Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner
Super crispy, mouthwatering chicken bites with a crunchy coconut-panko crust! These are 100x tastier than takeout + fun for easy weeknight dinners. We love to serve these with ramen noodles, oven fries, or cucumber salad. So delicious dunked in Thai sweet chili sauce or honey mustard sauce (recipe included).
Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinner routine? Do you crave something extraordinarily delicious, satisfyingly crispy, and surprisingly easy to prepare? Look no further! This Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken recipe is about to become your family’s new obsession. Imagine perfectly bite-sized pieces of tender chicken, coated in a unique blend of sweet coconut flakes and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, then fried to a gorgeous golden perfection. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor and texture that will make you forget about takeout forever.
Why This Coconut Popcorn Chicken Will Be a Game-Changer
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that promises to bring excitement to your dinner table. We’re talking about chicken so good, it could easily grace the menu of your favorite restaurant, yet it’s simple enough for any home cook to master. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; these delightful bites are ready for devouring in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for even the busiest evenings.
Unbeatable Flavor and Texture Combination
What truly sets this recipe apart is its incredible crunch factor and unique flavor profile. The panko breadcrumbs, renowned for their superior crispiness, create an airy, light crust that traditional breadcrumbs simply can’t match. But the real star here is the finely chopped sweet coconut flakes. They infuse each piece with a subtle, tropical sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken, adding an exotic and irresistible twist to a classic comfort food. It’s reminiscent of your favorite popcorn shrimp, but with the heartwarming satisfaction of homemade chicken tenders – only miniature and even more exciting. These aren’t just ordinary “nuggies”; they’re sophisticated, adult-friendly chicken bites that kids will equally adore.
Effortless Weeknight Dinners Made Easy
Say goodbye to dull dinners and hello to excitement! The simple three-step dredging process – a quick dip in seasoned flour, then egg, and finally the magical panko-coconut mixture – ensures every piece is evenly coated for maximum crispiness. Pan-frying on your stovetop means less mess and incredibly quick cooking times. Before you know it, you’ll have a platter full of golden, mouthwatering chicken ready to be served, making weeknight meals a breeze.
The Perfect Pairing: Dipping Sauces That Elevate Every Bite
No crispy chicken bite is truly complete without the perfect dipping sauce, and this recipe delivers two irresistible options. Dunk these golden beauties into a tangy Thai sweet chili sauce for a delightful sweet and spicy kick, offering a vibrant contrast to the chicken’s richness. Alternatively, opt for our creamy, homemade Honey Mustard Sauce (the full recipe is included below!) for a classic, comforting pairing that’s universally loved. The combination of sweet, savory, and spicy notes from the chicken and sauces makes these bites unbelievably delicious and, yes, even picky-kid approved!
Ready to transform your dinner routine and delight your taste buds? Run, don’t walk, to the grocery store for your ingredients. It’s time to add this dream dinner to your weekly menu ASAP and discover a new family favorite!
How to Make Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken: A Detailed Guide
Ready to cook your Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken? Follow these simple steps for perfectly golden, crunchy results every time! This guide will walk you through each stage, ensuring a delicious outcome that everyone will rave about.
Essential Ingredients for Success:
Before you begin your culinary adventure, gathering all your ingredients beforehand (mise en place) will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. You’ll need high-quality boneless, skinless chicken tenders, which are ideal for cutting into bite-sized “popcorn” pieces. For the dredging station, have all-purpose flour, common yet essential seasonings like kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and aromatic garlic powder ready. For the wet component, you’ll need large eggs and a splash of milk. And of course, the stars of our uniquely crispy coating: panko breadcrumbs and finely chopped coconut flakes. Don’t forget your chosen vegetable oil for frying!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Popcorn Chicken:
Achieving that perfect crispiness and flavor is all about technique and attention to detail. Here’s how to prepare your Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken:
• Step 1: Prepare Your Dredging Stations. Set up three shallow bowls for your breading process. In the first large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until they are thoroughly combined. This initial seasoned coating helps the egg mixture adhere better to the chicken.
• Step 2: Create the Egg Wash. In a separate second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This egg wash acts as the essential “glue” for our delicious panko-coconut coating, ensuring it sticks perfectly.
• Step 3: Mix the Crispy Coating. In a third bowl, thoroughly combine the panko breadcrumbs and the finely chopped coconut flakes. It’s important to chop the coconut finely to prevent it from burning during frying and to ensure a more even, consistent coating on each chicken piece.
• Step 4: Coat the Chicken. Take each chicken tender and first dredge it generously in the flour mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the panko-coconut mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides. Place the coated chicken pieces on a clean plate or baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other, until you’re ready to fry. This prevents them from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
• Step 5: Heat the Frying Oil. Choose a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and fill it with about 2 inches of vegetable oil (this usually equates to between 3-4 cups, depending on your pot’s size). Place it over medium heat. To test if the oil is ready for frying, after a few minutes, carefully flick in a tiny bit of flour. If it immediately sizzles and floats to the surface, your oil has reached the ideal temperature for frying, typically around 350-375°F (175-190°C).
• Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, working in small batches of 4-5 pieces at a time. It is crucial not to overcrowd the pot, as this will significantly lower the oil temperature and result in soggy rather than crispy chicken. Fry for 4-5 minutes total, flipping each piece once halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown and thoroughly cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Step 7: Keep Them Warm and Crispy. As each batch finishes frying, use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the chicken to an ovenproof sheet pan lined with paper towels. Immediately place the sheet pan into a 200-degree F (95°C) oven. This simple trick will keep your popcorn chicken warm and help maintain its coveted crispiness while you cook the remaining batches, ensuring every piece is perfect when served.
• Step 8: Prepare Your Dipping Sauces. While the chicken is frying and staying warm, take this opportunity to prepare your desired dipping sauces. Don’t forget to check the Notes section below for our fantastic creamy Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce recipe!
Keep reading for the full ingredient list + detailed recipe card, below, including our special Honey Mustard Sauce!
What to Serve with Your Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken
These delightful chicken bites are incredibly versatile and pair exceptionally well with a wide array of side dishes, allowing you to create a complete and satisfying meal. Whether you’re aiming for a full Asian-inspired feast or a more traditional comfort food spread, here are some fantastic ideas to complete your dinner, each offering a unique flavor and texture contrast:
- 10-Minute Saucy Ramen Noodles: A quick, savory, and incredibly comforting noodle dish that makes for a perfect accompaniment. The rich, savory noodles beautifully balance the subtle sweetness of the chicken.
- Easy Asian Dumplings with Soy-Ginger Dipping Sauce: Elevate your meal with these savory, tender dumplings, offering another layer of authentic Asian flavor and satisfying texture.
- Crispy Garlic Parmesan Potato Wedges: A classic side that never disappoints. The crispy, seasoned wedges with a hint of garlic and Parmesan are a match made in heaven for any fried chicken.
- Creamy Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce: If you love a little extra kick and a burst of freshness, this vibrant and creamy sauce can serve as an alternative or additional dipping option, adding a zesty, herbaceous heat.
- 10-Minute Asian Cucumber Salad: A wonderfully refreshing and light salad that perfectly cuts through the richness of the fried chicken. Its tangy, cool crunch provides a delightful contrast.
- Fluffy Garlic Butter Breadsticks: For those who appreciate a hearty, comforting meal, these soft, warm, and garlicky breadsticks are an excellent choice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Cold Sesame Cucumber Noodle Salad: A cool, nutty, and slightly spicy noodle salad that complements the warm chicken beautifully, adding another dimension of flavor and texture.
- Mexican Street Corn Salad: For a vibrant and unexpected twist, the sweet, smoky, and tangy notes of an esquites-inspired salad can create an exciting fusion meal that’s sure to impress.
Explore More Easy & Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with these Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken bites, you’re in for an even greater treat! We have an extensive collection of chicken recipes that are perfect for any occasion, from quick weeknight meals to impressive dishes for entertaining. Dive into more crispy, saucy, and wonderfully flavorful chicken creations that are guaranteed to become new family favorites:
- Korean Fried Chicken Tenders: Experience the addictive sweet and spicy glaze of authentic Korean fried chicken right in your own kitchen.
- Coconut-Ginger Chicken Satay: Another fantastic option for lovers of coconut and chicken, these skewers are packed with flavor and served with a creamy sriracha sauce.
- Crispy Buttermilk Popcorn Chicken: For a classic, incredibly tender, and juicy popcorn chicken experience, with the added benefit of a buttermilk brine for extra moisture.
- Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits: A delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and savory, these are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a hearty, comforting snack any time of day.
- Crispy Honey-Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders: A healthier alternative to fried chicken, yet equally delicious with a tangy honey-Dijon flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
- Cheddar Ranch Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce: A cheesy, herby twist on traditional chicken tenders, perfectly paired with our irresistible homemade honey mustard.
- Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders: The ultimate classic, perfectly seasoned and fried for maximum crunch and juicy tenderness inside.
- Spicy Southern Fried Chicken: For those who love a bit of heat and traditional Southern flavors, this recipe brings a delicious kick to your fried chicken.
Make Tonight a Popcorn Chicken Night!
Our family absolutely adores these crispy coconut “nuggs”! We often enjoy them with a generous bowl of my 10-Minute Saucy Ramen Noodles and a refreshing Asian Cucumber Salad. I can tell you, it takes *everything* in me not to devour these juicy, golden popcorn chicken bites straight out of the pot and save them for dinner at the table. They are truly addictively delicious, and once you cook up a batch, you’ll understand exactly why they disappear so quickly!
A hot and crispy batch of Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken is undoubtedly what your dinner table is missing. These will be an enormous hit for game day get-togethers, casual weeknights, cozy nights in, or feasting with friends and family. Don’t be shy about serving them with a variety of dipping sauces to really amp up the flavor experience. Beyond the classic Thai sweet chili, our creamy Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce, and even the zesty Creamy Cilantro Jalapeño Sauce, offer fantastic alternatives that cater to every palate and add an exciting dimension to each bite.
If you give these incredible popcorn chicken bites a try, I sincerely hope you love them as much as we do! Please take a moment to leave a comment below and share your experience with a star rating. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps fellow food lovers discover amazing new recipes. Happy cooking, and get ready for a truly memorable meal!
Crispy Coconut Popcorn Chicken
20 chicken bites
15 minutes
15 minutes
30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lb. chicken tenders, pat dry
- 1 cup flour
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tbsp. milk
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes, chopped finely
- 3 to 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For serving:
- Sweet chili sauce, found in Asian/Ethnic grocery aisle
- Honey mustard sauce, recipe below
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, salt, pepper and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Set aside.
- In a third bowl, mix panko and coconut flakes (chopped finely).
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture, then egg mixture, then panko mixture. Set aside on a plate until ready to fry.
- Fill a large pot with about 2 inches of oil (between 3-4 cups, depending on size of your pot). Set to medium heat. Flick in in a little bit of flour after a few minutes. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, it is ready.
- Add chicken (4-5 pieces at a time) and fry until golden brown, 4-5 minutes total, flipping once halfway through. Cook remaining chicken in batches. Transfer to an ovenproof, paper towel-lined sheet. Set aside.
- Place sheet in a 200-degree F oven to keep warm.
- Prepare sauces, if desired. See Notes below for our creamy Honey Mustard Sauce recipe.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe:
In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients until smooth:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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