Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a fun and delicious meal that will make everyone smile, then you’ve come to the right place! These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are not only easy to prepare but also pack a delightful crunch with every bite. I love making these tenders during busy weeknights or for family gatherings because they’re always a hit with both kids and adults alike. The combination of savory chili powder and sweet coconut flakes creates a mouthwatering flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more!

Whether you’re whipping them up for dinner, serving them at a party, or just treating yourself to something special, these chicken tenders are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love chicken tenders, and the crispy coconut coating makes them even more appealing.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve with dips for an irresistible appetizer.
• Make-Ahead: You can prep these tenders in advance and cook them when you’re ready to eat.
• Delicious Flavor: The sweet coconut combined with spicy chili powder creates a wonderfully balanced taste that everyone will adore.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the ingredients! You’ll need simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your pantry. These ingredients come together beautifully to create the perfect crispy chicken tender.

• 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 quite flexible, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even tofu strips instead of chicken for a different twist.
• Add spices: Spice things up by mixing in some paprika or cayenne pepper with your flour coating!
• Coconut alternatives: If you’re not a fan of coconut, try using crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs instead.
• Baked version: For a healthier option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) until crispy instead of frying.

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

First things first—let’s set up our assembly line! Grab four wide shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful mix will be the foundation of our crispy coating.

Step 2: Egg Wash Time

In your second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk). This egg wash helps everything stick together nicely and gives our tenders that glorious crispy finish.

Step 3: Coconut and Panko Prep

In the third bowl, fill it with shredded coconut flakes. And in the fourth bowl, add panko bread crumbs. Each layer adds texture and flavor; that crunchy panko is what really takes these tenders over the top!

Step 4: Coat Those Tenders

Now it’s time for some fun! Toss each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure it’s well-coated before dipping it into the egg wash—this step is crucial for holding onto all those yummy coatings. After that, roll it in the coconut flakes followed by the panko bread crumbs. Each step builds flavor and crunch!

Step 5: Frying Time

For frying (or see notes for baking), fill a large skillet with about an inch of oil and heat it over medium heat. Once hot enough, carefully use tongs to transfer your coated chicken tenders into the oil—remember not to crowd them in there! Fry each batch until they turn golden brown and cooked through; about 2-3 minutes on each side should do it.

Step 6: Cooling Off

Once fried to perfection, let your crispy coconut chicken tenders cool slightly on a wire rack over paper towels. This helps eliminate excess oil while keeping them nice and crisp!

Step 7: Serve It Up!

For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle some sea salt flakes on top if desired. Serve warm alongside sweet chili sauce for dipping—the perfect complement to these deliciously crispy tenders! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect crispy coconut chicken tenders is all about technique and a few handy tips! Follow these to ensure your tenders come out absolutely delicious every time.

• Choose the right chicken: Opt for fresh chicken tenderloins for the juiciest results. If you use chicken breasts, slice them into uniform strips to ensure even cooking.

• Double-dip for extra crunch: For an even crispier texture, dip your chicken tenders back into the egg wash and then into the coconut flakes and panko again. This double coating seals in moisture and adds an extra layer of crunch.

• Maintain oil temperature: Keep an eye on your oil temperature while frying. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside cooks; if it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb excess oil. Use a thermometer if possible!

• Avoid overcrowding the pan: Fry in small batches to allow each tender enough space to cook evenly and achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying.

• Let them rest: After frying, let your tenders cool slightly on a wire rack. This helps maintain their crispiness by preventing steam from making them soggy.

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Serving crispy coconut chicken tenders can turn a simple meal into something special! Here are some creative ideas for plating and pairing.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness.
• Lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness that complements the sweetness of the coconut.
• Chili flakes: For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkle some red chili flakes over the tenders before serving.

Side Dishes

• Crisp Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the tenders.

• Coconut Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice cooked with coconut milk enhances that tropical flavor profile and makes for a satisfying side dish.

• Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with the savory chicken tenders.

• Grilled Veggies: Seasonal grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus add color and a healthy crunch to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, your crispy coconut chicken tenders will not only taste amazing but also look gorgeous on your table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can make a batch of these delightful Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders ahead of time and store them for busy weeknight dinners or quick lunches.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will keep well for up to 3 days.
• To maintain their crispiness, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked chicken tenders to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid.
• Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
• If using a microwave, be aware that this may cause them to lose their crispiness.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders.

Can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! You can bake these tenders by placing them on a lined baking sheet and spraying them lightly with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.

What dipping sauce goes well with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

Sweet chili sauce is an excellent pairing with these tenders! You could also try honey mustard or a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is an excellent tool to ensure your chicken is fully cooked without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders as they’re not just delicious but also bring warmth and fun to any meal. Whether you’re prepping for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a cozy night in, these tenders are sure to impress. Enjoy every crispy bite!