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Coconut Chicken with a Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

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  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Coconut Chicken with a Zesty Bang Bang Sauce is a crispy, golden dish featuring sweet coconut-crusted chicken tenders paired with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Perfect for dinner or as a party appetizer.


Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar


Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and set aside.
  2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour with salt and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of water. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut.
  3. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally the coconut-panko mixture, pressing to coat well.
  4. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  5. While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
  6. Serve the crispy coconut chicken warm with the bang bang sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Bake instead of fry for a lighter version: 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free variation.
  • Increase Sriracha or add cayenne to boost the spice level.
  • Store leftover chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven or air fryer.
  • Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 135mg