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Crunchy Coconut Chicken

Crunchy Coconut Chicken
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Crunchy Coconut Chicken is a quick and easy tropical-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden coconut and panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers delicious crunch and vibrant flavor in under 30 minutes, with simple pantry ingredients and versatile serving options.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Coating

  • 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Frying

  • 1/4 to 1/2 cup neutral cooking oil (canola or vegetable oil)

Optional

  • Lime or lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces for quicker cooking and better coating coverage. Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour to create a dry base. Next, dip into the beaten eggs to help the coating stick, then press into the coconut and panko mixture to cover completely, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum crunch.
  3. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer (fry in batches if necessary). Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side or until the crust is golden and crisp, and the chicken is fully cooked inside. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
  4. Serve Warm and Enjoy: Optionally squeeze lime or lemon juice over the cooked chicken to add a bright, zesty finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the full crispness and juicy tenderness in every bite.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded coconut for more aroma and texture compared to dried or sweetened varieties.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
  • Maintain the oil temperature carefully; too hot will burn the coating, too cool will make it soggy.
  • Pat chicken dry before breading to help coatings stick better.
  • Let chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to redistribute juices and enhance juiciness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crunchy Coconut Chicken, coconut crust chicken, quick chicken recipe, tropical chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken, crispy chicken, easy dinner

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/crunchy-coconut-chicken/