Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Name: Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenderloins; ½ cup flour; ½ teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons water; ⅔ cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes; ⅔ cup panko bread crumbs; Oil for frying; Sea salt flakes for garnish (optional); Sweet chili sauce for serving

Published: August 18, 2025

by lara

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Coating: The combination of coconut flakes and panko creates an irresistible crunch.
Quick Preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or even in sandwiches.
Kid-Friendly: A great way to introduce kids to new flavors while keeping them engaged with a fun finger food.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, you will need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment on hand makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Shallow bowls (4)
Tongs
Wire cooling rack
Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet: Essential for frying the chicken tenders evenly for that perfect crispy texture.
Shallow bowls: Ideal for setting up your breading station, making it easy to coat the chicken thoroughly.
Tongs: Help safely turn the chicken tenders while frying without causing splatters.
Wire cooling rack: Allows excess oil to drip off the chicken tenders while keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

What’s not to love in a chicken tender that’s sprinkled in chili powder then covered in sweet coconut flakes and panko before being fried (or baked!)? So juicy, so tender, so mouthwateringly delicious!

For the 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 Breading Station

Begin by gathering four wide, shallow bowls. In the first bowl:
1. Whisk together the flour, chili powder, salt, and pepper.

In the second bowl:
2. Whisk together the eggs and water (or milk).

Fill the third bowl with:
3. Shredded coconut flakes.

And place panko bread crumbs in:
4. The fourth bowl.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and toss it first in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Next, dip it into the egg wash ensuring it’s well-covered.
Then roll it in the coconut flakes followed by panko bread crumbs for that extra crunch.

Step 3: Fry or Bake

For frying, fill a large skillet with about 1 inch of oil over medium heat until hot.
Carefully use tongs to transfer the coated chicken tenders into the oil without overcrowding.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown; turn over and cook another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked through.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Remove cooked tenders from oil and place them on a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.
Garnish with sea salt flakes if desired and serve warm with sweet chili dipping sauce for that perfect finish!

How to Serve Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or at a party, these tenders can be paired with different sides and sauces to elevate your meal.

With Sweet Chili Sauce

The sweet chili sauce complements the coconut’s sweetness while adding a spicy kick.

On a Salad

Toss the chicken tenders on a bed of mixed greens with avocado and mango for a fresh and vibrant salad.

In a Wrap

Wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for an easy, portable meal.

With Dipping Sauces

Offer a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for guests to choose from.

How to Perfect Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

To achieve the best results with your Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, consider these helpful tips.

Choose the right cut: Use chicken tenderloins or thin strips of chicken breast for even cooking and tenderness.
Coat thoroughly: Make sure each piece is fully coated in flour, egg wash, coconut flakes, and panko for maximum crispiness.
Maintain oil temperature: Keep the oil at the right temperature to ensure crispy results without absorbing too much oil.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in small batches to allow proper cooking and browning without steaming the tenders.
Let them rest: Allow the cooked tenders to rest on a wire rack to keep them crispy before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Coleslaw
A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
Steamed Broccoli
Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious contrast and vibrant color on your plate.
Rice Pilaf
Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes for a comforting side that complements the tenders nicely.
Sweet Potato Fries
Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet and savory combination that pairs well with coconut flavors.
Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad with vegetables is healthy and fills out the meal beautifully.
Garlic Bread
Crispy garlic bread can serve as an indulgent option for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, even small errors can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the flour mixture can lead to bland chicken tenders. Make sure to mix in enough salt and spices for flavor.
Crowding the pan: Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tenders. Fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
Inadequate coating: Failing to fully coat the chicken can lead to uneven textures. Take your time with each step of the breading process for crispy results.
Using cold oil: Adding chicken to cold oil can cause it to absorb too much grease. Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying for a crispy exterior.
Not allowing cooling time: Cutting into the tenders immediately after cooking can lead to loss of juiciness. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Place tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen.
Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently, until warm.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add tenders and cook until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re curious about Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders, you might have some questions! Here are some answers.

Can I bake Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders instead of frying?

Yes! You can place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

What dipping sauce goes well with Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders?

Sweet chili sauce pairs beautifully with these tenders, adding a delightful contrast of flavors.

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

Substitute regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! These crispy coconut tenders can be made using turkey or even lamb strips if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders offer an irresistible crunch with every bite, making them perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Feel free to customize this recipe by experimenting with different spices or serving it with various dipping sauces. Enjoy making this delicious dish!