Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy chicken, you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they’re an experience. They combine the crunch of panko breadcrumbs with the sweetness of coconut, making them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, these tenders are sure to impress.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. You can whip these up in just 30 minutes, which means more time to enjoy with your loved ones. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or just craving something tasty, these chicken tenders will fit right in.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: Ready in just 30 minutes, these tenders are perfect for those busy evenings.
• Family-friendly: Kids adore the sweet coconut flavor and crispy texture—making it easy to get them excited about dinner!
• Versatile serving options: Serve with sweet chili sauce or over a fresh salad for a delightful meal.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prep these tenders ahead of time and fry them when you’re ready.
• Delicious flavor: The combination of chili powder and coconut creates a unique taste that everyone will love!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to bring this delightful dish to your table. Here’s what you’ll need for the Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders:

• 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)

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with different flavors and ingredients. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add spices: Experiment with other spices like garlic powder or paprika to customize the flavor even more.
• Go gluten-free: Substitute regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives—still delicious!
• Bake instead of fry: For a healthier option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Station

First, get out four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture gives your chicken that flavorful base coat.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Wash

In your second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk). This egg wash helps everything stick nicely together so that each tender comes out perfectly coated.

Step 3: Get Your Coatings Ready

Fill your third bowl with coconut flakes and your fourth bowl with panko bread crumbs. These two will create that irresistible crunchy outer layer that makes each bite so enjoyable!

Step 4: Coat Your Chicken Tenders

Now it’s time to toss! Take each chicken tender and dip it first in the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, followed by the coconut flakes, and finally finish with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is thoroughly coated—this ensures maximum crunch!

Step 5: Frying Time!

For frying, fill a large skillet with about an inch of oil and heat over medium heat. Once hot, use tongs to carefully transfer your coated chicken tenders into the oil. Remember not to crowd the pan; fry in batches if needed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping them over.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

Continue cooking until golden brown—about another 3-4 minutes should do it! The goal is juicy insides wrapped in that crunchy exterior. Once done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack over paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Step 7: Serve Up!

Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired and serve warm alongside sweet chili dipping sauce. Enjoy every bite of these amazing crispy coconut chicken tenders!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Creating the perfect batch of crispy coconut chicken tenders is all about technique and a few secret tricks! Here are some pro tips to ensure your tenders turn out absolutely delicious every time.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality coconut flakes will enhance the flavor and texture of your tenders, making them more juicy and flavorful.

• Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the coated chicken tenders to rest for about 10 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better, resulting in a crunchier exterior when cooked.

• Maintain oil temperature: Using a thermometer to keep your frying oil at around 350°F (175°C) ensures that the tenders cook evenly and get that golden-brown color without absorbing too much oil.

• Double-dip for extra crunch: For an ultra-crispy coating, dip each tender back into the egg wash after the first coating of coconut flakes, then re-coat with panko. This extra layer adds texture that’s hard to resist!

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a personalized flavor kick. Just remember to balance it out according to your taste preferences!

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

These crispy coconut chicken tenders are not only delightful on their own but can also be transformed into an impressive meal with just a few simple additions. Here’s how you can present this dish beautifully!

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the plate.
• Lime wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side provides a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the coconut.

Side Dishes

• Crisp garden salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken tenders.

• Sweet potato fries: The natural sweetness and soft texture of sweet potato fries make them a perfect sidekick to the crunchy chicken. You can bake or fry them for added crunch!

• Quinoa pilaf: Fluffy quinoa tossed with colorful veggies is not only nutritious but also adds a lovely nutty flavor that pairs well with coconut.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing provides a nice crunch and contrasts beautifully with the warm tenders.

With these serving suggestions in hand, you’re ready to enjoy your crispy coconut chicken tenders in style! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week, making your meals both delicious and convenient.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, let the cooked chicken tenders cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwaving is possible but may result in soggy tenders, so it’s less recommended.

FAQs

Have questions? Here are some common ones about Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders!

Can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

What can I serve with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

These delicious tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides such as coleslaw, rice, or a fresh garden salad. Sweet chili sauce makes for an excellent dipping option!

How do I ensure my Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders stay crunchy?

To keep them crispy after cooking, avoid stacking them directly on top of each other. Instead, arrange them on a wire rack over paper towels while they cool. This allows air circulation around them.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They’re not just tasty; they’re also fun to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick dinner or serving them at a gathering, they are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Happy cooking!