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
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and set aside.
- 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.
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally the coconut-panko mixture, pressing to coat well.
- 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.
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- 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