Coconut Chicken Fingers

I’ve always had a soft spot for finger foods, and Coconut Chicken Fingers always seem to bring a smile to my face. Imagine a sunny afternoon, kids running around, and the tantalizing aroma of crispy chicken wafting through the air. These tender bites are not only a feast for the eyes, thanks to their golden crust, but they’re a taste sensation you won’t forget. The crunch of the cornflakes combined with the sweetness of shredded coconut creates a delightful contrast that keeps everyone coming back for more. And let’s not forget the zesty bang bang sauce that takes these chicken fingers to a whole new level!

Every time I make Coconut Chicken Fingers, it reminds me of family gatherings where everyone digs in, sharing laughter and stories over a plateful of these delicious bites. They’re perfect for parties, game nights, or even a cozy dinner at home. Plus, with the easy prep and quick bake time, you can whip them up in no time, leaving you plenty of moments to enjoy with loved ones. So let’s dive into the wonderful world of making these scrumptious chicken fingers that everyone will rave about!

What Goes Into Coconut Chicken Fingers

When creating your Coconut Chicken Fingers, you’ll find that the ingredients harmonize beautifully. Each component has a purpose: the crunchy coating, the tender chicken, and the zesty sauce come together to form a dish that’s more than just the sum of its parts. The star here is the combination of fresh, quality ingredients that not only taste good but also provide satisfying textures and flavors.

• Cornflakes: About 2 cups of crushed cornflakes provide a crispy texture that’s hard to resist. They create the perfect crunch that contrasts with the juicy chicken.
• Shredded unsweetened coconut: One and a half cups of this gives a sweet, chewy element that complements the savory chicken. It’s a tropical twist that makes every bite unique.
• Paprika: Just one teaspoon adds a subtle depth of flavor and a beautiful color to the coating.
• Garlic powder: Half a teaspoon enhances the flavor profile, ensuring that every bite is packed with taste.
• Onion powder: Another half teaspoon brings warmth and an additional layer of flavor that rounds out the overall taste.
• Sesame seeds: A quarter cup of these seeds adds nuttiness and a delightful crunch to the coating.
• Eggs: You’ll need two beaten eggs to bind the coating to the chicken, ensuring every piece is perfectly coated.
• Hot sauce: Two tablespoons of your preferred hot sauce add a spicy kick that can be adjusted to taste.
• Boneless chicken tenders: The main ingredient! Two pounds of these make the dish hearty and filling.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for brushing on the chicken fingers, it helps achieve that golden crispiness.
• Mayonnaise: Half a cup is used to create the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, adding richness.
• Sweet Thai chili sauce: One third of a cup gives a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the coconut perfectly.
• Coconut aminos: Two tablespoons provide a soy sauce alternative, adding umami flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Rice vinegar: A tablespoon adds acidity to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• Grated garlic: One small clove adds freshness and a touch of bite to the sauce.
• Lime zest: Two teaspoons bring brightness and a refreshing aroma that adds a perfect finishing touch.

The Process for Making Coconut Chicken Fingers

Getting started on your Coconut Chicken Fingers is an exciting journey! The process is straightforward, and I love how quickly you can whip these up. Just follow the steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal that everyone will love. Let’s make it happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C). This temperature is crucial as it will help achieve that perfect crispiness. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup later. This simple step ensures your chicken fingers won’t stick.
2. Now, let’s create that crunchy coating! In a food processor, combine shredded coconut, cornflakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. The mixture should resemble coarse sand. When it’s ready, mix in the sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
3. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl. This will make the coating process easier. Make sure you have enough space to work; you want to cover every piece of chicken evenly!
4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. This mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken. Toss the boneless chicken tenders in the egg mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
5. Next, dredge the chicken through the crumb mixture, covering each piece thoroughly. This step is essential for achieving that crispy crust. Place the coated chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them brown beautifully.
6. Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. While the chicken is baking, let’s prepare the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, coconut aminos, hot sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and lime zest. Mix everything together until well combined. This sauce is so versatile; you might want to make extra for dipping.
8. Once the chicken fingers are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them with the bang bang sauce and garnish with lime wedges and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
9. Enjoy your Coconut Chicken Fingers hot, crispy, and full of flavor! They’re perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Making Adjustments

Feeling inspired? Here are some tips to help you customize your Coconut Chicken Fingers to suit your taste and dietary needs.

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the raw, coated chicken fingers before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These chicken fingers pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, a side of rice, or even some crispy fries for a fun meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the coating! Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or some Italian herbs for a different flavor.
• Serve with veggies: For a healthier option, serve your chicken fingers with a selection of fresh veggie sticks and a yogurt dip!

Best Served With

• Fresh Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness of the fries pairs nicely with the coconut and the zing from the bang bang sauce.
• Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and a cool balance to the spicy chicken fingers, making it a great addition to your plate.
• Game Night: These chicken fingers are perfect for gatherings. Serve them on a platter with various dipping sauces for a fun snack during your next game night.
• Casual Dinner: Pair with rice or quinoa to make it a more filling meal. Add some steamed veggies on the side for a colorful presentation.
• Drinks: Pair with refreshing drinks like iced tea or a fruity lemonade to complement the flavors of the dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

These Coconut Chicken Fingers are truly a special treat that combines a delightful crunch with a burst of flavor from the bang bang sauce. Perfect for any occasion, they’re easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or family dinner; they may just become a new favorite. Enjoy the crispy goodness and the smiles that come with sharing delicious food!

Coconut Chicken Fingers

Craving something crispy and delicious? Try these Coconut Chicken Fingers! Perfectly coated with crunchy cornflakes and sweet coconut, they’re complemented by a zesty bang bang sauce. Ideal for any gathering, these easy-to-make chicken fingers will be a hit at your dinner table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups Cornflakes
• 1.5 cups Shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Onion powder
• 0.25 cups Sesame seeds
• 2 Eggs beaten
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce or tamari (to taste)
• 2 pounds Boneless chicken tenders
• 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil for brushing
• 0.5 cups Mayonnaise
• 0.33 cups Sweet Thai chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons Coconut aminos (or tamari soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
• 1 small clove Garlic grated
• 2 teaspoons Lime zest

Equipment

• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Food Processor
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Method

 

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 425° F (220° C). This temperature is crucial as it will help achieve that perfect crispiness. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier cleanup later. This simple step ensures your chicken fingers won’t stick.
2. 2. Now, let’s create that crunchy coating! In a food processor, combine shredded coconut, cornflakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. The mixture should resemble coarse sand. When it’s ready, mix in the sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
3. 3. Dump the crumbs into a shallow bowl. This will make the coating process easier. Make sure you have enough space to work; you want to cover every piece of chicken evenly!
4. 4. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and add the hot sauce. This mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken. Toss the boneless chicken tenders in the egg mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
5. 5. Next, dredge the chicken through the crumb mixture, covering each piece thoroughly. This step is essential for achieving that crispy crust. Place the coated chicken fingers on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. This will help them brown beautifully.
6. 6. Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy all around. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. 7. While the chicken is baking, let’s prepare the bang bang sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, coconut aminos, hot sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and lime zest. Mix everything together until well combined. This sauce is so versatile; you might want to make extra for dipping.
8. 8. Once the chicken fingers are baked, take them out of the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve them with the bang bang sauce and garnish with lime wedges and chopped green onions for an extra pop of color and flavor.
9. 9. Enjoy your Coconut Chicken Fingers hot, crispy, and full of flavor! They’re perfect for sharing or devouring all by yourself. Trust me; you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!

Notes

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, bake them in the oven to regain their crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the raw, coated chicken fingers before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Pairing: These chicken fingers pair wonderfully with a refreshing salad, a side of rice, or even some crispy fries for a fun meal.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices in the coating! Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or some Italian herbs for a different flavor.
• Serve with veggies: For a healthier option, serve your chicken fingers with a selection of fresh veggie sticks and a yogurt dip!

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.