Description
These Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips are crispy, juicy, and packed with tropical flavor thanks to a coating of panko and sweetened shredded coconut. They’re a family favorite and perfect for dipping, wrapping, or eating solo as a crunchy snack or main dish.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
cooking oil or spray (for frying, air frying, or baking)
Instructions
1. Set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; beaten eggs; and a mixture of panko and coconut.
2. Pat chicken dry. Dredge in flour, dip in eggs, and press into coconut-panko mixture until fully coated.
3. Frying: Heat oil in a deep skillet. Fry strips 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
4. Air Frying: Spray coated strips with oil. Air fry at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Baking: Place on a rack over a baking sheet. Spray with oil and bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
6. Let rest briefly on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, press the coating firmly into the chicken before cooking.
Avoid high heat when frying to prevent burning the coconut.
Air frying is a healthier option and still delivers a great crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying / Air Frying / Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: coconut chicken, crispy chicken, tropical chicken