Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders

If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and packed with the perfect blend of coconut and chicken, then these Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders are the recipe you need in your life! Coated in a coconut-based breading, these tenders are baked to golden perfection, giving you a delicious, guilt-free snack or main dish. Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle or simply looking for a healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, this recipe is an absolute winner. Pair it with a low-carb dipping sauce, and you’ll have a dish that satisfies all your savory cravings.

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Why You’ll Love Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders

These Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful! The shredded coconut coating gives them that deliciously crunchy texture, while the chicken inside remains tender and moist. The best part? They’re low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly, so you can indulge without feeling guilty. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these tenders are versatile, easy to make, and utterly irresistible.

My Personal Experience

When I first tried these Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders, I was honestly amazed at how perfectly they turned out. I’ve always loved coconut-flavored dishes, but I wasn’t sure how it would work with chicken. But after the first bite, I was hooked! The crispy coconut coating gives it such a unique flavor, and the chicken inside stays perfectly tender. I found myself enjoying these as a quick snack and even as a main dish for dinner. Honestly, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again.

Required Equipment

To make these Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few simple pieces of kitchen equipment that will help you create this crispy dish in no time.

• Baking Sheet: A good baking sheet is essential for even cooking. I always line mine with parchment paper to ensure the tenders don’t stick, making cleanup so much easier.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls to coat the chicken in the dry and wet ingredients. I use a medium-sized bowl for the shredded coconut and a larger one for the egg wash.
• Tongs or Fork: Tongs are super handy for dipping the chicken into the coating, but if you don’t have them, a fork works just as well!
• Oven: A reliable oven is key here to bake the tenders to a perfect crispy golden brown. I recommend preheating your oven ahead of time to make sure the tenders cook evenly.

Each piece of equipment plays a vital role in ensuring that your Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• Chicken Tenders (or Chicken Breast): 1 lb (about 450g). You can also use chicken breast cut into strips if you don’t have tenders.
• Shredded Unsweetened Coconut: 1 cup. This is the star of the recipe and gives the tenders their crispy texture. You can substitute it with almond meal for a different texture, but it won’t give you the same coconut flavor.
• Almond Flour: 1/4 cup. This helps the coconut stick to the chicken and adds an extra crispy texture.
• Eggs: 2 large. The egg wash helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: 1 tsp. Adds a little extra flavor to the coating. You can substitute it with onion powder or even a pinch of smoked paprika.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Always make sure to season your food well for the best flavor.
• Olive Oil Spray: A light spray for crispiness. You can also use avocado oil if you prefer.

How to Make Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tenders from sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Prepare the Breading In one bowl, mix the shredded coconut, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth and well-combined. The egg wash will help the coconut coating stick to the chicken tenders.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the coconut mixture. Use tongs or a fork to press the coconut into the chicken so it sticks well.

Step 4: Bake the Tenders Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart. Lightly spray them with olive oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy Once your tenders are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. These are delicious as is, or you can pair them with a low-carb dipping sauce like ranch or sugar-free BBQ sauce.

Tips for this Recipe

• Make sure to coat the chicken well: Press the shredded coconut mixture onto the chicken tenders so the coating sticks properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the tenders on the baking sheet: If the tenders are too close together, they won’t get crispy on all sides. Give them some space to cook evenly.
• For extra crispiness: You can use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the tenders for extra crispiness.

Optional Additions

• Spices: For a bit of extra flavor, try adding cayenne pepper or paprika to the coconut breading mix. It adds a little heat and smokiness that pairs perfectly with the coconut.
• Cheese: If you’re not strictly keto, you can add a little grated Parmesan to the breading for an extra savory kick.

Serving Ideas

These Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders make an excellent main dish for lunch or dinner. Serve them with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced, low-carb meal. You can also enjoy them as a snack with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces like ranch or spicy mustard.

Storage Recommendations

Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. You can also reheat them in an air fryer for extra crispiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these Keto Coconut Chicken Tenders ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the tenders and coat them the night before. Just cover them and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.
2. Can I freeze the chicken tenders? Absolutely! You can freeze the tenders before or after baking. If you freeze them before baking, just pop them in the oven directly from the freezer when you’re ready to cook.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Total Carbs: 7g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 21g

We’d love to hear how this recipe turned out for you! 😊 Be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily keto inspiration and delicious recipes. If you’re new to keto, get started with our Keto Diet Plan for Beginners: Step-by-Step Guide and begin your journey toward a healthier, low-carb lifestyle!