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These coconut cashew chicken fingers are a crunchy, flavorful twist on a classic dish. Coated with a fragrant blend of shredded coconut and crushed cashews, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and a nutty sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the tender chicken. Quick to prepare and delightful to eat, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/2 cup cashews, finely crushed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Coconut oil or vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken (5 minutes): Cut chicken into finger-sized strips, if not pre-cut.
  2. Set Up Dredging Station (5 minutes): Arrange three bowls for dredging: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with a mixture of shredded coconut and crushed cashews.
  3. Dredge Chicken (10 minutes): Coat each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip in beaten egg, and then press into the coconut-cashew mixture until well-coated.
  4. Preheat Oil (5 minutes): Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/2 inch.
  5. Fry Chicken Fingers (10-12 minutes): In batches, place coated chicken fingers in the hot oil. Fry for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
  6. Drain (2 minutes): Once cooked, transfer the chicken fingers to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
  7. Serve (1 minute): Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce, like sweet chili or a honey-mustard mix.

Notes

The tropical taste of coconut and the richness of cashews turn these chicken fingers into a mini escape with each bite. They’re perfect for a party platter or a fun dinner for kids and adults alike. For an even healthier version, bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes instead of frying.

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition