Description
Crispy Coconut Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a crunchy mixture of panko breadcrumbs and sweet shredded coconut, then pan-fried to golden perfection. This recipe combines savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect appetizer or main course to serve with rice or fries.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or plain)
For Frying
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the Chicken: Start by slicing the boneless skinless chicken breasts into ½ inch thick strips to ensure even cooking and easy breading.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken strips evenly with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to enhance the flavor before breading.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow dishes: place ½ cup all-purpose flour in the first dish, whisk together 1 large egg and 2 tablespoons milk in the second, and combine ¾ cup sweetened shredded coconut with ¾ cup breadcrumbs in the third.
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg and milk mixture, and finally coat thoroughly with the coconut and breadcrumb mixture for a crispy crust.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a skillet to a depth suitable for frying and heat it over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the coated chicken strips in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from oil and drain briefly on paper towels. Serve hot alongside rice or fries for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Nutrition values are estimates and can vary depending on the specific products used.
- For extra crispiness, use Panko breadcrumbs as opposed to regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying to prevent soggy coating.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice, fries, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
