Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

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Crispy, juicy, and packed with tropical flavor, these Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips are a game-changer for dinner, snacks, or party platters. Each bite delivers the perfect crunch from the golden coconut coating, followed by tender, flavorful chicken that’s been marinated to perfection. Whether you’re serving them with a sweet chili dip or a classic honey mustard, these strips are irresistible and will disappear fast.

This recipe brings a taste of the islands to your kitchen without complicated prep or exotic ingredients. It’s family-friendly, perfect for picky eaters, and makes an impressive appetizer or light meal. Plus, they’re oven-baked or air-fried, so you can enjoy all the crispiness with less oil. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so special.

Why You’ll Love This Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips Recipe

• Super crunchy exterior with a naturally sweet coconut flavor
• Kid-approved and great for family dinners or lunchboxes
• Easy to prep ahead and cook when ready
• Versatile: serve as a main dish, finger food, or part of a tropical platter
• Can be baked or air-fried for a healthier option

What Kind of Coconut Should I Use for the Chicken Strips?

For the best texture and flavor, use unsweetened shredded coconut. It gives a rich, toasty taste without overwhelming sweetness and crisps up beautifully when baked or fried. Sweetened coconut can be used if you like a slightly sugary crunch, but be mindful it may brown faster due to the sugar content. Pair it with panko breadcrumbs to ensure an extra crispy coating that doesn’t fall off during cooking.

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Ingredients for the Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in making these chicken strips crisp, flavorful, and tender. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts: The star of the dish—choose tenderloins or slice breasts into strips for uniform cooking and easy coating.
• Buttermilk: This helps tenderize the chicken and gives a flavorful base for the coating to stick.
• Garlic powder and paprika: Add warmth and depth to the chicken marinade.
• Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning to enhance all the other flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the first layer that helps the egg and coating stick.
• Eggs: Binds everything together for a solid crust.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Gives the chicken that extra crunch and golden color.
• Unsweetened shredded coconut: The key to the tropical, nutty flavor and irresistible crispy texture.
• Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil: Helps the coating crisp up beautifully if baking or air-frying.

How To Make the Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix to coat well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge to tenderize and build flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Stations

Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut. This triple coating method ensures an ultra-crispy crust that sticks.

Step 3: Dredge and Coat

Remove each chicken strip from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour, dip in the egg, and press into the coconut-panko mixture, ensuring every inch is coated.

Step 4: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Place strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment and lightly spray with oil. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Or air fry at 375°F for 14–16 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

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How to Serve and Store Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips

These chicken strips are best served hot and fresh out of the oven or air fryer while the coating is still crispy. They make a fantastic main course or party appetizer and can also be packed into lunchboxes. This recipe yields about 4 servings, making it great for a family dinner or casual get-together.

To store leftovers, let the strips cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results when reheating, use an oven or air fryer to regain the crispy texture—microwaving may make them soggy.

What to Serve With Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips?

1. Sweet Chili Sauce

A classic pairing that enhances the coconut flavor with a tangy, spicy-sweet kick.

2. Pineapple Salsa

Fresh and fruity, pineapple salsa adds a refreshing contrast and island vibes to every bite.

3. Coconut Rice

Double down on coconut flavor with a side of fluffy, fragrant coconut rice.

4. Mango Slaw

Crunchy, colorful, and slightly tangy, mango slaw complements the crispy chicken perfectly.

5. Garlic Lime Aioli

This creamy dip adds a zesty punch and balances the sweetness of the coconut.

6. Cucumber Salad

Cool and crisp, it lightens up the meal and adds freshness to each plate.

7. Fries or Sweet Potato Wedges

A more classic pairing—either type works great to round out the meal with comfort-food flair.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
Yes, but keep in mind it will result in a sweeter flavor and may brown more quickly. If you like a slightly caramelized finish, sweetened coconut can be a fun twist.

What’s the best way to reheat the chicken strips?
Reheat them in the oven at 375°F or in an air fryer to maintain their crispy coating. Avoid the microwave as it tends to soften the crust.

Can I freeze these chicken strips?
Absolutely! After baking, let them cool, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Always check labels to be safe.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer or dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you bake or air fry them? Did you try a different dip?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and share the joy of great food.

Follow me for more easy meals, tropical treats, and family favorites: Meals We Share by Sally on Pinterest

Conclusion

Golden Coconut Crusted Chicken Strips are a must-try whether you’re feeding kids, entertaining friends, or simply craving something crispy and satisfying. With a flavorful marinade, a crunchy coconut-panko crust, and a whole world of serving possibilities, they’re the kind of dish you’ll come back to again and again. Give them a try and make your dinner feel like a tropical escape.

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