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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders – tender chicken breaded in a delicious coconut panko mixture and baked to crispy perfection! Skip that trip to KFC!
Hey everyone, it’s Kelly back again from Life Made Sweeter. Today I’m sharing some delicious chicken tenders that are a family favorite.
If you asked my husband what he’d like for dinner every night, crispy fried chicken would be his first choice. He is obsessed with KFC’s perfectly crunchy coating!
With these Oven Fried Chicken Tenders, there’s no need to pull out that deep fryer. It’s so easy to make them in the oven and with less mess to clean up.
Plus, they’re better for you because the chicken is baked and not fried. My family loves that you still get that crispy crust on the outside.
The sweet tropical twist makes these chicken tenders even more delicious! You mix some sweetened coconut together with Panko crumbs to get an amazing crunch!
And the best part is, everyone will love that they can enjoy an extra piece without the added guilt!
Serve it with your favorite dip for an extra tasty treat!
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Oven Fried Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 12 tenders
- 4-5 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut, or crushed cornflakes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place 4-5 tablespoons unsalted butter on a 9x13-inch baking dish and melt it in the oven for a few minutes. Remove the baking dish once the butter is melted.
- In a large zip-top freezer bag, combine the ⅔ cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons sea salt, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Add the 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 12 tenders and shake well to coat, pressing through the bag. Set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, add the 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons milk, whisk well and set aside. In another shallow bowl, combine the 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup shredded sweetened coconut, 1 teaspoon dried basil, and 1 teaspoon dried parsley.
- Dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture then coat well in the panko mixture, pressing down to be sure the panko mixture sticks.
- Place the chicken onto the baking tray, and bake for 12 minutes, using tongs, carefully flip the chicken. Bake for another 6-8 minutes (depending on how thick your chicken pieces are). Finish by broiling for 1-2 minutes, or until chicken turns golden and crispy.
- Remove chicken and pat with paper towels. Enjoy immediately served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
100%
FRESH
FOOD
I Haven’t made this yet but it seems every time I try a crispy breaded chicken in the oven it ends up being soggy on one side, even before I pull it out. Any suggestions?
Oh bummer! That is not fun! I would recommend a higher temperature in the oven. This will make it crispy and cook in shorter amount of time. Hope that helps! XOXO
I found putting them on a cooling rack inside a cook sheet works to make them crisp up. May not need butter in the bottom of the pan though. Worked great for wings and been doing that for breasts too now.
I tried this and followed the recipe exactly. The breading didnt cook through for some reason even though a bits were burnt. They just look so ugly and not at all what was pictured, idk what i did wrong.
I am so sorry to hear this! I am not sure what went wrong. I hope you will be able to find another recipe that works out for you.
Can you do the first step with the flour, etc. and keep cold until you are ready? Can’t give star ratings as I haven’t tried it yet:)
Yes, I would think by keeping the chicken in the fridge in the bag for a few hours may be okay; however, I wouldn’t keep it longer than over night. I hope that helps and it still tastes the same for you! It is a great recipe to try! Thanks for your question. Xo
Your Recipe Critic,
Alyssa
I substituted coconut flour for wheat flour! Delicious!! Will definitely be serving this again.
I served it with hot pepper jelly, diluted with a bit of water and heated a few seconds in the microwave
Mmmm! That sounds great! What a great way to be inspired while cooking! Thanks for commenting!
Your Recipe Critic,
Alyssa
That is a great substitute! So happy you made it your own! Thanks for your comment!
Your Recipe Critic,
Alyssa
I wonder how it would taste to cook it with coconut oil, instead of butter?
What are some favorite dipping sauces that go with the Oven Fried Coconut Chicken Tenders recipe?
I make an orange marmalade & jalapeno sauce to put on top of my coconut chicken. Just buy a jar (or two depending how much chicken you are cooking), put it in your blender or food processor along with some chopped jalapeno. How much jalapeno depends on how hot you like it!
Amazing!! This is a mouthwatering recipe! Mixing coconut with Panko crumbs does add amazing crunchiness. Thanks for sharing the recipe.
Ooooh, I’ve always wanted to try coconut chicken at home! These look so good!!
How much butter?
4-5 tablespoons depending on how big your chicken pieces are.
Hey girl- these look so good!
love this variation! coconut shrimp was one of my favorites growing up, and this sounds like the breezier, weekday cousin (: