Description
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders, featuring a crispy coconut coating and juicy chicken. Perfect for family meals or impressing guests with a tropical twist!
Ingredients
- Chicken Tenders
- Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
- All-Purpose Flour
- Eggs (2-3 large)
- Panko Breadcrumbs (Optional but Recommended)
- Salt
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional)
- Lime Zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. If available, place an oven-safe wire rack on top for better air circulation.
- Set up three shallow dishes: In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and optional cayenne pepper. In the second dish, whisk together eggs with a tablespoon of water or milk. In the third dish, combine shredded coconut (and panko breadcrumbs, if using) with lime zest.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat with the coconut mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 22 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Tropical
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
Keywords: For extra crispy tenders, use a wire rack and spray with cooking oil before baking. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.