Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that brings joy to your dinner table, look no further than these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in our household. With its crunchy exterior and juicy interior, it’s the kind of meal that makes everyone smile. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a fun family gathering, these tenders are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

What makes this recipe so special is the combination of sweet coconut and zesty chili powder. It’s a unique twist on the classic chicken tender that you won’t want to miss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love chicken tenders, and the crispy coconut coating makes them even more irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even tossed into a salad for some extra crunch.
• Make Ahead Convenience: These tenders can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them great for meal prep!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of coconut and chili powder creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are probably already in your pantry!

For the 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

This recipe is flexible and can be customized to your taste! Here are some delicious ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Change up the coating: Use crushed cornflakes or even ground nuts for an extra crunch!
• Add spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika or garlic powder to give your tenders a new flavor profile.
• Go baked: If you prefer baking over frying, simply place the breaded tenders on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden brown.

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Setup

First things first! Gather four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that tasty kick right from the start!

Step 2: Create an Egg Wash

In your second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk). This egg wash helps everything stick together beautifully. It’s an essential step for achieving that perfect crispy outer layer!

Step 3: Gather Your Coatings

Fill your third bowl with shredded coconut flakes and your fourth bowl with panko bread crumbs. Each of these coatings adds its unique texture—sweetness from the coconut and crunch from the panko.

Step 4: Bread Your Chicken

Now comes the fun part! Toss each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then dip it in the egg wash. After that, coat it generously with coconut flakes followed by panko crumbs. Make sure every inch is covered; this ensures maximum crispiness!

Step 5: Frying Time!

For frying (or see notes for how to bake), fill a large skillet with about one inch of oil. Heat it over medium heat until hot but not smoking—this is important to get that golden color without burning!

Step 6: Cook Until Golden Brown

Use tongs to carefully place your chicken tenders into the hot oil. Remember not to crowd them; you want them to fry evenly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown before flipping them over.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Once cooked through and beautifully golden brown, transfer the tenders onto a wire cooling rack set over paper towels. This allows excess oil to drain off while keeping them crispy.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired and serve warm with sweet chili dipping sauce. Trust me; you’ll want to dive right in!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders is a fun and rewarding experience, especially when you have these handy tips in your back pocket!

• Use fresh chicken – Fresh chicken tends to be juicier and more flavorful. Opt for tenderloins or chicken breasts cut into strips for uniform cooking.
• Don’t skip the flour – Dredging the chicken in flour before the egg wash helps the egg adhere better, creating that delicious crispy coating we all love.
• Heat oil properly – Before frying, ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F) to prevent the tenders from absorbing too much oil. This ensures they stay crispy instead of soggy.
• Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding your pan; this maintains the oil temperature and prevents steaming, leading to a better crunch on each piece.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to add more seasonings like garlic powder or paprika to the flour mixture for an extra flavor kick.

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are not just tasty but also incredibly versatile! Present them beautifully for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro or parsley – A sprinkle of vibrant green herbs adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lime wedges – A squeeze of lime juice right before eating offers a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the coconut, elevating every bite.
• Chili flakes – For those who enjoy a little heat, a dash of chili flakes can intensify the flavors and add visual interest.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries – These offer a sweet contrast to the savory tenders and are easy to make. Just slice sweet potatoes, toss them with olive oil and seasoning, then bake until crispy!
• Coleslaw – A refreshing cabbage slaw balances out the richness of fried chicken tenders. You can make it tangy with vinegar or creamy with a yogurt base.
• Steamed Jasmine Rice – The light, fluffy rice serves as a perfect canvas for dipping sauces and complements the chicken’s crunchiness wonderfully.
• Fruit Salad – A colorful mix of seasonal fruits brings brightness to your plate while providing a sweet counterpoint to the savory flavors.

Enjoy serving these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders at your next meal! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders recipe is perfect for meal prep! Whether you want to enjoy them throughout the week or serve them at a gathering, these tenders can be stored and reheated with ease.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders after they have cooled.
• Lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the refrigerator, place the tenders on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
• For frozen tenders, it’s best to thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating, following the same method.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders that you might find helpful!

Can I make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free bread crumbs. The taste will still be delicious!

What dipping sauce pairs well with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

Sweet chili sauce is a fantastic choice! Its sweetness complements the coconut flavor beautifully. You can also try honey mustard or barbecue sauce for a twist.

How can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins for even cooking.

How do I ensure my Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders remain crispy when reheating?

Reheating in an oven rather than a microwave helps maintain their crispiness. A hot oven makes sure they are heated evenly while keeping that lovely crunch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these delicious Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders as much as I do! Their enticing coconut flavor paired with that delightful crunch makes them truly special. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, they’re sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to try this recipe!