Crispy Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders with Apricot Dipping Sauce

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Kids love these crunchy coconut chicken tenders, and grown-ups do too. Chicken strips get dipped in egg and a seasoned coconut and flour coating, drizzled with butter and baked until golden. Serve with a sweet-and-tangy apricot Dijon dip, or slice them over a salad for an easy summer dinner.

Tips

• Cut even strips so they all finish at the same time.
• Use a rack on the baking sheet for extra crispness on both sides.
• Make nuggets by cutting the chicken into bite-size pieces. Start checking at 15 minutes.
• Try sweetened or unsweetened coconut. Sweetened browns faster, so watch it.

Mandie

Crispy Baked Coconut Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders in a seasoned coconut coating, baked until golden, with apricot Dijon dip.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 egg lightly beaten
• 1/3 cup butter melted

Apricot dipping sauce

• 1 cup apricot preserves
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

Method

 

Chicken

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Mix the coconut, flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder in a bowl.
2. Dip each strip in egg, then press into the coconut mixture. Place in a shallow baking pan.
3. Drizzle with the melted butter.
4. Bake about 25 minutes, turning once, until golden and 165°F inside.

Apricot dipping sauce

1. Stir the preserves and Dijon together until smooth.

Notes

Wash your hands after handling raw chicken.

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FAQ

Can I make these in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 380°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F.

Can I freeze them?

Yes. Freeze baked tenders and reheat in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes.

What else can I dip them in?

Honey mustard, sweet chili sauce or ranch.

You might also like:

• Basil Lemon Pepper Chicken
• Easy Chicken Quesadillas