Craving something crunchy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make? This recipe for crispy coconut chicken strips checks all the boxes.
With a golden, toasted coating and a simple dipping sauce that takes only two ingredients, these tenders are bound to become a favorite in your lineup of quick recipes.
Perfect for dinner, snacks, or even as a party appetizer, this dish will leave everyone asking for more.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
What makes this recipe stand out is its balance of simplicity and flavor. You don’t need complicated steps or obscure ingredients to create a restaurant-quality dish.
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The juicy chicken inside pairs beautifully with the crispy coconut and breadcrumb coating, while the sweet chili and apricot sauce adds a hint of spice and sweetness.
If you’re short on time, this recipe is your go-to solution. It’s easy enough to prepare on a weeknight but impressive enough for a weekend gathering. Plus, the dipping sauce requires no cooking—just mix and serve!
Step-by-Step Tips for Crispy Perfection
Achieving that perfectly crispy coating is the highlight of this recipe. Follow these tips to ensure your coconut chicken strips turn out flawless every time:
- Use sweetened shredded coconut for a hint of sweetness in every bite.
- Make sure to press the breadcrumbs and coconut mixture onto the chicken firmly. This step ensures the coating adheres well and stays crispy during frying.
- Keep the oil temperature steady. Too hot, and the coating burns; too low, and the chicken absorbs oil instead of crisping up.
- Avoid crowding the pan while frying—work in batches if needed.
These small adjustments can elevate this easy recipe into something extraordinary.
Customizations & Dietary Adjustments
One of the best things about recipes like this is their versatility. Here are some ways to modify it to suit different preferences or dietary needs:
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Rice flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs work well.
- Baking Instead of Frying: For a lighter version, bake the chicken strips in a preheated 400°F oven for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through. Use a wire rack over a baking sheet for optimal crispness.
- Spicier Sauce: Add a dash of sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you want a bit more heat.
These variations allow you to personalize the recipe while keeping it easy and delicious.
Pairing Ideas & Serving Suggestions
While these chicken strips shine on their own, pairing them with complementary sides can transform them into a complete meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with a side of coleslaw for a refreshing crunch.
- Pair with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced plate.
- Add a bowl of steamed rice or fries to turn this into a hearty, satisfying dinner.
If you’re hosting guests, these crispy chicken strips also make an excellent finger food. Arrange them on a platter with lime wedges and a small bowl of sauce for dipping.
Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Days
This recipe is easy to prep in advance, making it ideal for meal planning. Here’s how:
- Bread the chicken strips and arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Fry or bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
- The dipping sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a quick stir before serving.
By prepping ahead, you’ll have this easy recipe ready to go whenever the craving strikes.
Pro Tips for Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, reheating them while keeping the crispy texture can be a challenge. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use an air fryer set to 350°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Alternatively, reheat in a 400°F oven for 10–12 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
These methods ensure your coconut chicken strips remain just as delicious as when freshly cooked.
Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Routine
Crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy—this recipe brings everything you want in a homemade dish. The combination of textures and flavors, plus the simplicity of the dipping sauce, makes this dish unforgettable.
So grab your ingredients, and let’s make this easy recipe a staple in your kitchen. With its irresistible crunch and bold flavors, it’s guaranteed to be a hit every time!
Easy Crispy Coconut Chicken Strips Recipe with Two-Ingredient Sauce
Ingredients
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- ¼ cup apricot preserves or apricot fruit spread
For the Coconut Chicken Strips:
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 to 1¼ pounds chicken tenders 8 to 10 tenders
- Extra-light olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
- 1 lime sliced into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Mix the Dipping Sauce: Combine the sweet chili sauce and apricot preserves in a medium bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Set up three bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs until fully blended. In the third bowl, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Chicken: Take two chicken tenders at a time. First, coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly covered. Shake off any excess, then dip them into the beaten eggs, letting the extra egg drip off. Finally, roll the tenders in the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Place the breaded tenders on a plate. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat ¼ inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F, add half of the chicken tenders to the pan. Fry them for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165°F. Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Fry the remaining chicken tenders in batches, adding more oil if necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a serving platter. Serve them warm alongside the dipping sauce and lime wedges for a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Reheating Tips: To reheat, use an air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes or a preheated oven at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until heated through.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying to maintain crispiness.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.