COCONUT CHICKEN TENDERS WITH CREAMY CARIBBEAN SALSA

Coconut Chicken Tenders with Creamy Caribbean Salsa image

This coconut chicken tenders recipe is such a fun change of pace. The salsa's tropical flavor makes the dish fresh and bright. -Jane Estrin, Jacksonville, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained
1 medium jicama, peeled and chopped
1 medium sweet red pepper, chopped
1 medium mango, peeled and chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and quartered
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh gingerroot
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cups buttermilk
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
4 large egg whites
1/4 cup water
3 cups panko bread crumbs
1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 tablespoons sesame seeds
2 teaspoons paprika
Cooking spray

Steps:

Place the first 10 ingredients in a food processor; pulse until finely chopped but not pureed, 5 to 6 times. Transfer to a bowl; fold in sour cream. Cover and refrigerate until serving. In a shallow dish, combine chicken and buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. , Preheat oven to 400°. In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt and pepper. In another shallow dish, whisk together egg whites and water. In a third shallow dish, stir together panko, coconut, sesame seeds and paprika. Drain chicken. Dip chicken, a few pieces at a time, in flour mixture to coat; shake off excess. Dip in egg mixture, then in panko mixture, patting to help coating adhere., Place chicken on lightly greased baking sheets; spritz with cooking spray. Bake until chicken is no longer pink, 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through cooking and spritzing with additional cooking spray. Serve with salsa.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 402 calories, Fat 13g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 65mg cholesterol, Sodium 315mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (15g sugars, Fiber 6g fiber), Protein 31g protein.