Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! These Crispy Coconut Chicken Fingers are not just your ordinary chicken strips; they are a delightful blend of crunchy breadcrumbs and sweet, shredded coconut that creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe promises to impress your guests and leave them craving more. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll be serving up a plate of golden, crispy goodness in no time. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup flour
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into strips, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking. Season the strips with salt and pepper to taste.
- Set up a breading station. In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow dish, beat the two eggs until well combined. In a third shallow dish, mix the shredded coconut and breadcrumbs together.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the strip in the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating. Repeat this process for all chicken strips.
- In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers, which indicates it is hot enough for frying.
- Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken fingers for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Sprinkle with a little more salt if desired.
- Serve the crispy coconut chicken fingers warm, alongside your favorite dipping sauces, such as sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy your delicious and crunchy meal!
Tips
- Uniform Chicken Strips: Ensure your chicken strips are cut into uniform sizes for even cooking. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color all around.
- Breading Station: Set up a dedicated breading station with flour, eggs, and the coconut-breadcrumb mixture. This organized approach makes the process smoother and less messy.
- Press the Coating: When rolling the chicken strips in the coconut and breadcrumb mixture, press gently to ensure the coating adheres well. This will give you an extra crispy exterior.
- Oil Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A shimmering surface indicates it's ready. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken strips in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to uneven cooking.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the chicken fingers on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. This keeps them crispy and light.
- Dipping Sauces: Serve your crispy coconut chicken fingers with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, honey mustard, or barbecue for an extra flavor kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 183mg
