This baked coconut crusted chicken is the perfect way to bring the tropical beaches to your dinner table. Each bite is packed full of shredded coconut, battered chicken, and hints of black pepper creating the perfect sweet-savory flavor combination. You’re going to love how easy this recipe is!

piece of chicken with coconut on top on a plate — Source: Plum Branch Home

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Our favorite side to eat with this coconut crusted chicken is coconut brown rice. It’s the perfect addition to this tropical meal. Another great option we love is mashed potatoes from scratch topped with brown gravy.

Coconut Crusted Chicken Recipe Inspiration

With spring on its way and Easter coming closer, I wanted to create a few supper recipes inspired by the changing of seasons. Also, I found a package of shredded coconut in the cabinet that needed to be used up so I pulled it out and started getting creative. This led me to develop a tasty spring inspired recipe for the blog!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super easy to whip up on a week night
Each ingredient is wholesome, so no added seed oils or junk
Healthier option than store bought or fried
Your whole family will love this chicken

piece of breaded chicken on a plate with coconut shavings — Source: Plum Branch Home

Making Ahead Tips

If you want to make this recipe for a busy night, you can do 2 things. You can either whip up the dry breading and the wet mixture before hand and place them in the fridge until you’re ready. Or you can bread the chicken ahead of time and place it in the fridge up to 12 hours before baking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dry Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper

Wet Mixture

1 egg
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 tsp pure maple syrup

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need (affiliate links)

How to Make Coconut Crusted Chicken

mixing a bowl of dry breading — Source: Plum Branch Home

Mix dry ingredients together with a spoon in a bowl until combined, set to the side.

whisking eggs and milk in a bowl — Source: Plum Branch Home

In another bowl, whisk wet ingredients together until combine and smooth.

dredging pieces of chicken — Source: Plum Branch Home

Dredge each chicken breast by dipping in the wet mixture, letting excess drip off, then dipping in the dry mixture, ensuring the chicken is coated. Then repeat back into the wet and once again into the dry.

Repeat this process with the second chicken breast.

Place each breaded chicken breast on a large sheet pan 2 inches apart lined with parchment or greased lightly.

flipping chicken half way through baking — Source: Plum Branch Home

Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes, flipping the chicken half way through.

Let rest 2-3 mins before serving and enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

My favorite way to store leftover chicken is to place it into an air-tight, freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer up to 2 months. The flavor is preserved and the breading doesn’t get soggy! You can also store it in the fridge for 2 days but I recommend the freezer instead.

Reheating Leftovers

When you’re ready to eat your leftover chicken, place it frozen into the oven on a sheet pan at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes until warm. It’ll taste like you just made it!

Best Sides to Serve with Coconut Crusted Chicken

piece of breaded chicken on a plate cut in half with a fork — Source: Plum Branch Home

Recipe FAQ

How to get a good crust on chicken?

Using high heat whether it’s in the oven or in a pan creates a good crust on the chicken.

Can you use more coconut to replace the breadcrumbs?

Yes, you could use more coconut to replace the breadcrumbs. I recommend using more flour to replace the breadcrumbs with a 1:1 swap.

What breadcrumbs should I use?

I recommend making your own breadcrumbs at home from bread either sourdough or regular.

Can I use shredded coconut instead of desiccated coconut?

Oh yes, I use shredded coconut but you can use either for this recipe.

Is desiccated coconut just shredded coconut?

Desiccated coconut is basically ground coconut while shredded coconut is pieces.

Are chicken tenders healthy?

When they’re made at home from scratch, yes they can be! Like this chicken recipe, when it doesn’t call for seed oils (any oil beside olive or avocado), additives, excessive salt, it’s much healthier.

More Chicken Recipes To Try

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