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Crunchy Coconut Chicken

Crunchy Coconut Chicken

Crunchy Coconut Chicken features tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy coconut and panko breadcrumb crust, delivering a perfect balance of savory and tropical sweet flavors. Easy to prepare and versatile for various meals, this dish offers a satisfying crunch with every bite, ideal for family dinners or parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Coating

  • 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Cooking

  • 1/4 cup cooking oil (neutral oil with high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Trim chicken breasts or thighs and slice into strips or leave whole as desired. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure coating sticks well.
  2. Set Up the Coating Stations: Place flour on a plate and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder if using. Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. On a third plate, combine shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs evenly.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip thoroughly into beaten eggs. Press firmly into the coconut and panko mixture, ensuring full coverage on all sides.
  4. Cook Until Golden and Crispy: Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.

Notes

  • Pat chicken dry for better coating adhesion and crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to avoid steaming.
  • Use unsweetened, fresh shredded coconut for best flavor.
  • Press coating firmly onto chicken to prevent falling off during cooking.
  • Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crunchy Coconut Chicken, Coconut Chicken, Tropical Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Gluten-Free Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe