Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 1 cup coconut flakes (sweetened or unsweetened)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • Pinch of paprika
  • 2 lbs chicken tenders

Instruction

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Set an oven-safe wire rack over top of a rimmed sheet pan and spray the rack well with cooking spray.
  • Place the flaked coconut in the bowl of a food processor and pulse a few times until the flakes are broken up into small pieces. Alternatively you can chop the coconut flakes on a cutting board with a knife. Pour out the coconut to a bowl, add the panko, and stir to combine evenly.
  • Add the eggs and the milk to a separate bowl and beat with a whisk until creamy and combined.
  • Add the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika to a separate, third bowl and whisk to mix in evenly.
  • Arrange your three bowls in this order: flour, egg, coconut/panko, with the coconut/panko bowl right next to the pan with the sprayed rack. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
  • Take the first chicken tender and press all sides of it into the seasoned flour, tapping off any excess. Then submerge it into the egg mixture being sure to coat all sides. Hold the tender above the bowl for a few seconds afterwards so the excess egg drips back in, then press the chicken tender into the coconut/panko to coat completely.
  • Place the coated chicken tender onto the prepared rack. Repeat for the remaining tenders, leaving just a little bit of space between tenders on the rack.
  • Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the pan and flip each tender over. Bake for an additional 7-15 minutes (see notes on range), or until the internal temperature registered from the center of the largest tender reaches 165°F, with no pink remaining. Tenders can really vary in size so taking the temperature is the best way to know when your particular ones are fully cooked.
  • If desired once the tenders are fully cooked, switch the oven to the broil setting and broil for a minute or so on each side to achieve a golden-brown color before serving.