Coconut Chicken Tenders with Cheese and Bean Mac N’ Cheese

I came across this receipt for Coconut Chicken Tenders on Savory Sweet Life, here is a link to the original recipe that i modified. It is one of the best chicken dishes you will eat! So yummie! I paired this with my version of healthier Mac N’ Cheese that has beans and cheese, a recipe I came across in Jessica Seinfelds cookbook. Here is a link to her website . Together with the chicken tenders this has instantly become one of my favorites and I will definitely make it again!

Coconut Chicken Tenders Ingredients

4 chicken breasts

1 1/2 cups of panko bread crumbs (can be found in the Asian aisle of grocery stores)

1 cup of shredded sweetened coconut

1 egg

1/2 can of condensed milk

1/2 cup of orange juice

salt and pepper to taste

Peanut Oil for frying ( I used Vegetable Oil)

Directions:

On a cutting board cut the breasts of chicken into three strips, then half those strips, season chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.  In a medium bowl, mix orange juice, condensed milk, and a beaten egg until your “wet” mixture is well incorporated.  In another bowl, mix coconut and panko crumbs.

Heat vegetable oil in a medium pan or skillet on medium-high heat. Fill pan with about 1/2 an inch of oil. Dip and fully coat each tender in the egg mixture first and then the panko/coconut mix. Fry each tender for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.

Coconut chicken tender ingredients

 Chicken cut up on board, dry and wet ingredients

 Chicken tenders done. I put them on a plate with two paper towels to get off any of the grease.

Cheese and Bean Mac N’ Cheese Ingredients

1 box whole wheat pasta of your choosing

1 cup nonfat (skim) milk

1 can white beans

2 cups shredded reduced fat cheddar cheese

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp pepper

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set pack inside pot. While the pasta is cooking, combine the milk and beans in a food processor and process until pureed. Set a large saucepan over medium head. Add the bean mixture to the pan and cook, stirring until smooth, 4-5 mins. Add the cheese and cook until melted and creamy, 3-4 minutes longer. Stir in the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper. Add pasta and stir, serve warm.

 Bean and cheese Mac N’ Cheese ingredients

 Bowl of Cheese and Bean Mac N’ Cheese with Coconut Chicken Tenders