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Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are classic homemade chicken strips with a crispy coconut-panko crust, pan-fried and baked to perfection.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course main dish
Cuisine American
Servings 4 tenders
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • baking sheet
  • baking rack
  • medium skillet
  • Meat mallet
  • shallow bowls
  • Sharp Knife
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

Coating and Seasonings

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

Breading

  • 0.25 cup coconut flour or all-purpose as desired
  • 2 large eggs
  • 0.75 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.75 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Cooking

  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil divided
  • additional kosher salt to season
  • ground black pepper to season

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a baking rack overtop, spraying with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Butterfly the chicken lengthwise, creating two pieces from each breast. Pound to uniform thickness if necessary, then cut into 1-inch strips. Season with kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Dredging

  • Prepare three plates: one with coconut flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mix of panko and shredded coconut. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
  • Bread each chicken strip by dusting with coconut flour, coating in egg, and pressing into the panko and coconut mixture. Shake off excess and set aside.

Cooking

  • Melt 1-2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken tenders in batches, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the baking rack.
  • Repeat with the remaining oil and chicken tenders.

Baking

  • Once chicken is browned, transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  • Serve immediately, optionally with sliced avocado, salad, or dipping sauces.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat by toasting in the oven at 425 degrees F for 3-4 minutes per side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gCalcium: 2mgIron: 4mg
Keyword chicken tenders, Coconut Chicken, crispy chicken, Dinner Recipe, easy chicken recipe, homemade tenders
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