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To make crispy coconut chicken tenders, gather these key ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) - 1/2 cup vegetable oil (for frying) - Fresh lime wedges (for serving) These ingredients work together to create a crunchy and flavorful dish. The chicken tenders provide the protein base, while the breading gives that satisfying crunch. Sometimes, you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some easy swaps: - Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option. - Swap eggs with a flaxseed mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option. - Use sweetened coconut if you like a sweeter flavor, or unsweetened for a more savory taste. These substitutions keep the dish tasty and allow you to cater to dietary needs. Want to change things up? Consider adding these optional ingredients: - Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a fresh taste. - A squeeze of lime juice right before serving to brighten the flavors. - A pinch of curry powder for a unique twist. These additions can enhance the dish and make it your own. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, you need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix 1 cup of flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mix adds great flavor. In the second dish, whisk two large eggs until they are smooth. The eggs help the coating stick to the chicken. In the third dish, combine 1 cup of shredded coconut with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This mix creates a crunchy coating. Take one chicken tender and dip it into the flour mix. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, shake off the extra flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs. Let any extra egg drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the coconut-panko mix, ensuring it is well covered. Repeat this for all chicken tenders. This process makes the chicken extra crispy. Heat 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. To check if the oil is ready, drop in a breadcrumb. If it sizzles, you are good to go. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil. Fry them in batches. This keeps them from sticking together. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve them warm with fresh lime wedges for a tasty touch. To get that crunchy bite, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a great crunch. Mix them with shredded coconut for extra flavor. You want to coat the chicken well. Press the mixture on firmly. This helps it stick during frying. Heat your oil to medium-high. This keeps the chicken crispy. If the oil is too cool, the tenders will soak up oil. Test the oil by dropping in a breadcrumb. If it bubbles, the oil is ready. Fry in small batches. This prevents crowding and ensures even cooking. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Serve your coconut chicken tenders with fresh lime wedges. The lime adds a nice zesty flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. This not only looks pretty but adds fresh taste. For a fun twist, try a dipping sauce like sweet chili or honey mustard. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality coconut for the best flavor and texture in your tenders. Control the Oil Temperature: Maintaining the right oil temperature is crucial; too hot and the outside will burn before the inside cooks, too cool and they'll absorb oil and become greasy. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture to customize the flavor profile to your liking. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Pair your crispy coconut chicken tenders with a tangy dipping sauce like sweet chili or mango salsa for an extra burst of flavor. {{image_2}} If you want a lighter option, try baking the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Follow the same breading steps, then place the tenders on the sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives you crispy tenders with less oil. To spice things up, add more flavor to your tenders. Mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture. You can also add some hot sauce to the eggs for extra heat. For a sweet twist, try a dash of honey mixed into the egg wash. These small changes make a big difference in taste! If you need a gluten-free version, swap out the flour and panko. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Make sure to check the labels, as some coconut brands may add gluten. This way, everyone can enjoy crispy coconut chicken tenders without worry! After enjoying your crispy coconut chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. I suggest letting them cool to room temperature first. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay fresh and tasty for your next meal. To reheat your chicken tenders, use an oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them through and keeps them crispy. You can also use a toaster oven if you don’t want to heat the big oven. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to two months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can tell if chicken tenders are cooked by checking their color and texture. The outside should be golden brown and crispy. The best way to check is with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. It should read 165°F (75°C) to be safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut one open. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Thaw them first in the fridge to ensure even cooking. If you fry them straight from the freezer, they may not cook evenly. This can lead to a soggy texture. Always make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to keep it safe. Coconut chicken tenders go well with many sauces. Here are some tasty options: - Sweet chili sauce adds a nice kick. - Honey mustard gives a sweet and tangy flavor. - BBQ sauce offers a smoky taste. - A lime cilantro sauce brings freshness. - Spicy mayo gives a creamy, spicy twist. Feel free to mix and match until you find your favorite! This blog post covers how to make great coconut chicken tenders. We looked at ingredients, including main and optional ones. We also shared step-by-step instructions for coating and frying. You learned tips for crispy texture and best frying methods. We explored fun variations, like oven baking and flavor changes. Lastly, you discovered storage tips and answers to common questions. Enjoy your delicious tenders! With practice, you’ll make them just right every time. Now, go ahead and create your own tasty version!

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded coconut
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 0.5 cup vegetable oil
  • fresh lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. In the second dish, whisk the eggs. In the third dish, combine the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
  • Coat the Chicken: Take one chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the coconut-panko mixture, making sure to coat it well. Repeat with all chicken tenders.
  • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You can check if the oil is ready by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles, it’s hot enough.
  • Fry the Tenders: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  • Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  • Garnish and Enjoy: Serve warm with fresh lime wedges on the side for a zesty twist.

Notes

Serve with fresh lime wedges for added flavor.
Keyword chicken tenders, coconut, fried chicken