Description
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of sweet and savory—tender chicken strips coated in shredded coconut and panko crumbs, delivering tropical flavor and satisfying crunch. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day appetizers, or party snacks.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons water or milk
- ⅔ cup sweetened shredded coconut flakes
- ⅔ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Oil for frying (e.g., vegetable or canola oil)
- Sea salt flakes (optional, for garnish)
- Sweet chili sauce, for serving
Instructions
- Set up four shallow bowls for breading:
- 1st: flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper
- 2nd: beaten eggs mixed with water or milk
- 3rd: shredded coconut
- 4th: panko breadcrumbs
- Coat each chicken strip in flour mixture, dip in egg wash, coat with coconut, and press into panko until fully coated.
- In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of oil over medium heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
- Drain cooked tenders on a wire rack over paper towels to maintain crispiness.
- Optionally, sprinkle sea salt flakes over the warm tenders and serve with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-dip: repeat the egg and panko step.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once, if you prefer a lighter option.
- Add a pinch of cayenne powder to the flour mix for added spice.
- Substitute coconut with crushed cornflakes for a nut-free version.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF.
- Works great with shrimp or tofu as alternative proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer / Main
- Method: Frying (or Baking)
- Cuisine: Fusion / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4–5 tenders
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
