Coconut Chicken Tenders

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These baked Coconut Chicken Tenders have a crispy, coconut coating and are served with a tangy, sweet orange dipping sauce. An easy weeknight meal idea that's ready in 30 minutes or less!

Prep Time10

Cook Time16

Total Time26

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: coconut chicken tenders

Servings:

Calories: 352kcal

Author: Valerie Brunmeier

Ingredients

2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 cup sweetened flaked coconut
½ cup corn flake crumbs (crush in zippered plastic bag)
¼ cup plain panko bread crumbs
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon seasoned salt like Lawry's Seasoned Salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds chicken breast tenders (*see notes below)

Orange Dipping Sauce (Optional)

½ cup orange marmalade
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes or to taste

Instructions

Heat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a shallow bowl, lightly whisk the egg with the milk. In a second shallow bowl, combine the coconut, corn flakes, panko bread crumbs, paprika, seasoned salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Dip each tenderloin into egg/milk mixture then transfer to the dish with the coconut mixture and toss to coat well on both sides, patting the mixture on to the surface of the chicken with your hands. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet (they should not be touching). Spray the tops of the chicken lightly with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 10 minutes then remove the pan from the oven and using tongs, carefully flip the pieces over. Return to the oven and continue cooking for another 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. If you want to toast the coating more, switch the oven to BROIL for a minute or two at the end of the baking time. Watch closely as the coconut can easily burn.
Meanwhile, combine the ingredients for the orange dipping sauce in a small bowl and set aside.
Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and serve with the orange dipping sauce.

Notes

*To make it easy, pick up a package of chicken breast tenders (or chicken tenderloins) at the store. If you can't find them, you can make your own by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts lengthwise into ½- to 1-inch thick strips

Nutrition calculation is for the Coconut Chicken Tenders only and does not include the optional dipping sauce.

Nutrition