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Appetizer bowl featuring crunchy chicken tenders with a fresh green accent.

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are golden, crunchy chicken strips coated in coconut and breadcrumbs, then served with a sweet and spicy pineapple-orange dipping sauce.
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Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tropical-Inspired
Keyword: Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 0

Ingredients

For the Dipping Sauce

  • 1 can 8 oz crushed pineapple
  • 1 orange juiced
  • 1 tsp chili paste or less for a milder sauce

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 3/4 c tapioca flour
  • 2 eggs lightly beaten with 2 tbsp water
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 1 c finely shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1 c gluten-free breadcrumbs
  • 2 chicken breasts cut into thin strips
  • Coconut oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Dipping Sauce

  • In the bowl of a mini food processor, combine the crushed pineapple, orange juice, and chili paste.
  • Pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth.
  • Transfer the sauce to a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
  • Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the sauce to a bowl and refrigerate until completely cool and ready to serve.

Prepare the Chicken Tenders

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a cooling rack on top. Set aside.
  • Arrange three shallow dishes on a work surface. Place the tapioca flour in the first dish, the beaten eggs and water in the second dish, and the shredded coconut mixed with the breadcrumbs in the third dish.
  • Season each dish with salt and black pepper. Stir the coconut and breadcrumbs together thoroughly.
  • Coat each chicken strip first in the tapioca flour, shaking off any excess.
  • Dip the floured chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated and allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Transfer the chicken strip to the coconut-breadcrumb mixture and press gently so the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess coating and place the breaded chicken on a plate.
  • Repeat with the remaining chicken strips.
  • Heat about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil in a large skillet over high heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, add a few chicken strips to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
  • Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
  • Transfer the browned chicken strips to the rack on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Repeat the process with the remaining chicken, adding more coconut oil to the skillet as needed.
  • Bake the chicken tenders for 10 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Serve hot with the chilled dipping sauce.

Notes

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are already written with gluten-free breadcrumbs, but it is still important to verify that all packaged ingredients are certified gluten free. Check the tapioca flour, breadcrumbs, chili paste, crushed pineapple, and any seasoning blends for hidden gluten or possible cross-contact during processing. If you are preparing this recipe for someone with celiac disease or a strong gluten intolerance, make sure your skillet, cooling rack, baking sheet, tongs, food processor, bowls, and work surfaces are thoroughly cleaned before use.