Irresistible Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy golden tenders meet their match with coconut tropical crunch in this mouthwatering coconut chicken tenders recipe that delivers serious flavor.

Forget bland chicken that disappoints at every bite.

These juicy strips get coated in a perfectly seasoned coconut breading that transforms simple poultry into a restaurant-worthy dish.

The exterior shatters with delightful crispness while keeping the inside tender and succulent.

coconut brings a subtle sweetness and irresistible texture that makes these chicken tenders stand out from standard breaded versions.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of crunchy coating and delicate meat that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Serve these alongside a zesty dipping sauce for an unforgettable meal that proves homemade can be extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10-12 minutes

Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Coconut Chicken Ingredients That Crunch Just Right

• Flour: Creates a smooth base for coating that helps other ingredients stick perfectly.
• Chili Powder: Adds a subtle kick and warmth to the chicken's flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the tenders.
• Shredded Sweetened Coconut Flakes: Provides a tropical crunch and delightful sweetness.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Guarantees an extra crispy exterior with light, airy texture.

• Eggs, Water: Acts as a powerful glue to help coating adhere beautifully to chicken.

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender, lean protein that cooks quickly and absorbs flavors wonderfully.
• Cooking Oil: Ensures golden, crispy exterior when frying at the right temperature.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Adds a final touch of elegant seasoning and texture.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Delivers a tangy, sweet dipping experience that complements the coconut crunch.

Tools for Frying Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Large skillet: Essential for frying chicken tenders evenly and creating that perfect golden crunch.
• Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping chicken tenders in hot oil without splashing.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps drain excess oil and keeps chicken crispy from all sides.
• Paper towels: Placed under the rack to absorb additional oil.
• Four wide, shallow bowls: Needed for coating chicken in flour, egg wash, coconut flakes, and panko crumbs.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing eggs, water, flour, and spices smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient proportions.

Easy Steps to Golden Chicken Tenders

Tropical Coconut Chicken Crunch

• Seasoning Station Prep

Create four separate shallow dishes ready for coating adventure. Mix flour with zesty spices in the first bowl to build intense flavor foundations.

• Egg Bath Technique

Whisk eggs into a silky smooth liquid that will help coconut and breadcrumbs stick perfectly to chicken.

• Crispy Coating Assembly

Layer shredded coconut and crunchy panko breadcrumbs in separate bowls for maximum textural excitement.

• Chicken Transformation

Gently roll each tender through seasoned flour, then dive into egg mixture, generously coat with coconut flakes, and press into panko for an armor of deliciousness.

• Sizzling Fry Magic

Heat oil in a spacious skillet until shimmering. Carefully lower chicken pieces into golden liquid, cooking in batches to maintain perfect temperature.

• Golden Perfection

Fry tenders until they turn a gorgeous amber color, flipping once to ensure even crispiness. Watch for that beautiful golden-brown exterior signaling ultimate deliciousness.

• Drain and Serve

Rest crispy tenders on a wire rack to keep maximum crunch. Sprinkle with sea salt and serve alongside sweet chili sauce for an irresistible tropical feast.

Spice Combos for More Exciting Chicken Tenders

• Flavor Fusion: Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or curry powder in the flour mixture to add unexpected warmth and depth to your chicken tenders.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Swap panko bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version that still delivers incredible crunch.
• Baking Alternative: Skip frying and bake these tenders on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve a crispy exterior without excess oil.
• Dipping Sauce Playground: Create exciting sauce variations like mango habanero, pineapple jalapeño, or coconut-lime yogurt to complement the tropical coconut coating and elevate the entire dish.
• Leftover Magic: Transform cold chicken tenders into a protein-packed salad topping or slice and stuff into wraps with fresh herbs and crunchy vegetables for a quick next-day lunch.

Serving Tips for a Crispy Chicken Platter

• Tropical Picnic Platter: Arrange crispy coconut chicken tenders on a large wooden board with fresh pineapple slices, cucumber ribbons, and a small bowl of sweet chili sauce for a vibrant, island-inspired spread.
• Salad Topper Delight: Slice the chicken tenders and scatter them over a bed of mixed greens, adding sliced almonds, mandarin orange segments, and a light coconut-lime vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
• Party Appetizer Station: Serve the chicken tenders with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, and classic sweet chili sauce. Garnish the platter with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for extra zest.
• Quick Wrap Lunch: Stuff warm chicken tenders into soft tortillas with crisp lettuce, quick-pickled red onions, and a drizzle of creamy avocado sauce for a handheld meal that's perfect for busy days.

Store Your Tenders So They Stay Crunchy

• Meal Planning & Storage Magic
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Whip up double the chicken tenders and store extras in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispiness.
• Refrigerator Rescue: Freshly cooked tenders stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in the refrigerator. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore that satisfying crunch.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Wrap cooled tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for maximum flavor and texture.
• Lunch Box Hero: Pack cold tenders in school or work lunches with a small dipping sauce container. Consider using a compartment lunch box to keep the crispy coating from getting soggy during transport.

Irresistible Coconut Chicken Tenders

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent crispy coconut chicken tenders bring Caribbean flavors to home kitchens with minimal effort. Crunchy panko and sweet coconut create irresistible coating that will leave diners craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenderloins, or chicken breasts cut into strips
• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsps (30 mL) water or milk
• ½ cup (60 g) flour
• ⅔ cup (50 g) shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• ⅔ cup (60 g) panko bread crumbs
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Oil for frying
• Sea salt flakes (optional)
• Sweet chili sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Breading Preparation: Arrange four spacious containers for a strategic coating process, dedicating each vessel to flour, egg wash, coconut, and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Flour Seasoning: Integrate chili powder, salt, and pepper into flour, creating a vibrant and zesty foundation for the chicken’s first layer.
3. Egg Mixture: Thoroughly whisk eggs with water, developing a smooth binding agent that will help subsequent coatings adhere perfectly.
4. Coating Sequence: Methodically transform each chicken tender by first rolling through seasoned flour, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
5. Moisture Layer: Dip floured tender into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off, creating an ideal adhesive surface for subsequent layers.
6. Coconut Application: Generously enrobe the tender with shredded coconut flakes, pressing gently to maximize flavor and textural integrity.
7. Crispy Finish: Press coconut-covered tender into panko breadcrumbs, guaranteeing a robust and crunchy exterior that will provide delightful crispness.
8. Frying Technique: Heat oil in a large skillet to medium temperature, carefully lowering breaded tenders using tongs and maintaining appropriate spacing to ensure even, golden-brown cooking.
9. Cooking Precision: Fry tenders for 5-6 minutes total, flipping midway, until chicken reaches perfect golden color and internal temperature indicates complete cooking.
10. Serving Presentation: Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack over paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain, then optionally garnish with sea salt flakes and serve alongside sweet chili dipping sauce.

Notes

• Breading Station Setup: Organize four spacious containers to create a systematic coating process, ensuring each container has a unique role for maximum flavor and texture.
• Flour Power Blend: Mix chili powder, salt, and pepper into flour to create a zesty base layer that adds depth and excitement to the chicken’s first coating.
• Egg Wash Technique: Whisk eggs with water thoroughly to develop a smooth binding agent that helps coconut and breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken.
• Crispy Coating Mastery: Press each coating layer gently but firmly to guarantee maximum coverage, creating a robust and textural exterior that delivers crunch in every bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg