Coconut Popcorn Chicken is a delightful and crispy treat that combines tender chicken pieces with a crunchy coconut coating. Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Coconut Popcorn Chicken
Why This Coconut Popcorn Chicken Is the Best
Crunchy Coconut Coating: Combining shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs creates a crispy and flavorful coating.
Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces are juicy and tender, making each bite delicious.
Versatile Dipping Sauces: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, honey mustard, or a creamy herb sauce for extra flavor.
Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and can be prepared in under an hour.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a fun snack, or wanting a unique main dish, this Coconut Popcorn Chicken is the perfect choice. The combination of crispy coating and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
Chicken tenders: The main protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for a tender and juicy texture.
Flour: Form the dredging base, helping the egg and breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
Panko breadcrumbs: Add a light, crispy coating for extra crunch.
Coconut flakes: Brings a subtle tropical sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
Eggs and milk: The binding agents that help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder: These seasonings elevate the flavor of the chicken.
Tips for Making the Best Coconut Popcorn Chicken
Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and coconut.
Double Coat for Extra Crunch: Dip the chicken pieces in the egg mixture and then the coconut-panko mixture twice for an extra crunchy coating.
Bake or Fry: You can bake the chicken for a healthier option or fry it for an extra crispy texture.
Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the chicken immediately after cooking.
Serving Suggestions
With Dipping Sauces: Serve Coconut Popcorn Chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like sweet chili, honey mustard, or a creamy herb sauce.
As an Appetizer: These chicken bites are perfect as an appetizer for any gathering.
With a Side Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.
For Parties: These chicken bites are great for parties and can be served as finger food.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of Coconut Popcorn Chicken. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Crunchy, flavorful, and irresistibly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Ramen
Chicken Florentine
Chicken Taquitos
Coconut Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chicken tenders pat dry
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tabelspoon milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes chopped finely
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
- For serving:
- Honey mustard sauce
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set aside.
- In a third bowl, combine finely chopped panko and coconut flakes.
- Coat each chicken tender by first dredging it in the flour mixture, then dipping it into the egg mixture, and finally pressing it into the panko and coconut mixture. Place the coated tenders on a plate and set them aside until ready to fry.
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil (approximately 3-4 cups, depending on the size of your pot) and heat over medium. To check if the oil is ready, flick a small pinch of flour into the pot; if it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is hot enough.
- Carefully add 4-5 chicken tenders to the hot oil at a time, frying for about 4-5 minutes total, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown. Cook the remaining chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Once fried, transfer the chicken to an ovenproof sheet lined with paper towels to drain. Set the sheet in a 200°F oven to keep the chicken warm while preparing the remaining batches.
- If desired, prepare dipping sauces. See the Notes section below for Honey Mustard Sauce recipe.
Notes
Honey Mustard Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following ingredients until smooth and creamy:- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Coconut Popcorn Chicken