Description
Crunchy coconut chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring crispy chicken cutlets coated in a sweet and savory coconut-panko breading. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 4 cutlets)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp milk (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 tsp salt (for the breading)
- 3–4 tbsp oil for frying (canola/vegetable/avocado), or cooking spray for baking
- Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep chicken: Pat chicken cutlets dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up dredge: Place flour in a shallow bowl. Whisk eggs (and milk) in a second bowl. In a third bowl, mix panko + shredded coconut + 1/2 tsp salt.
- Coat: Dredge each cutlet in flour, dip in egg, then press firmly into the coconut-panko mixture until fully coated.
- Cook (pan-fry option): Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook cutlets 3–4 minutes per side until deep golden and cooked through (165°F internal).
- Bake option: Bake at 425°F on a greased rack/baking sheet for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F internal.
- Serve: Rest 2 minutes. Slice and serve with slaw, lime wedges, and sweet chili sauce if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by repeating the dredging process.
- Use unsweetened coconut for a less sweet flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fry or Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cutlet
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: crunchy coconut chicken, crispy coconut chicken, coconut chicken cutlets, coconut panko chicken, baked coconut chicken, easy chicken dinner