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If you’re looking for a dish that tantalizes the taste buds while offering a delightful crunch, look no further than crunchy coconut chicken. This versatile dish perfectly blends crispy textures with rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a satisfying meal prep option. The star of this recipe—chicken tenders—are coated in a luscious mixture of coconut and breadcrumbs, providing a satisfying crunch that will have everyone coming back for more.

Crunchy Coconut Chicken with Bang Bang Sauce

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Ingredients
  

For the Coconut Chicken:

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened, your choice)

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

1 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)

1 tsp lime juice

1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

    Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow dish, place the flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs together.

      Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the coconut and panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

        Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat (about 1/2 inch deep). Once hot, carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the skillet. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

          Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth. Adjust seasoning and spice level if desired.

            Serve: Arrange the crispy coconut chicken on a serving platter. Drizzle or serve the Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for an extra touch.

              Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4