Indulge with me—in the delightful crunch of these sweet and crispy Healthy Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders. A healthier twist on a classic favorite, these tenders are baked to perfection. Coated in a blend of spiced almond flour and coconut flakes, making them gluten-free, dairy-free, and incredibly delicious. Say goodbye to greasy restaurant tenders and hello to a healthy burst of flavor with every bite! 🥥🍗

While chicken tenders are a beloved dish, many restaurant versions are full of high calorie and unhealthy ingredients. That’s why I love making my own healthy versions and recipes at home. There are so many ways to make the meals you crave a little bit healthier! So enjoy these Sweet and Crispy Healthy Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders with me.

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How to Make Healthy Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders

The ingredients for this easy chicken tender recipe are really simple, and most of the time I already have everything I need in the pantry!

Ingredients

4 Chicken Breasts
1 Cup Coconut Milk
2 Eggs
1 Lime juice
1 Tablespoon Honey
1 Cup Almond Flour
2 Cups Coconut Flakes unsweet
1/2 Tablespoon Garlic Powder
1 Teaspoon Paprika
1 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Pepper

Step-By-Step

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Get out the chicken breasts and cut them into strips. I get about 6 chicken tenders per chicken breast.

In a small bowl, combine the eggs, coconut milk, lime juice, and honey. Whisk it together and set aside. In another bowl, combine the almond flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Get out a third bowl and add the coconut flakes.

You will then take each chicken tender and dip it in the first bowl with the almond flour mixture. Next, you’ll dip the tender in the second bowl with the egg mixture. Last but not least, you’ll dip the chicken tender in the third bowl with the unsweetened coconut flakes. Be sure each chicken tender gets completely coated in each mixture.

Once each tender is coated, place the strips on a baking rack, be sure that they are not touching. If you don’t have a baking rack, you can use a baking sheet covered in tinfoil.

Bake the coconut crusted chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken is generally safe to eat when it reaches 165°F.

For that extra crunch, broil for a few minutes at the end of baking the tenders. I usually do this for the last 2-3 minutes of the cook time. Be sure to keep a watch on the oven so they don’t burn.

Remove them from the rack and serve with your favorite Thai Chili dipping sauce!

Putting the tenders on the cooking rack.

A Tip for the Sweet Tooth

I love the sweetness in these chicken tenders, so if you’re like me—I have a little tip to turn the sweet element up a notch! When I set the oven to broil, I like to drizzle a small amount of honey over each chicken tender. This gives it that delicious candied flavor and extra sweetness!

How to NOT Make Chicken Tenders Dry Out?

This is a great question, and sadly a common mistake! To know you’re not overcooking your baked coconut crusted chicken tenders, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature throughout baking. Chicken is generally safe to eat when it reaches 165°F. You’re shooting to have the chicken tenders golden brown and crispy on the outside, indicating that they’re cooked through without being overdone. If you notice the coconut coating is browning too quickly, cover the chicken with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can always pull one tender out of the oven and check the middle if you don’t have a meat thermometer. If you accidentally overcook the chicken, not to fear!! Use a lot of your favorite dipping sauce to mask the dryness!

Recipe Alternatives & Variations!

For a twist on the classic recipe, you can experiment with various spices and seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking. My recipe is a gluten-free, and dairy-free option and uses almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Coconut flour is another great option, but of course use whatever flour suits your preference! If you are allergic to eggs, use use more honey in place of the egg for more stickiness. These simple swaps can add new flavors, textures, and cater to dietary needs while still keeping this coconut crusted chicken healthy and delicious!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make coconut crusted chicken tenders healthy?

By using almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and baking instead of frying, you can make coconut crusted chicken tenders healthier. That’s why I decided to go that route with this recipe. Also, the flavor is amazing.

Are coconut crusted chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free ingredients such as almond flour and ensure the coconut flakes are gluten-free, these chicken tenders can be gluten-free

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! I’d suggest proteins such as tofu or fish to make coconut crusted tenders.

What dipping sauce pairs well with coconut crusted chicken tenders?

I love to dip these in a sweet Thai chili sauce. A mango salsa, yogurt-based dip, or barbecue sauce can complement the flavors of coconut crusted chicken tenders as well!

How long should I bake coconut crusted chicken tenders?

Bake them for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the coating is crispy. You will know they’re done when the internal temperature has reached 165°F.

Can coconut crusted chicken tenders be reheated?

Yes, you can reheat them in the oven or toaster oven to maintain their crispiness.

Can I freeze coconut crusted chicken tenders?

Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Simply thaw and reheat as usual when ready to eat.

What are the health benefits of using coconut in this recipe?

Coconut is rich in healthy fats and adds a delicious flavor to the chicken tenders.

Enjoy!

These sweet and crispy coconut crusted chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried tenders. With a perfect blend of sweet & savory flavors, not to mention a satisfying crunch—they are sure to be a hit. Plus, they are gluten-free and dairy-free, making them suitable for those with dietary restrictions. So, why not treat yourself to a batch of these delicious tenders and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy 🥥

If you want to keep the coconut theme going—try my Coconut Lime White Chocolate Clusters for dessert!

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