Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce
These coconut chicken fingers with bang bang sauce are crispy, golden, and full of sweet-savory crunch. Paired with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy dipping sauce, they make a fun and flavorful meal or party appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or heat oil in a deep skillet for frying.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with shredded coconut mixed with panko breadcrumbs.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly in the coconut and breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, or carefully place it into the hot oil if frying.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or fry for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or sugar until smooth.
- Serve the warm coconut chicken fingers with the bang bang sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Chicken breast can be cut into strips and used instead of chicken tenders.
- Air frying is a great option and helps keep the coating crisp.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier.
- A squeeze of lime juice in the sauce adds a bright citrus flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for the best texture.
- The bang bang sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 590 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 31 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
