Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

What’s not to love about Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders? These delightful tenders are coated in chili powder, sweet coconut flakes, and crunchy panko before being fried or baked to perfection. They are juicy, tender, and mouthwateringly delicious! Perfect for family dinners, parties, or as a fun snack, these chicken tenders will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of chili powder and sweet coconut creates a unique flavor profile that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you choose to fry or bake them, these tenders are deliciously crispy every time.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crunchy texture and sweet coconut flavor, making it an excellent choice for family meals.
• Perfect for Dipping: Serve with sweet chili sauce for an added layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tenders.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Four wide shallow bowls
• Tongs
• Wire cooling rack
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows you to fry multiple tenders at once without crowding, ensuring even cooking.
• Tongs: Using tongs makes it easy to flip the chicken tenders safely while frying or transferring them.
• Wire cooling rack: This helps drain excess oil from the chicken tenders while keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

What’s not to love in a chicken tender that’s sprinkled in chili powder then covered in sweet coconut flakes and panko before being fried (or baked!)? So juicy, so tender, so mouthwateringly delicious!

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)

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Bowls

First, get out four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Create the Egg Wash

In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk).

Step 3: Set Up Coating Stations

Fill a third bowl with coconut flakes and a fourth bowl with panko bread crumbs.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Toss chicken tenders first in the flour mixture. Then dip them in the egg wash followed by coating them thoroughly with coconut flakes. Lastly, roll them in panko bread crumbs until well coated.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

For frying (see notes for baking method), fill a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil. Bring it to temperature over medium heat.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Use tongs to carefully transfer chicken tenders into the hot oil. Be sure not to crowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Remove cooked chicken tenders from oil and place them on a wire cooling rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 8: Serve with Garnishes

Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired. Serve warm alongside sweet chili dipping sauce for an extra kick of flavor!

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that pairs well with various sides and dips. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

With Sweet Chili Sauce

• Serve the chicken tenders hot with a side of sweet chili sauce for dipping. The sauce adds a tangy sweetness that complements the coconut flavor perfectly.

On a Salad

• Create a refreshing salad by placing crispy chicken tenders atop mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a delicious contrast.

In Tacos

• Use the chicken tenders as a filling for soft or crunchy tacos. Add shredded cabbage, diced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema for an easy, flavorful meal.

With Rice or Quinoa

• Pair crispy coconut chicken tenders with jasmine rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. You can add sautéed veggies on the side for extra nutrition.

As Party Appetizers

• Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces to serve as appetizers at your next gathering. Offer various dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue for guests to enjoy.

How to Perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Achieving the perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders involves a few key techniques. Follow these tips for exceptional results.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Ensure your chicken is fresh and high-quality. This will improve the overall flavor and texture of your tenders.

• Thorough Coating: Make sure each tender is well-coated in flour, egg wash, coconut flakes, and panko. A complete coating ensures maximum crunch.

• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at the right temperature (around 350°F). If it’s too hot, the tenders will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil.

• Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying. Frying in batches allows each tender to cook evenly and achieve that crispy exterior.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders can be complemented by various side dishes that balance their flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer comfort and richness that pairs beautifully with the coconut flavors.

3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while offering a mild flavor that balances well with the tenders.

4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and is fun to eat alongside chicken tenders.

5. French Fries: Classic French fries give an additional crunch factor, making them an irresistible combination.

6. Coconut Rice: For a cohesive theme, serve coconut rice seasoned with lime juice and cilantro for added flavor.

7. Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled vegetables add acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken tenders.

8. Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad can provide a refreshing end to your meal, complementing the sweetness of the coconut chicken tenders perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders can be simple, but small mistakes can ruin your dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Neglecting to season the flour mixture can lead to bland chicken tenders. Always ensure your flour is well-seasoned with chili powder, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
• Crowding the pan: Overloading the skillet while frying will lower the oil temperature, causing soggy tenders. Fry in batches to ensure each tender gets crispy.
• Not using enough oil: Using too little oil can lead to uneven cooking and sticking. Aim for at least one inch of oil in your skillet for best results.
• Rushing the cooking time: Cooking the tenders too quickly may leave them undercooked inside. Follow recommended cooking times and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
• Overcoating: While it’s important to coat each tender thoroughly, too much coconut or panko can lead to an unbalanced texture. Shake off excess before frying.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are juicy chicken strips coated in a flavorful mix of coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs, creating a crunchy exterior that pairs perfectly with dipping sauces.

Can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place coated chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

How do I make my chicken tenders extra crispy?

To enhance crunchiness, ensure that you use fresh panko breadcrumbs and consider double-coating your chicken by dipping it back into the egg wash before coating again with panko.

What dipping sauce goes well with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

Sweet chili sauce is a popular choice that complements the flavors of these chicken tenders beautifully. You might also enjoy honey mustard or ranch dressing!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They make an excellent main dish or snack for any occasion. Feel free to customize them by adding spices or trying different dipping sauces. Enjoy this recipe as a fun family meal or serve them at gatherings!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x

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Description

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are an irresistible twist on a classic favorite, combining juicy chicken with a crunchy coconut and panko coating. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to parties and everything in between. With a quick preparation time of just 30 minutes, you can whip up these tenders without breaking a sweat. Each bite is bursting with flavor, thanks to the unique blend of chili powder and sweet coconut flakes, making them a hit especially among kids and adults alike. Serve them hot with sweet chili sauce for dipping, and watch them disappear from the plate!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins
• 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
• ⅓ cup panko bread crumbs
• oil for frying
• sea salt flakes (for garnish, optional)
• sweet chili sauce (for serving)

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Instructions

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour with chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. In another bowl, whisk together eggs and water (or milk).
3. Place coconut flakes in a third bowl and panko breadcrumbs in a fourth.
4. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg wash, then coat with coconut flakes followed by panko.
5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. Fry the tenders in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels before serving with sweet chili sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 100mg