Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

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Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside – these Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips are a game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend bites. Infused with tropical vibes thanks to their golden coconut coating, they strike the perfect balance between savory and subtly sweet. Whether you’re planning a cozy family meal or whipping up party appetizers, this recipe promises flavor-packed bites that leave a lasting impression.

Each strip is enveloped in a crisp coconut shell that turns beautifully golden when cooked, delivering a satisfying crunch with every bite. Dip them in a tangy sauce, pair with a fresh salad, or stuff them into wraps for a tasty twist – however you serve them, these strips are bound to become a favorite.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get that signature crispy exterior and moist interior, it’s important to use the right tools:

• Meat Mallet: Essential for pounding the chicken evenly, ensuring consistent cooking.
• Three Shallow Bowls: One each for flour, beaten eggs, and the coconut coating mixture. These allow for efficient dredging and less mess.
• Baking Sheet with Wire Rack: This helps circulate air around the strips if you opt to bake them, keeping the coating crisp rather than soggy.
• Tongs: For safely flipping or transferring the strips, minimizing coating loss.
• Deep Frying Pan or Air Fryer: Choose your method – frying gives maximum crunch, while air frying offers a lighter, healthier option.

Prepping the setup correctly ensures a seamless coating process and sets you up for golden, crunchy success.

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Ingredients for the Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish. Their natural tenderness and size make them ideal for bite-sized, crispy strips.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg stick to the chicken and provides the base layer for the coconut crust.
• Eggs: Act as the glue that binds the flour and coconut coating to the chicken.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an ultra-light and crunchy texture.
• Sweetened Shredded Coconut: Adds golden color, tropical flavor, and extra crispiness to the crust.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle depth and enhances the savory element of the crust.
• Salt & Pepper: Foundational seasoning to make every layer of the chicken pop.
• Cooking Oil or Spray: For frying or air frying to achieve that signature golden finish.

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How To Make the Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

Step 1: Prep Your Coating Station

Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.

Step 2: Dredge and Coat the Chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry. Dredge each piece first in the seasoned flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat thoroughly with the coconut-panko mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere.

Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method

• Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry the strips for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Air Frying: Spray the coated strips with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Baking: Place strips on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes or until crispy.

Step 4: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the strips rest on a paper towel-lined plate or rack for a couple of minutes before serving. This keeps them crispy and prevents sogginess.

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Serving and Storing These Coconut Chicken Strips

These crispy strips are best served hot and fresh with your favorite dipping sauces – think sweet chili, honey mustard, or a zesty pineapple salsa for that tropical kick. They pair beautifully with a fresh green salad, mango slaw, or even wrapped inside warm tortillas with a creamy sauce for a handheld treat.

To store leftovers, allow the strips to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore their crunch. Avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep the coconut from burning while frying?

Coconut can burn quickly, so keep your oil at medium heat and watch closely. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding and uneven cooking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

What kind of chicken works best?

Chicken tenders or sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best because they cook quickly and evenly.

Can I freeze these chicken strips?

Absolutely. Flash freeze the coated, uncooked strips on a tray first, then store in a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by adding extra time.

What sauces go well with this dish?

Try sweet chili sauce, sriracha mayo, tangy BBQ, or pineapple-lime dip. They all complement the coconut coating beautifully.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The sweetness from the coconut combined with the crunchy texture makes it a fun and appealing meal for kids.

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Want More Chicken Ideas with a Twist?

If these Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips have your mouth watering, you’ll want to check out these flavorful dishes from my kitchen:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken for a cheesy, crusted favorite.
• Sweet Garlic Chicken in the Crockpot for an easy, hands-off dinner.
• Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet with creamy, buttery goodness.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe for cozy comfort food.
• Savory Chicken Wraps with Garlic Cream Sauce if you love a wrap-style dinner.

For more creative recipes and daily meal inspiration, follow my Pinterest board Life With Olivia and pin your favorites!

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest chicken board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go for the air fryer or the classic fry? Maybe you tried a new dipping sauce?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Drop any questions you have, too – let’s make dinner delicious together!

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