Crispy Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Your Ultimate Tropical Weeknight Dinner Guide
Transform your routine weeknight dinners into an exciting culinary escape with these incredibly easy and utterly delicious Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders. This recipe offers a unique tropical twist on a beloved comfort food, promising a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick family meal or simply craving something new and exotic, these chicken tenders deliver a taste of paradise right to your plate. They are quick to prepare, versatile in cooking methods, and guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Indulge in a tropical twist on a cherished classic with this remarkably quick and easy recipe for Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders. If your evenings are often a whirlwind of activities, demanding both speed and satisfaction from your meals, then this dish is an absolute game-changer. With just a handful of common pantry staples and the magical touch of shredded coconut, you can effortlessly create these super crispy, homemade chicken tenders in a flash. We’ll guide you through the process of frying them to golden perfection, ensuring a deep, satisfying crunch. Alternatively, for a lighter, guilt-free option, you can opt to bake them or even utilize an Air-Fryer to achieve that coveted crispy texture without excess oil, making dinner time both delicious and convenient.
Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, juicy chicken strips, each piece beautifully enveloped in a sweet, savory, and perfectly toasted coconut crust. The contrast of the succulent chicken with the crisp, fragrant coating is simply divine. And of course, no tender experience is complete without the perfect accompaniment! You already know that I’ll be whipping up some homemade Raising Cane’s Sauce to go alongside. Prepare your taste buds for a mouthwatering dinner that will effortlessly transport you to a tropical paradise, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love Coconut Chicken Tenders
These coconut-crusted chicken tenders aren’t just another dinner recipe; they’re a revelation. Here’s why they’re destined to become a staple in your meal rotation:
- Quick for a Family Dinner: In today’s fast-paced world, busy evenings demand meals that are not only quick but also incredibly satisfying. These tenders are the ideal solution, requiring minimal prep and cook time. In just about 20 minutes from start to finish, you can serve a restaurant-quality dish that will undoubtedly impress everyone at the table, solidifying your status as the culinary hero of the night without breaking a sweat. Their speed makes them perfect for those unexpected busy moments.
- The Crispy Coconut Crust: The defining characteristic of this dish is its irresistible coating. Picture this: you bite into a chicken tender, and your senses are immediately greeted by a delightful crunch, followed by the subtle sweetness and rich toastiness of the coconut. It’s a texture and flavor profile that genuinely creates a taste of paradise in every single mouthful. This recipe masterfully captures that magical combination, delivering an explosion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more long after the last tender is gone.
- Healthy Without Sacrificing Flavor: You no longer have to choose between a healthy meal and a flavorful one. By preparing these chicken tenders at home, you have complete control over the ingredients, ensuring you’re feeding your family only the best. While our primary recipe features pan-frying for maximum crispiness, you can easily bake them or use an air fryer to enjoy all the crunchy goodness with significantly less oil. This makes them a versatile and health-conscious option that never compromises on delicious taste.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: Do you have picky eaters at home who are hard to please? These coconut chicken tenders are a surefire way to win them over. The familiar shape of chicken tenders combined with the appealing crispy coating and juicy interior makes them universally loved. The hint of sweetness from the coconut is often a hit with children, making dinner time a breeze and ensuring clean plates all around. They’re fun to eat and even more fun to dip!
- Customize the Dipping Sauces: The culinary adventure doesn’t end with the tenders themselves; it merely begins! You can personalize the flavor journey with an array of dipping sauces tailored to everyone’s preferences. Experiment with a classic sweet and sour sauce, a robust and tangy barbecue sauce, a vibrant and zesty honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. Each sauce offers a unique complement to the tropical notes of the chicken, allowing for endless customization and ensuring every meal is a new and exciting experience.
What You’ll Need for Coconut Chicken Tenders
Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card with exact measurements.
- Chicken Tenders – For convenience, you can often find pre-portioned chicken tenderloins in the poultry section of your grocery store, usually alongside raw chicken breasts and thighs. If tenderloins aren’t available, simply purchase boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips of roughly the same size and thickness. Uniform pieces ensure even cooking, so take a moment to trim them if necessary.
- All-Purpose Flour – This forms the foundational layer of our breading, helping the buttermilk and egg mixture adhere to the chicken. It also contributes to the overall crispy texture. For a gluten-free alternative, you can easily substitute an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
- Salt – A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the sweetness of the coconut. We’ll incorporate it into the flour mixture for an even distribution of taste throughout the crust.
- Cayenne Pepper – This spice adds a delightful, subtle kick to the tenders, elevating their flavor profile without overwhelming the tropical notes. If you prefer a milder taste or want to experiment with different aromatics, consider using smoked paprika for a smoky depth, or a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder for an umami boost.
- Buttermilk – Buttermilk is key for tenderizing the chicken and helping the breading stick. Its acidity breaks down the protein fibers, resulting in incredibly juicy chicken. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t fret! You can easily make Homemade Buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with regular milk to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Egg – The egg acts as a crucial binder, creating the sticky surface needed for the shredded coconut to adhere properly to the chicken. Whisked together with buttermilk, it forms the perfect liquid base for our coating.
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut – This is the star ingredient that gives these tenders their signature tropical flavor and crispy texture. It’s essential to use *unsweetened* shredded coconut to maintain a savory profile for the chicken. Sweetened coconut would turn the dish into more of a dessert, so double-check your bag to ensure it clearly states “unsweetened.”
- Frying Oil – You’ll need a good quality, neutral-flavored frying oil for pan-frying. Excellent options include vegetable oil, canola oil, or even avocado oil due to their high smoke points. For an extra layer of tropical flavor, and if you enjoy a more pronounced coconut essence, you can also use coconut oil for frying. Just be mindful of its lower smoke point compared to other frying oils.
How To Make Coconut Chicken Tenders
Creating these delicious coconut chicken tenders is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for perfectly crispy and flavorful results:
- Prepare Breading Station: To begin, streamline your breading process by setting up an efficient station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, salt, and the cayenne pepper for a subtle, flavorful kick. In the second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until thoroughly combined and smooth; this will be your wet mixture. Finally, in the third bowl, place the unsweetened shredded coconut, spreading it out evenly to make coating easier.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and proceed with the breading sequence. First, dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then gently shake off any excess flour to prevent a gummy crust. Next, submerge the floured tender into the creamy buttermilk and egg blend, allowing any extra liquid to drip off. Finally, generously coat the tender with the shredded coconut, gently pressing the coconut onto the chicken to ensure an even and secure, crispy coating. Place the fully coated chicken tenders on a clean baking sheet, ready for cooking.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to heat for a couple of minutes before adding your preferred frying oil. Add about 3 tablespoons of oil to the pan and swirl it around to ensure the bottom is evenly coated. You’re looking for the oil to shimmer slightly, indicating it’s hot enough (around 350-375°F or 175-190°C), but not smoking.
- Cook the Chicken: Carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the tenders for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye on them; you want them to achieve a beautiful, deep golden-brown hue and be thoroughly cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent oil temperature and ensure even browning.
- Serve with Dipping Sauce: Once your coconut chicken tenders are perfectly crispy, golden, and fully cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve them immediately while hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauce. The warmth brings out the best in the coconut and chicken, making for an unforgettable meal experience.
Recipe Tips & Variations for Perfect Coconut Chicken Tenders
Elevate your coconut chicken tenders with these expert tips and exciting variations:
- Enhance the Tropical Twist: To truly amplify the delicious coconut flavor, consider using coconut oil when sautéing or frying your chicken tenders. This addition infuses an extra layer of tropical goodness directly into the chicken. For an even brighter, zestier note, finely grate a little lime zest directly into the shredded coconut mixture before coating the chicken. The citrus complements the coconut beautifully.
- Ensure Uniform Chicken Size: For optimal and even cooking, it’s highly recommended to purchase chicken tenderloins directly from the store, as they are typically consistent in size. If you opt to cut your own chicken breasts into strips, make a conscious effort to maintain a uniform thickness for all pieces. This prevents some pieces from being undercooked while others become overcooked and dry, ensuring every tender is perfectly juicy.
- Double Dipping for Extra Crunch: If you’re a fan of maximum crispiness and a thicker, more pronounced crust, try the double-dipping technique. After the initial flour, egg, and coconut coating, dip the chicken tenders back into the egg mixture and then into the shredded coconut once more. This creates a denser, incredibly crunchy layer that offers a satisfying texture in every bite.
- Gluten-Free Option: Making this recipe gluten-free is simple and delicious! Just substitute the all-purpose flour with your preferred gluten-free flour blend. There are many excellent blends available that mimic the texture of regular flour. Additionally, always ensure that your unsweetened shredded coconut is certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination if allergies are a concern.
- Oven-Baking Alternative for Healthier Option: While pan-frying offers superb crispiness, you can easily bake these chicken tenders for a lighter, equally delicious meal. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides. This method yields a tender interior with a wonderfully toasted coconut crust.
- Air-Frying Method: For an even quicker and healthier alternative, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded for optimal crisping. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Ahead and Storage: You can prepare the coated chicken tenders a few hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap until ready to fry or bake. Leftover cooked tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness, rather than microwaving which can make them soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coconut Chicken Tenders
While this recipe is specifically designed for quick-cooking chicken tenders (which come from the breast area), you can certainly adapt it to other cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Chicken thighs tend to be richer in flavor and moisture. If using thighs, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, likely increasing it by several minutes per side, to ensure thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the chicken tenders up to a few hours in advance by breading them and then refrigerating them on a baking sheet covered loosely with plastic wrap. This helps the coating adhere better. When you’re ready to eat, simply proceed with frying or baking them according to the recipe instructions. For cooked tenders, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Absolutely! This recipe is easily adaptable to be gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Many excellent blends are available on the market that will give you a similar texture. Additionally, always double-check the label on your shredded coconut to ensure it is certified gluten-free and has not been processed in facilities with gluten-containing products, especially if you have severe sensitivities or allergies.
Yes, the air fryer is a fantastic method for achieving crispy coconut chicken tenders with less oil! To cook them in the air fryer, preheat your appliance to 400ºF (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook for about 5 minutes, then flip each tender over and continue to cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
These tropical tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider a fresh pineapple or mango salsa, a vibrant coleslaw, jasmine rice, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. For a more indulgent meal, serve them alongside mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.
Serving Suggestions for Coconut Chicken Tenders
While these Coconut-Crusted Chicken Tenders are undeniably delicious on their own, a fantastic dipping sauce can elevate them to an entirely new level. Explore these quick and easy dips that you can whip up in no time, or get creative with your own favorites:
- Chipotle Bacon Ranch Dip: A smoky, creamy, and slightly spicy dip that complements the sweetness of the coconut.
- Spicy Chili-Lime Yogurt Dip: For a lighter, tangier, and zesty option with a refreshing kick.
- Bacon Cheddar Ranch Dip: A rich and savory dip that adds a comforting, familiar flavor.
- Spicy Cajun Dipping Sauce: If you love a bold, fiery flavor, this sauce will provide an exhilarating contrast.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A classic pairing with coconut-crusted dishes, offering a perfect balance of sweet and heat.
- Honey Mustard: A perennial favorite, its sweet and tangy profile is always a hit, especially with kids.
Beyond sauces, consider serving your Coconut Chicken Tenders with simple sides like fluffy white rice, a fresh garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a tropical fruit salad to complete the island-inspired meal experience.
More Easy Chicken Dinner Recipes to Explore
If you’re constantly seeking quick, delicious, and family-friendly chicken dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place! Here are some more of our favorite recipes that are sure to become staples in your kitchen, offering variety and flavor for any night of the week:
- Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Sandwiches: Get that perfect crisp without deep-frying.
- Fiesta Chicken Casserole: A vibrant, comforting casserole packed with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Santa Fe Chicken: A hearty and flavorful dish inspired by Southwestern cuisine.
- Buffalo Chicken Pizza: A spicy and cheesy twist on classic pizza night.
- Baked BBQ Chicken: Tender chicken smothered in a rich, smoky barbecue sauce.
- Ginger Chicken Soup: A warming and aromatic soup perfect for any season.
Coconut Chicken Tenders
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
4
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Ingredients
- 1 1/4 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 whole large egg
- 1 1/2 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
- 3 Tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
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Set up a breading station with 3 shallow bowls. Place flour, salt, and cayenne pepper in 1 bowl. In another bowl beat together buttermilk and egg. In a third bowl, place the shredded coconut.
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Dip chicken into flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into egg mixture, and then into the coconut; pressing to evenly coat. Place on a baking sheet.
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Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add oil to the pan, swirl to coat. Add chicken, and cook about 4-5 minutes per side, until fully cooked through.
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Serve with a favorite dipping sauce
Notes
Bake – Add them to a preheated 375°F oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through for an equally delicious, healthier option.
Air Fryer – Add them to your Air Fryer cook at 400º for about 10 minutes, flipping half way through.
Nutrition
Calories: 593kcal |
Carbohydrates: 43g |
Protein: 37g |
Saturated Fat: 22g |
Cholesterol: 138mg |
Sodium: 913mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 17g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Erin Sellin
10 minutes
10 minutes
20 minutes
Dinner Recipes
American
4
593
homemade chicken tenders
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