What’s not to love about Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders? These chicken tenders, coated in chili powder and sweet coconut flakes, are perfect for any occasion. They are juicy, tender, and simply mouthwatering! Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or looking for a quick snack, these tenders will impress everyone at your table.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Coating: The blend of chili powder and coconut creates an irresistible combination of sweet and spicy.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these delicious chicken tenders in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as a main course, appetizer, or snack with your favorite dipping sauce.
Baked or Fried: Enjoy the flexibility of cooking methods; choose between frying for crispiness or baking for a healthier option.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the fun texture and sweet flavor, making it an easy way to get them excited about dinner.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, gather the essential tools that will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

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Essential Tools and Equipment

Importance of Each Tool

Shallow bowls: Perfect for dredging the chicken in flour and coatings without making a mess.
Tongs: Essential for safely flipping the chicken tenders while frying without burning yourself.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious 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)

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Your Dredging Stations

First, get out four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Mix the Egg Wash

In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and water (or milk).

Step 3: Set Up Coconut and Panko Coatings

Fill a third bowl with shredded coconut flakes and a fourth bowl with panko bread crumbs.

Step 4: Dredge the Chicken Tenders

Toss chicken tenders first in the flour mixture. Next, dip them in the egg wash. Then coat them thoroughly with coconut flakes followed by panko bread crumbs.

Step 5: Heat Oil for Frying

Fill a large skillet with about an inch of oil. Bring it to temperature over medium heat.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken Tenders

Use tongs to transfer chicken tenders into the hot oil. Be cautious not to crowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Then turn them over and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 7: Cool Before Serving

Repeat with remaining chicken tenders as needed. Allow them to cool slightly on a wire cooling rack placed over paper towels.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired. Serve warm with sweet chili dipping sauce on the side.

With these easy steps, you’ll have crispy, flavorful coconut chicken tenders ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a family meal or a casual gathering, these tenders are sure to impress. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

With Sweet Chili Sauce

This classic pairing adds a sweet and spicy kick that complements the coconut flavor perfectly.

On a Salad

Slice the tenders and place them on a bed of mixed greens for a crunchy and satisfying salad. Drizzle with your favorite dressing.

In a Wrap

Place crispy tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a delicious wrap that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

As Sliders

Use mini buns to create sliders topped with slaw and sweet chili sauce for a fun and interactive meal option at parties.

With Rice

Serve the chicken tenders over steamed jasmine rice, adding vegetables or sauce for an easy yet flavorful dish.

As Appetizers

Cut into bite-sized pieces and serve with dipping sauces for an easy appetizer at gatherings or game days.

How to Perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

To achieve the ultimate crispy texture with your coconut chicken tenders, follow these simple tips.

Use fresh ingredients – Fresh chicken tenderloins ensure the best flavor and juiciness.
Coat evenly – Take your time to coat each tender thoroughly through each stage: flour, egg, coconut flakes, and panko.
Preheat oil – Ensuring the oil is hot enough before frying will help achieve that perfect golden brown crust.
Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy tenders.
Let them rest – Allow cooked chicken tenders to cool slightly on a wire rack; this helps maintain their crispiness.
Experiment with spices – Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture for extra flavor!

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors beautifully.

Coleslaw
A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the chicken tenders.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with garlic provide a comforting side that pairs well with crispy textures.
Steamed Broccoli
Bright green broccoli not only adds color but also offers nutritional benefits; drizzle with lemon juice for added zest.
Fries or Sweet Potato Fries
Classic fries or sweet potato fries make for fun finger food alongside your chicken tenders.
Corn on the Cob
Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings sweetness that complements the coconut flavor perfectly.
Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad adds freshness and sweetness, making it an ideal contrast to savory chicken tenders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making crispy coconut chicken tenders, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

Not properly seasoning: Failing to season your flour mix can result in bland tenders. Always add spices like chili powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too many chicken tenders at once can lower the oil temperature, making them soggy. Fry in batches to maintain heat.
Skipping the egg wash: The egg wash helps the coconut and panko stick better. Don’t skip this step; it’s crucial for a good coating.
Using stale ingredients: Ensure your coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs are fresh. Stale ingredients can affect texture and taste.
Not allowing cooling time: Right after frying, let the tenders cool on a wire rack. This prevents them from getting soggy from steam.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Place cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. This may make them less crispy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making crispy coconut chicken tenders.

How do I make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

You can substitute regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free bread crumbs.

Can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated tenders on a lined baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

What can I serve with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair well with sweet chili sauce, salads, or even as part of a sandwich with fresh veggies.

How do I ensure my Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are juicy?

Brining the chicken in saltwater for about 30 minutes before cooking can help keep them juicy and tender.

Final Thoughts

Crispy coconut chicken tenders are a delightful twist on classic chicken tenders. Their crunchy coating combined with tender meat makes them irresistible. Feel free to customize by adding different spices or serving with various dips!

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Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

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Author: Nora
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders! Coated in a delightful blend of sweet coconut flakes and chili powder, these tenders offer a tantalizing mix of flavor and texture. Juicy on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside, they are an ideal choice for any occasion—whether it’s a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a quick snack. With simple preparation steps and versatile serving options, these tenders are sure to become a favorite in your household. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat that everyone will enjoy!

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken tenderloins
½ cup flour
½ teaspoon chili powder
2 eggs
⅔ cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
⅔ cup panko bread crumbs
Oil for frying

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Instructions

Prepare dredging stations: Mix flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper in one bowl; whisk eggs with water/milk in another; place coconut in a third bowl and panko in the fourth.
Dredge chicken tenders first in flour mixture, then dip in egg wash, followed by coating with coconut flakes and panko.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry chicken tenders for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Cool on a wire rack before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American