Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction to Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Welcome to the world of crispy, delightful chicken tenders that bring a tropical twist to your dinner table! Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Bang Bang Sauce are not only a hit with kids but also a treat for adults who appreciate a crunchy, flavorful meal. This dish is baked, not fried, making it a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Let’s dive into this recipe that’s bound to become a family favorite!
A Personal Story Behind My Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Journey
My love for chicken tenders started in my childhood, where every visit to our favorite diner meant indulging in their golden, crispy chicken. As I grew older, I wanted to recreate that magic at home. After experimenting with various flavors and coatings, I discovered the delightful combination of coconut and cornflakes. This recipe is inspired by those joyful memories, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
What Makes This Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe Special?
This recipe stands out because of its unique flavor profile and texture. The cornflakes provide an irresistible crunch, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle sweetness that complements the savory chicken perfectly. Plus, the homemade Bang Bang Sauce takes this dish to the next level with its creamy, spicy kick. It’s a dish that’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for entertaining guests.
The Full Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornflakes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or tamari
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1/3 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- In a food processor, pulse together the cornflakes, shredded coconut, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until fine crumbs form. Mixing in the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Toss the chicken tenders in the egg mixture until they are well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring the crumb mixture sticks.
- Dredge the egg-coated chicken through the crumb mixture, making sure they are fully covered. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil for that extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy all around, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce, combine mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, coconut aminos, hot sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and lime zest in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders with lime wedges, sliced green onions, and the bang bang sauce for dipping. For an extra kick, mix some extra chili sauce with a bit of ketchup for double-dipping fun!
Serving Suggestions and Variations for Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are excellent served alongside a fresh salad or with steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve them in a wrap with fresh veggies and the Bang Bang Sauce for a delicious lunch option. Feel free to experiment with the spice levels by adding more hot sauce to the chicken coating or the sauce itself for those who prefer a spicier kick.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips if you don’t have tenders on hand.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
Can I make these tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free cornflakes and verify that your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
They pair beautifully with a side of coleslaw, fries, or even rice for a more filling meal.
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Bang Bang Sauce
Equipment
- Oven For baking the chicken tenders.
- Food processor To pulse the ingredients for the coating.
- Baking sheet For placing the chicken tenders while baking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cup cornflakes
- 1.5 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.25 cup sesame seeds
- 2 eggs beaten eggs
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce or tamari
- 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
- olive oil extra virgin olive oil for brushing
- 0.5 cup mayo
- 0.33 cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 2 teaspoons lime zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- In a food processor, pulse together the cornflakes, shredded coconut, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt until fine crumbs form. Mixing in the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and mix in the hot sauce. Toss the chicken tenders in the egg mixture until they are well coated. This step is crucial for ensuring the crumb mixture sticks.
- Dredge the egg-coated chicken through the crumb mixture, making sure they are fully covered. Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil for that extra crispiness. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy all around, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce, combine mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, coconut aminos, hot sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and lime zest in a bowl. Mix well until smooth.
- Serve the crispy chicken tenders with lime wedges, sliced green onions, and the bang bang sauce for dipping. For an extra kick, mix some extra chili sauce with a bit of ketchup for double-dipping fun!