Name: Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
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

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If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that will have everyone at the table smiling, then these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are just what you need! This recipe has become a family favorite in our home. The combination of juicy chicken, a hint of spice from the chili powder, and the sweet crunch of coconut is simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, these tenders are perfect for any occasion.

What I love most about this dish is how easy it is to prepare. You can whip up a batch in just 30 minutes! Plus, they make great leftovers for lunch the next day. Trust me, once you try these crispy delights, you’ll find yourself making them again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crunchy coating and tender chicken—perfect for picky eaters!
Versatile Options: Serve them as an appetizer or main course; they fit right into any meal plan.
Make Ahead Convenience: These tenders can be made ahead of time and heated up whenever you’re ready to serve.
Deliciously Flavorful: The blend of chili powder and sweet coconut gives each bite a delightful taste that keeps you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. You probably have most of them on hand already!

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 things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients.

Swap the protein: Use turkey tenders or even shrimp for a different take on this dish.
Try different coatings: Instead of coconut flakes, use crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for added crunch.
Add spices: Experiment with different spices like paprika or garlic powder to customize the flavor.
Bake instead of fry: For a lighter option, bake the tenders instead—just follow the baking instructions in the notes.

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Stations

First things first! Get out four wide, shallow bowls because we’re setting up our breading stations. In your first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken that perfect kick of flavor. In your second bowl, combine eggs with water (or milk) until frothy—this forms our egg wash. The third bowl should be filled with coconut flakes while the fourth holds panko bread crumbs. Each step in this process is essential for achieving that amazing crispy texture.

Step 2: Coat Each Chicken Tender

Now comes the fun part! Take each chicken tender and start by tossing it in the flour mixture. Make sure it’s thoroughly coated—this helps create a nice base layer for all those flavors! Next, dip it into the egg wash so it can hold onto all those delicious toppings. Finally, roll it in the coconut flakes followed by the panko bread crumbs. This multi-layered coating ensures every bite is bursting with flavor!

Step 3: Fry Until Golden Brown

Next up is frying! Heat about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Using tongs (be careful!), gently place your coated chicken tenders into the oil without crowding them—this ensures they cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping them over to achieve that beautiful golden brown color on both sides.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked through and golden brown (about another 3-4 minutes), transfer your crispy coconut chicken tenders to a wire cooling rack over paper towels to drain excess oil. If desired, sprinkle with sea salt flakes while they’re still warm for an added touch of flavor. Serve these delightful tenders warm alongside sweet chili sauce for dipping—it’s truly irresistible!

Enjoy your cooking adventure with these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders! They’re bound to bring joy to your table every single time.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a culinary expert, these tips will help you achieve the crispiest chicken tenders that are full of flavor!

Choose the right oil: Opt for oils with high smoke points, like canola or vegetable oil, as they help achieve that perfect golden brown without burning.
Let the chicken rest: After coating your chicken tenders, let them sit for about 10 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better, resulting in a crunchier texture.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the temperature of the oil from dropping too low, which can lead to soggy tenders.
Use a wire rack: Placing fried tenders on a wire cooling rack allows air to circulate around them, keeping them crispy instead of trapping steam on a plate.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to customize your flour mixture with additional spices like garlic powder or paprika for an extra flavor kick!

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Serving your Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders can be just as fun as making them! Present them in a way that highlights their deliciousness and makes for an inviting meal.

Garnishes

Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the sweetness of the coconut.
Lime wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the tenders brightens up their flavor and adds a zesty twist.
Chili flakes: For those who love heat, a pinch of chili flakes not only enhances flavor but also looks visually appealing on top!

Side Dishes

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet and savory fries provide a delightful contrast to the coconut chicken. They are easy to make and add a wholesome touch to your meal.
Asian Slaw: A refreshing slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing offers a crunchy texture and balances out the richness of the chicken tenders.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with veggies and herbs is nutritious and complements the dish beautifully without overpowering it.
Coconut Rice: For an extra coconut kick, serve your tenders alongside fluffy coconut rice. The subtle sweetness pairs perfectly with the crispy tenders!

With these serving suggestions and helpful tips, your Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders will not only taste amazing but look incredible on your dining table too! Enjoy every crunchy bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week. Here’s how to store and keep them fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

To freeze, first let the cooked tenders cool completely.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy.
Alternatively, you can use an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders!

Can I bake the Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a greased baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

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

To maintain their crunchiness, store leftovers in a breathable container rather than sealing them tightly. Reheating in the oven or air fryer will help restore their crispy texture.

What can I serve with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

These delicious tenders pair well with a variety of sides like fresh salads, steamed vegetables, or sweet potato fries. Dip them in sweet chili sauce for an extra flavor kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders! They’re not only easy to make but also bring a delightful crunch and sweetness that everyone will love. Enjoy making this recipe for your family or friends—there’s something truly special about sharing delicious food! Don’t forget to let me know how yours turn out!