Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for baked coconut chicken, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Chicken – I used boneless skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips, but you can also make this coconut chicken recipe with whole chicken breasts or even boneless skinless chicken thighs. Wholesome Yum Coconut Flour – It’s perfect for dredging (which helps the egg stick to the chicken), enhances the coconut flavor of this dish, and is naturally gluten free. Eggs – These help the breading stick. Use eggs straight from the refrigerator if you can, as cold eggs help create a better binding effect. Coconut Flakes – I prefer unsweetened coconut flakes which are still mildly sweet on their own, but if you want a sweeter flavor, you could use sweetened ones (if you don’t mind the added sugar) or mix them with a little sugar substitute of your choice if you like. Spices – Garlic powder, smoked paprika (or regular works), sea salt, and black pepper. Simple!
How To Make Coconut Chicken
This section shows how to make coconut crusted chicken, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store: Although best served fresh, you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat: You can warm up coconut chicken in the oven at 350 degrees F, or in the air fryer for even crispier results. Freeze: You can freeze coconut chicken before or after baking. To meal prep for later, assemble them (but don’t bake) and freeze in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip lock bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Bake from frozen when ready to eat (it will take longer). If you’re freezing leftovers, you can freeze them using the same method for up to 3 months, and just reheat.
What To Serve With Coconut Chicken
Coconut chicken goes with almost anything! Here are some ideas: Although this coconut chicken recipe is pretty easy, here are a few tips I’ve picked up along the way:
Pound the chicken to the same thickness. This will ensure that they cook at the same rate. If some are thicker than others, the timing will vary and the thinner ones will dry out by the time the thicker ones are done. Small coconut flakes stick better. If you have big flakes, pour the coconut flakes into a zip lock bag and seal. Pound the bag several times to break up the flakes into smaller pieces. Work in batches to prevent clumping. Instead of dipping the egg-dipped chicken directly into the coconut flakes mixture, add just some of it to an extra bowl and dip in that. Once you run out, add more. This prevents the breading mixture from getting too wet from the egg and starting to clump. Use two hands. Use one hand for the flour, switch hands for the egg dip, and return to the initial hand for rolling in coconut flakes. This reduces clumping and ensures a smooth coating process. Don’t skip the wire rack. It’s the difference between slightly crispy and super crispy coconut chicken!
Dipping Sauce – These tenders pair particularly well with honey mustard… try my 5-minute sugar-free honey mustard pictured above! But you could also go with classic ranch or BBQ sauce. Salad – The restaurant that inspired this coconut chicken recipe used to offer them over a salad with mandarin oranges and honey mustard dressing, but I also like them over a simple arugula salad. Fries – A side of garlic parmesan fries makes the perfect side, but if you want a faster method, try air fryer french fries. For lighter options try zucchini fries. Vegetables – The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with roasted delicata squash. For a classic healthy meal, serve coconut chicken with simple roasted cauliflower, sweet air fryer carrots, or mixed air fryer vegetables to use up anything you have on hand.
More Baked Chicken Recipes
Are you in the mood to try out some new baked chicken recipes? Try these next: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email.
