Baked Coconut Chicken Strips
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThere are certain flavors that remind me of the Caribbean. Coconut, cilantro, lime, and pineapple are a few that immediately come to mind.
As you may know, thanks to my friends at Carnival, last year I had the opportunity to sail the Caribbean with my mom. Stopping at various ports of call was a wonderful way to see a lot of places in the Caribbean. Taking advantage of the various shore excursions allowed us to experience many local activities and flavors.
One of my favorite excursions was “Salsa & Salsa and Margaritas” in Cozumel, Mexico. My mom and I made three different kinds of salsa, drank margaritas, and then learned how to salsa. It was some of the best aspects of that Caribbean island packed into one fun package.
While I’m not teaching you how to make salsa (or dance the salsa), I thought you might enjoy whipping up a dish inspired by the Caribbean – Baked Coconut Chicken Strips.
I’m a huge fan of coconut, whether sweet or savory, and these chicken strips are out-of-this-world-delicious. Baked in the oven, they are much healthier than the traditional fried chicken strips. However, they don’t lack in crunch. A mixture of coconut and panko crumbs give them a nice crunchy exterior.
Paired with homemade creamy honey-pineapple dipping sauce, these strips make a perfect appetizer or a main course for dinner. And, since I love dipping things. I decided to also pair these guys with a store-bought sweet chili sauce. The chicken goes deliciously with either. You could even serve these with this spicy peach salsa. Yum!
Let me walk you through the recipe.
And that’s it. Transport yourself to the Caribbean in under 30 minutes. Mentally at least. It’s that simple. Enjoy!
Baked Coconut Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Chicken Strips
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Sweet chili sauce optional
Creamy Honey-Pineapple Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple
- 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh lime juice
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven 350 degrees F. Brush a non-stick baking sheet with extra virgin olive oil. Set aside.
- Gather three bowls. In one bowl, combine flour, salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In the third bowl, combine the coconut and panko.
- Dip a chicken tenderloin into the flour, shaking off any excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the coconut and panko mixture. Place the chicken on the baking sheet. Repeat with all of the chicken.
- Bake on the middle of the rack for 15-18 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked. To prevent the coconut from getting to dark while baking, if necessary, lightly cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- For the creamy honey-pineapple dipping sauce, whisk together all of the ingredients and serve in a small bowl. An additional store-bought sweet chili sauce can also be served alongside the chicken.
I will be making these again! Delicious!
These look so good! I used to love the coconut shrimp at Red Lobster until I developed a severe seafood allergy. The dipping sauce even sounds similar to what they served. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Oh, wow. This I’m pinning AND printing–definitely going to make these! Thanks for helping me be a dinnertime heroine!
This would awesome with some grilled pineapple spears along side … Who am I kidding? Coconut chicken with pinapple sauce is awesome straight off teh baking sheet! Reminds me of those highly calorific coconut shrimp…