The Best Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Coconut chicken tenders reinvent ordinary poultry into a crunchy, tropical delight that sparks immediate excitement at the dinner table.

These golden-brown morsels combine crisp textures with rich, nutty flavors that dance across your palate.

Every bite promises a perfect balance between delicate meat and an irresistible coconut coating.

The recipe elevates simple ingredients into something extraordinary, blending familiar comfort with unexpected culinary flair.

Light, crispy breading creates an enticing crunch that complements the tender chicken inside.

Subtle tropical notes infuse each piece with a hint of island-inspired excitement.

You’ll love how simple techniques can produce such magnificent results.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders That Crunch Just Right

• Create Irresistible Crunch: The double coating of coconut flakes and panko bread crumbs delivers an extraordinary crispy exterior that crackles with every bite, promising a textural adventure that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Tropical Flavor Explosion: Coconut flakes infuse these chicken tenders with a subtle sweet and nutty essence, bringing a vacation-like twist to a classic comfort food that dances between familiar and exciting flavor profiles.
• Versatile Cooking Options: Enjoy maximum flexibility with both frying and baking methods, allowing home cooks to choose their preferred technique without compromising on taste or texture- perfect for health-conscious eaters or those wanting quick preparation.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal meal for busy families or spontaneous dinner gatherings that demand deliciousness without complicated techniques.

Ingredients Needed for Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base of the dish, best when fresh and uniform in size.

• Flour, Chili Powder, Salt, Pepper: Dry mixture providing initial seasoning and helping other coatings stick to chicken.
• Eggs, Water/Milk: Binding agent that helps breading adhere to chicken and creates a smooth coating surface.

• Coconut Flakes, Panko Bread Crumbs: Provide extra crispiness and textural contrast, with panko offering light crunch and coconut adding tropical flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables deep frying and helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.
• Sea Salt Flakes: Optional finishing touch for enhanced flavor.

• Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce: Complementary condiment that adds tangy and sweet notes to the crispy chicken.

How to Make Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Coating Stations

• Flour
• Chili powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

• Eggs
• Water or milk

Whisk until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Set Up Crunchy Layers

In the third bowl, add coconut flakes.

In the fourth bowl, pour panko bread crumbs.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender following this sequence:

• First, coat in flour mixture
• Next, dunk in egg wash
• Roll in coconut flakes
• Finally, cover with panko bread crumbs

Ensure complete coverage at each stage.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Fill a large skillet with 1 inch of vegetable oil.

Heat oil over medium temperature until shimmering.

Step 6: Fry Chicken Tenders

Use tongs to carefully place chicken tenders in hot oil.

Avoid overcrowding the pan- cook in batches if needed.

Fry for 2-3 minutes on first side.

Flip and cook additional 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried tenders to a wire rack placed over paper towels.

Allow excess oil to drip off and chicken to cool slightly.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle with sea salt flakes if desired.

Serve warm alongside sweet chili dipping sauce.

Alternative Baking Method:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Place coated tenders on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Cook until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Tips for Getting That Golden Coconut Coating

• Prep Like a Pro: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better adhesion of breading.
• Coconut Coating Trick: Crush coconut flakes slightly to create a more uniform and crunchy exterior that sticks perfectly to the chicken.
• Temperature Control: Maintain oil at a steady 350°F for golden-brown tenders that are crispy outside and juicy inside without burning.
• Batch Cooking Wisdom: Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep oil temperature consistent and prevent soggy chicken tenders.
• Baking Bonus: For a healthier option, spray breaded tenders lightly with cooking oil before baking to help achieve that extra crispy texture without deep-frying.

How to Store Leftover Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container, placing them in a single layer to maintain crispiness. Consume within 3-4 days for best quality and flavor.
• Reheating in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange chicken tenders on a baking sheet, bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Freezing Option: Wrap cooled chicken tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for optimal taste and texture.

What Goes Best with Coconut Chicken Tenders

• Dip into Tropical Sweetness: Pair these crispy coconut chicken tenders with a refreshing mango salsa that brings bright, zesty flavors to complement the coconut's richness. The sweet-tangy salsa cuts through the fried coating, creating a perfect balance.
• Sip a Sunny Cocktail Companion: Enjoy a cold, fruity piña colada or a crisp coconut-infused mojito that echoes the tropical coconut notes in the chicken. These drinks enhance the island-inspired vibe of the dish.
• Cool Down with Creamy Contrast: Serve alongside a cucumber-yogurt dip or tzatziki sauce to provide a cool, creamy counterpoint to the crunchy, warm chicken tenders. The smooth sauce adds a refreshing layer of flavor that makes each bite more exciting.
• Crunch with a Side Kick: Complement the crispy chicken with a light Asian-inspired slaw made with red cabbage, carrots, and a lime-cilantro dressing. The crunchy, zingy slaw adds texture and brightness to the meal.

Delicious Coconut Chicken Tenders Variations

• Island Spice Chicken: Add Caribbean jerk seasoning to the flour mixture for a bold, zesty flavor profile that transports your taste buds to tropical shores.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the coconut flakes for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired coating with extra herbal notes.
• Gluten-Free Coconut Crunch: Replace panko bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free rice crackers or almond meal to create a crispy alternative suitable for gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Lime Coconut Chicken: Incorporate lime zest into the coconut flakes and add a splash of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a tangy, heat-packed version that brings excitement to the classic recipe.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coconut chicken tenders deliver a Caribbean-inspired crunch that elevates classic finger food with tropical flair. Crispy panko and shredded coconut create an irresistible golden coating you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenderloins

Coating Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) flour
• ⅔ cup (55 grams) shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• ⅔ cup (75 grams) panko bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) water
• Oil for frying

Garnish and Serving:

• Sea salt flakes (optional)
• Sweet chili sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare three distinct shallow vessels for coating the chicken tenders: one with seasoned flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final with a mixture of coconut flakes and panko breadcrumbs.
2. Meticulously dredge each chicken tender through the flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage of the protein.
3. Submerge the flour-coated tender into the egg wash, allowing excess liquid to drip off, creating a sticky surface for the next layer.
4. Roll the egg-dipped tender generously in the coconut and panko combination, pressing gently to help the coating adhere firmly and create a textured exterior.
5. Select a robust skillet and pour enough oil to create a shallow frying environment, heating to a medium temperature that will produce a crisp, golden exterior.
6. Carefully lower the coated tenders into the heated oil, maintaining adequate spacing to prevent overcrowding and ensure uniform cooking.
7. Fry each side for approximately 3-4 minutes, rotating once, until the chicken achieves a rich golden-brown color and reaches a safe internal temperature.
8. Transfer the completed tenders to a wire rack positioned over absorbent paper to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
9. Optional: Sprinkle with delicate sea salt flakes and accompany with a zesty sweet chili sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
10. For an alternative preparation method, arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping midway to ensure even browning.

Notes

• Breading is key to achieving maximum crispiness, so carefully coat each chicken tender in flour, eggs, coconut flakes, and panko for a crunchy exterior.
• Maintain oil temperature around medium to prevent burning while ensuring the chicken cooks evenly and develops a beautiful golden-brown color.
• Work in batches when frying to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower oil temperature and result in soggy chicken tenders.
• Alternatively, bake the chicken tenders for a healthier option that still delivers a satisfying crunch and reduces oil splatter in your kitchen.
• Sweet chili sauce provides a perfect tangy complement to the coconut’s tropical sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before breading to help the coating adhere better and create a more uniform, crispy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Thai

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 165 mg