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–+ servings
Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders

Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders That Beat Fast Food Any Day

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders are gluten-free, dairy-free, and offer a delicious tropical crunch, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 tenders
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: Tropical
Calories: 300
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Tenders
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts cut into strips
  • 1/2 cup Coconut Flour provides a gluten-free breading base
  • 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs add extra crunch; use gluten-free if needed
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut avoid sweetened varieties for balance
  • 1/4 cup Coconut Oil for pan-frying
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper fresh cracked black pepper preferred
For the Cashew Crema
  • 1/4 cup Cilantro fresh herb
  • 1 cup Cashews soaked
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice or substitute with lemon juice

Equipment

  • Blender
  • skillet
  • baking sheet
  • shallow bowls
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Preparation and Cooking
  1. Slice the chicken breasts into tender strips and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up a breading station with coconut flour, whisked eggs, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and unsweetened shredded coconut.
  3. Dredge each chicken strip in coconut flour, dip in eggs, and then coat with the panko-coconut mixture.
  4. Heat coconut oil in a skillet and pan-fry the chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  5. Transfer the cooked tenders to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for an additional 15 minutes.
  6. Blend soaked cashews, lime juice, cilantro, and salt until smooth to make the Cilantro Lime Cashew Crema.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tenderCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 350mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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