders

Tropical Crunch Chicken Strips

• Prep Station Arrangement

Set up four wide bowls on your kitchen counter for a smooth coating process.

• Flour Foundation

Mix flour with zesty seasonings to create a flavorful base layer for the chicken.

• Egg Bath

Whisk eggs until smooth and light, creating a sticky surface for the coating.

• Crispy Coating Layers

Dredge chicken strips through each station – first flour, then egg wash, followed by coconut and breadcrumb mix for maximum crunch.

• Oil Temperature

Heat oil in a large skillet until it shimmers, indicating perfect frying conditions.

• Frying Magic

Carefully lower chicken strips into hot oil, cooking each side until golden and crispy. Work in batches to maintain optimal temperature.

• Draining and Resting

Transfer fried strips onto a wire rack, allowing excess oil to drip away and maintaining their delightful crispiness.

• Serving Suggestion

Sprinkle with sea salt and serve alongside a sweet chili sauce for a tropical flavor explosion.

Crunchy Tips and Coconut Coating Tweaks

• Expert Chicken Tender Techniques
• Crush coconut flakes slightly to create an extra crunchy exterior that locks in moisture and provides incredible texture.
• Monitor oil heat carefully, keeping it between 350-375°F to prevent burning while ensuring perfectly golden chicken tenders.
• Refrigerate leftover tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days, reheating in the oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
• Experiment with different spice blends like curry powder, smoked paprika, or Caribbean jerk seasoning mixed into the flour coating for global taste adventures.
• Spray coated chicken tenders with cooking spray before baking to enhance golden color and crispness without deep-frying.

Crunchy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy coconut chicken tenders blend Caribbean flavors with crunchy coating and tropical notes. Juicy chicken strips promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 eggs
• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenderloins
• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• ⅔ cup (55 grams) shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• ⅔ cup (75 grams) panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying
• Sea salt flakes (optional)
• Sweet chili sauce

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Instructions

1. Coating Preparation: Arrange three shallow dishes – one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the third with a blended mixture of coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Dredging Process: Thoroughly coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring complete and uniform coverage, then dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, creating a tacky surface.
3. Breading Technique: Generously roll the egg-coated tender in the coconut and panko mixture, gently pressing to secure a crisp, textured exterior.
4. Frying Setup: Heat a robust skillet with sufficient oil for shallow frying, maintaining a medium temperature to achieve a golden, crispy crust.
5. Cooking Method: Carefully place the breaded tenders in the hot oil, maintaining space between each piece to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking, frying for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Finishing Touch: Transfer the crispy tenders to a wire rack over absorbent paper to drain excess oil, then optionally sprinkle with delicate sea salt and serve with sweet chili sauce.
7. Alternative Baking Option: For a healthier alternative, arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway to ensure uniform browning.

Notes

• Coating Technique: Ensure each chicken tender is thoroughly and evenly coated by pressing the coconut-panko mixture gently, creating a crispy, textured exterior that locks in moisture.
• Oil Temperature Control: Maintain medium heat to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning, allowing the chicken to cook through evenly and remain juicy inside.
• Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to prevent soggy tenders, giving each piece enough room for proper heat circulation and crisp development.
• Draining Method: Use a wire rack over paper towels to keep the tenders crispy by allowing excess oil to drip away, maintaining the perfect crunch and preventing sogginess.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 15min
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg