A Southern Grace: the best thing i ever ate: crunchy

June 11, 2014

the best thing i ever ate: crunchy

Yum

I just watched that particular episode of the Food Network show and realized that I have my own entry into the category: coconut-crusted chicken.


Of course, there's no way I could declare with finality the best crunchy thing I ever ate (and I think it's safe to say that the FN folks are exaggerating at least a little bit), but this chicken is high on the list. The Panko bread crumbs combined with the crushed up toasted coconut packs a punch that your typical oven-baked chicken just doesn't carry. Plus, the sweet, nutty taste of the coconut adds a complexity to the chicken that I really enjoyed.


While Panko is always my choice for breaded cutlets and the like, feel free to try other options. I made some beer bread recently from a super-easy mix sent to me by Krusteaz, and while the chicken wasn't quite as crunchy as when it was made with Panko, the beer bread [made with Highland Black Mocha Stout, a local (and personal) favorite] contributed a truly unique flavor to the dish.

What's your favorite crunchy creation?

Crunchiest Coconut-Crumb-Crusted Chicken
Serves 4
Ingredients:
  • 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, excess fat trimmed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs (or beer bread crumbs, if you're feeling frisky)
  • 1/2 cup toasted coconut, crumbled
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, nonstick spray, or a silicone baking mat; set aside.
In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, and pepper, to taste.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
In a third shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs and coconut.
Dredge chicken one breast at a time in the flour, dip into the eggs, then dredge in the Panko crumbs, pressing to coat.
Place onto prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-30 minutes (turning halfway through), or until the crust is golden and the chicken is completely cooked through.


21 comments:

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I can totally see this being really delicious as I am slightly obsessed with coconut as an ingredient! And yes panko breadcrumbs all the way! :D

Juliana said...

The chicken looks delicious Grace, yes, coconut really sounds awesome...
Hope you are enjoying your week :D

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

This nugget looks mighty delicious!

Cheers,

Rosa

In and Around Town said...

Love the addition of toasted coconut in here!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

Coconut is a favourite around here that's for sure.

lisa is cooking said...

Crunchy is the best! As an admitted popcorn addict, I can get enough of crunchy snacks. And, for an actual meal, you can't beat crunchy chicken!

Erica said...

You know I lovee coconut!This chicken looks so crunchy and delicious,Grace! Wonderful recipe!

pam said...

I don't even like coconut that much and this looks fantastic!

Beth said...

This sounds wonderful! I've never thought of using coconut in a savoury recipe, but I think it would be a great add-in.

Marjie said...

Chicken is a great starting point for so many flavors, and this looks really good. Crunch = good!

Bianca @ Confessions of a Chocoholic said...

Fried chicken would be my favorite crunchy food!

Jeff @ Cheese-burger.net said...

Though I've never tried one, coconut crusted chicken sounds very delicious. I can't wait to make them this weekend.

Angie's Recipes said...

I am a fan of coconut and crisp treats. This is a perfect recipe for me, Grace.

Caroline Taylor said...

Lovely idea, bet it gives it a great flavour.

Pam said...

Love it! Why haven't I made coconut chicken before. YUM.

Mary said...

My girls are going to LOVE this - the coconut is wonderful!
Mary

Barbara said...

Panko is the terrific! So crunchy. This looks fabulous, Grace. I've had shrimp this way, but never chicken. Will be making this soon.
After seeing that show on the Food Network, I have given some thought to the best thing I've ever eaten and frankly, I can't narrow it down very much...but it would involve something my grandmother made as she was the BEST cook ever!

I Wilkerson said...

Not really a crunch addict but I am eating more and more coconut all the time!

Anonymous said...

we have savored coconut crusted shrimps before....and this is a guaranteed favorite appetizer....lovely recipe and a great post as always :-)

Katerina said...

Coconut and chicken? whya haven't I thought about it? Looks crunchy and super delicious!

~~louise~~ said...

Hi Grace!
We use so much Panko around here that I am seriously thinking of buying stock in a company that sells it or learning how to make my own! The only thing I have found that comes even close to crunchy on chicken is Corn Flakes and they don't always cook up crunchy, crunchy.

Your chicken looks fabulous. I'm all in for these flavors and wouldn't mind one bit having this dish with your Upside-Down Bananas Foster Cakes!

Thanks so much for sharing, Grace. I would have left a comment on the cakes but apparently comments are turned off for that post:)

P.S. We're playing the Picnic Game over at my place. Wanna play???