Golden Coconut Chicken Fingers with Apricot-Mustard Dipping Sauce
Delight in these golden, crispy coconut chicken fingers that offer a perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Made with tender chicken breasts coated in a coconut-almond breadcrumb mix, these bites are baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. To elevate the experience, serve them with a zesty apricot-mustard dipping sauce that adds a delightful sweetness and tang. Perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a fun, interactive meal with the family, these chicken fingers will be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shredded coconut
1 cup (Unsweetened, finely shredded)
All-purpose flour
1/2 cup (Sifted)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Kosher or sea salt)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (Freshly ground)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (Ground)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 lbs (Cut into 1-inch strips)
Egg
1 (Lightly beaten)
Butter
1/3 cup (Melted)
Apricot preserves
1 cup (No preparation needed)
Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2
In a flat dish, combine the shredded coconut, flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder; mix well to create an even coating.
3
In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg until smooth. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
4
Take the chicken strips and dip each one first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then roll it in the coconut mixture until fully coated. Place them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
5
Once all the chicken strips are coated, drizzle melted butter over the top of the chicken for added flavor and crispness.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, turning the strips halfway to ensure even cooking.
7
During the last 10 minutes of baking, you can prepare the dipping sauce by mixing the apricot preserves and Dijon mustard together in a bowl until well combined.
8
Remove the chicken fingers from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving with the apricot-mustard dipping sauce on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Golden Coconut Chicken Fingers?
They are crispy chicken strips coated in a coconut-almond breadcrumb mix and baked until golden brown.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
How should I prepare the baking sheet?
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
What ingredients are in the coconut coating?
The coating consists of shredded coconut, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
What kind of coconut should I use?
The recipe calls for one cup of unsweetened, finely shredded coconut.
How do I prepare the egg for dipping?
Lightly beat one egg in a separate bowl until it is smooth.
How should the chicken breasts be cut?
The boneless skinless chicken breasts should be cut into 1-inch strips.
What is the step-by-step coating process?
Dip each chicken strip into the beaten egg, let excess drip off, then roll it in the coconut mixture.
How should I arrange the chicken on the baking sheet?
Place the coated chicken strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
When do I add the butter to the chicken?
Drizzle the melted butter over the top of the chicken strips after they have been placed on the baking sheet.
How long does the chicken need to bake?
The chicken fingers bake for approximately 25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
Should I flip the chicken while it is baking?
Yes, turn the strips halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and browning.
What ingredients are needed for the dipping sauce?
The sauce requires one cup of apricot preserves and two tablespoons of Dijon mustard.
How do I make the apricot-mustard sauce?
Simply mix the apricot preserves and Dijon mustard together in a bowl until well combined.
When should I prepare the dipping sauce?
You can prepare the sauce during the last 10 minutes while the chicken is finishing in the oven.
Should the chicken cool before serving?
Yes, let the chicken fingers cool slightly before serving them with the sauce.
Is this recipe fried or baked?
These chicken fingers are baked, offering a healthier twist on the classic fried version.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of flour is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sifted all-purpose flour.
What seasonings are added to the coating?
Salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground garlic powder are used for seasoning.
What kind of salt is recommended?
Kosher or sea salt is recommended for the best flavor.
How much butter is used?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of melted butter.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a kid-friendly meal that is fun and interactive.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Absolutely, these chicken fingers are perfect as an appetizer for gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 10 ingredients required to make this dish and the sauce.
What flavor profile does the sauce provide?
The apricot-mustard sauce adds a delightful sweetness and tang to the dish.
What texture should the chicken have?
The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside while remaining tender inside.
Can I use regular mustard?
The recipe specifically recommends Dijon mustard for its specific flavor profile.
Does the coconut need to be sweetened?
No, the recipe specifies using unsweetened coconut to control the sweetness.
Is there any preparation needed for the apricot preserves?
No preparation is needed; just mix them directly with the mustard.