Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce: The Ultimate Crunchy Treat

Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce are everything you want in a snack — crispy, juicy, sweet, and just a little spicy. These golden chicken strips coated in coconut bring tropical vibes to your table, and when you pair them with a creamy Bang Bang sauce, it’s pure magic.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make perfect Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce at home, with easy steps and simple ingredients.

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Introduction to Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce

What Makes Coconut Chicken Fingers So Special?

There’s something about Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce that regular tenders just can’t match. The coconut gives the chicken a crispy, slightly sweet crust that’s light but still super satisfying. Every bite delivers a contrast of juicy meat and crunchy coating that keeps you reaching for more.
Plus, making your own Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce means you can tweak the spice, the crisp, and the sweetness exactly how you like it.

Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself after a long day, these chicken fingers always steal the show. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and way better than takeout.

The Irresistible Flavor of Bang Bang Sauce

Let’s be honest: Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce wouldn’t be complete without the sauce. Bang Bang sauce is a quick mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of Sriracha. It’s creamy, a little tangy, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or smothering your chicken fingers, Bang Bang sauce takes them from good to unforgettable.

Essential Ingredients for Coconut Chicken Fingers and Bang Bang Sauce

For the Chicken Fingers:

• 2 cups cornflakes
• 1½ cups shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ cup sesame seeds
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce or tamari (use preferred taste)
• 2 pounds boneless chicken tenders
• Extra virgin olive oil, for brushing

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

½ cup mayo

⅓ cup 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

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coconut Chicken Fingers

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the coating: In a food processor, combine the shredded coconut, cornflakes, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until you have fine crumbs. Stir in the sesame seeds and dump the mixture into a shallow bowl.

Prepare the chicken: Beat the eggs in a bowl and add the hot sauce. Add the chicken tenders and toss well to coat.

Dredge the chicken: Coat each chicken strip fully in the coconut-cornflake crumbs. Place the breaded chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.

Bake: Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the chicken is crispy and golden all around.

Make the Bang Bang sauce: In a bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet Thai chili sauce, coconut aminos, hot sauce, rice vinegar, grated garlic, and lime zest until smooth.

Serve: Plate the crispy coconut chicken fingers with lime wedges, chopped green onions, and a side of Bang Bang sauce for dipping. For extra dipping fun, mix sweet chili sauce with a couple tablespoons of ketchup.

Enjoy immediately while hot and crispy!

Quick tip: If you love extra crispy Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce, lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking oil before baking or air frying. It’ll help it turn perfectly golden without deep frying.

Crafting the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor

The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is that it’s fast, foolproof, and full of flavor. You only need a few simple ingredients, but they come together like magic to make Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce totally irresistible.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Mayonnaise — The rich, creamy base.
• Thai sweet chili sauce — Adds sweetness with a tiny kick.
• Sriracha — Brings the heat (adjust it to your liking).
• Honey (optional) — If you want a slightly sweeter sauce.
• Lime juice (optional) — For a little fresh, zesty balance.

Each ingredient plays a role — creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once. And trust me, you don’t need to be a kitchen pro to get this right.

Mixing and Storing Your Homemade Bang Bang Sauce

Making Bang Bang sauce couldn’t be easier.
In a small bowl, simply mix:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (depending on how spicy you like it)
• A drizzle of honey if you like it sweeter
• A squeeze of lime if you want a little tang

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust — maybe a little more Sriracha for heat or a bit more honey if you’re craving sweetness.

Store your homemade Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to one week, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick snack sessions.

Quick tip: Give it a good stir before each use to keep it smooth and creamy.

Whether you drizzle it, dunk your crispy chicken, or spoon it over wraps, this sauce will make your Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce unforgettable.

Cooking Methods for Coconut Chicken Fingers

How to Fry for Ultimate Crispiness

If you want classic restaurant-style Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce, frying is the way to go. It’s quick, easy, and gives you that golden, crunchy coating everyone loves.

Here’s how:

• Heat about 1½ inches of oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
• Carefully add a few chicken fingers at a time. Don’t crowd the pan or the temperature will drop.
• Fry for about 3–4 minutes per side, flipping once, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
• Place the cooked chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.

Quick tip: Always keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too hot, the coconut might burn before the chicken cooks inside.

Freshly fried Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and absolutely addictive.

Baking or Air Frying for a Healthier Option

Looking for a lighter version without losing the crunch? Baking and air frying are great options — and they’re super easy too.

To bake:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray.
• Arrange the chicken fingers in a single layer and spray the tops lightly with oil.
• Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

To air fry:

• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
• Place the chicken fingers in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches).
• Spray lightly with oil.
• Air fry for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Both methods give you that beautiful crunch without the mess or extra oil. Plus, baked or air-fried Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce pair just as beautifully with your homemade Bang Bang sauce.

PART 6: Tips for the Best Coconut Chicken Fingers Every Time

How to Keep the Coating Crisp and Crunchy

Nobody likes soggy chicken fingers — and with these tips, you won’t have to worry.
If you want your Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce to come out super crispy every time, here’s what you need to do:

• Pat the chicken dry before breading. Moisture is the enemy of crunch!
• Use Panko breadcrumbs with the coconut for an airy, crisp texture.
• Let the breaded chicken rest for 10 minutes before cooking. This helps the coating stick better.
• Fry at the right temperature (around 350°F). Too hot and the coconut burns; too low and the coating absorbs oil.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan or air fryer. Give the pieces space to crisp up properly.

Quick tip: If you’re baking or air frying, a light spray of oil right before cooking helps the coconut brown beautifully without deep-frying.

When you follow these tricks, your homemade Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce will be crunchy on the outside and juicy inside — just the way they should be.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes have a few traps!
Here are the most common mistakes people make with Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce, and how you can avoid them:

• Skipping seasoning — Always season the chicken and the flour. It makes a big flavor difference.
• Using only coconut without breadcrumbs — Coconut alone burns too fast. Panko helps balance it out.
• Not pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken — Gentle pressing helps the coconut stick during frying or baking.
• Overcooking the chicken — Keep a close eye while cooking. Coconut browns quickly, so aim for golden, not dark brown.
• Forgetting to stir the Bang Bang sauce before serving — It can separate a little in the fridge, so a quick stir brings it back to creamy goodness.

Avoiding these little mistakes will make your Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce turn out perfect every single time.

PART 7: Serving Ideas and Delicious Pairings

Best Dips and Sauces to Serve with Coconut Chicken Fingers

While Bang Bang sauce is the classic pairing for Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce, there’s no harm in adding a few extra options to the table — especially if you’re hosting or want to switch things up.

Here are some dips that go amazingly well:

• Sweet chili sauce — brings an extra sweet-heat kick.
• Honey mustard — creamy, tangy, and perfect for kids and adults alike.
• Garlic aioli — adds a savory, creamy punch to balance the sweetness of the coconut.
• Pineapple salsa — fresh, bright, and slightly tangy for a tropical twist.
• Spicy ranch — a cool, peppery dip that complements the crunchy chicken.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match! A few different sauces can turn your plate of Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce into a flavor adventure.

Tasty Sides That Complement Coconut Chicken

Of course, the right sides can turn a simple snack into a full meal. Here are a few sides that pair beautifully with Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce:

• Coleslaw — crunchy, creamy, and refreshing alongside the fried coconut goodness.
• Mango salad — juicy and bright, mangoes bring out the tropical flavors.
• Coconut rice — double down on the coconut vibe with fragrant, fluffy rice.
• Fries or sweet potato wedges — because crispy chicken and fries are always a winning combo.
• Steamed veggies — for a lighter, healthy contrast to the richness of the chicken.

Quick tip: If you’re serving Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce for a party, arrange everything buffet-style so guests can mix and match dips and sides however they like.

The right sides and sauces will take your coconut chicken experience from delicious to downright unforgettable.

FAQs about Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce

Conclusion: Why Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce Are a Must-Try

Coconut Chicken Fingers with Bang Bang Sauce are the perfect mix of crispy, sweet, and spicy — and they’re easier to make than you think. With simple ingredients and a few easy tricks, you’ll have a dish that’s always a hit.
Whether you fry, bake, or air fry them, these chicken fingers stay juicy inside and crunchy outside. And don’t forget the Bang Bang sauce — it’s what takes them over the top!
If you’re ready for a new favorite at home, it’s time to whip up a batch of these coconut chicken fingers and see why everyone’s obsessed.

Looking for inspiration? Try more family-friendly favorites at Home Cooks Recipes. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll be on repeat in your kitchen!