Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders! Imagine biting into a perfectly crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, tender chicken - a flavor explosion that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds. These golden-brown delights are not just a meal, but a crunchy, tropical-inspired experience that combines the classic comfort of chicken tenders with an exciting coconut twist that'll make your taste buds sing.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by setting up three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of shredded coconut and breadcrumbs.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. This creates a base layer for the coating to stick to.
- Next, dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's completely coated and allowing excess egg to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated tender in the coconut-breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thick coating covers the entire piece of chicken.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure crispy edges.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the coating to set and the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce such as sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing.
Tips
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness
- Use fresh, high-quality shredded coconut for the best flavor and texture
- Press the coconut-breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet - give each tender space to ensure crispy edges
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F for food safety
- Let tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to help the coating set and juices redistribute
- Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your perfect flavor combination
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 148mg
