Zesty Coconut Chicken with Honey Orange Kick Recipe

Tender chicken pieces coated in a crispy coconut breading and drizzled with spicy honey orange sauce promise a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

The coconut chicken brings a tropical twist to your dinner table, blending crunchy textures with bright, zesty notes.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements that keep you coming back for more.

The golden-brown coating locks in moisture while creating an irresistible crunch that sets this dish apart from ordinary chicken recipes.

Fragrant spices mingle with the natural sweetness of coconut, creating a memorable meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together, turning an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Get ready to impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering coconut chicken sensation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 20min

Total Time: 35min

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Coconut Chicken: Ingredient List

• Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Select fresh, tender cuts for the juiciest results; pound to even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Shredded Coconut, Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior with tropical sweetness and golden texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps coating adhere perfectly and provides a smooth base for crispy layers.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile and seasons each layer of the chicken.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help coconut mixture stick to chicken seamlessly.

• Honey: Brings natural sweetness and helps create glossy, caramelized sauce texture.
• Orange Juice: Adds bright, tangy citrus notes that complement the coconut chicken.
• Hot Sauce: Introduces a spicy kick that balances the sweet and savory elements.
• Coconut Oil: Provides rich flavor and helps achieve golden, crisp exterior during frying.
• Cilantro or Parsley: Optional fresh herb garnish for added color and aromatic freshness.

Tools to Prep Spicy Coconut Chicken

• Food processor or blender: Pulse coconut into smaller pieces.
• Large skillet: Fry chicken strips in coconut oil.
• Large baking sheet: Bake chicken after frying.
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat: Line baking sheet for easy cleanup.
• Three medium bowls: Separate dry ingredients, eggs, and coconut mixture.
• Whisks: Mix flour, eggs, and sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Cut chicken into strips or halves.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measure ingredients.

How to Cook This Flavorful Chicken Dish

Tropical Crunch Chicken with Zesty Citrus Glaze

• Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken pieces and slice into manageable strips for easy cooking.

• Kitchen Setup

Arrange your workspace with baking sheet, mixing bowls, and cooking tools for smooth preparation.

• Coconut Coating Station

Create a delightful crispy coating by combining finely chopped coconut with crunchy breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.

• Breading Process

Develop a three-part coating technique: dust chicken in seasoned flour, dip in whisked eggs, then generously roll in coconut mixture.

• Golden Searing

Cook chicken strips in hot coconut oil, creating a beautiful golden exterior that locks in juicy flavors.

• Perfect Baking

Transfer seared chicken to oven and bake until completely cooked through with a crispy exterior.

• Vibrant Sauce Creation

Blend tangy orange juice, sweet honey, and subtle spices to create a mouth-watering complementary sauce.

• Serving Suggestions

Plate warm chicken alongside zesty sauce, garnishing with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

• Storage Tips

Refrigerate leftovers and reheat gently to maintain the delightful crunch and flavor.

Sauce Swaps for Honey Orange Chicken

• Swap traditional shredded coconut with sweetened or unsweetened versions for different flavor profiles. Toast coconut beforehand to enhance its nutty, caramelized taste.
• Control the sauce's heat by adding more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes. Replace sriracha with hot sauce or chili garlic sauce for unique kick variations.
• Skip frying and fully bake chicken strips on a wire rack for a healthier approach. Spray coconut coating with cooking spray to help achieve golden crispiness in the oven.
• Replace chicken with turkey breast, fish fillets, or tofu for diverse meal options. Adjust cooking times based on protein thickness and type.
• Experiment with different spice blends in the flour mixture like curry powder, cajun seasoning, or herbs de Provence to create international-inspired versions of this dish.

Serving Tips for Crispy Chicken

• Tropical Dinner Plate Paradise: Create a vibrant plate with bright green salad and fresh sliced mango wedges surrounding the crispy chicken strips for a burst of color and freshness.
• Cocktail Party Star: Transform this dish into elegant appetizers by cutting chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces, serving with toothpicks alongside the spicy honey orange sauce for easy party nibbling.
• Family-Style Feast Approach: Set up a build-your-own station with chicken strips, sauce, and additional garnishes like chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or crushed macadamia nuts so everyone can customize their meal experience.
• Brunch Breakfast Twist: Serve chicken strips over a light mixed green salad with a poached egg on top, drizzling the spicy honey orange sauce as a zesty dressing for a weekend morning protein-packed meal.

Keep Leftover Coconut Chicken Crispy

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store crispy coconut chicken in airtight containers, separating sauce and chicken to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess. Place in the coldest section of your refrigerator for maximum freshness.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken strips tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. These delicious strips can remain frozen for up to 3 months without losing texture or flavor quality.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by using an oven or air fryer instead of microwave. Preheat to 350°F and warm for 8-10 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
• Advance Prep Hack: Prepare coconut coating and sauce 1-2 days before cooking. Keep dry mixture and sauce separately in sealed containers, allowing quick assembly when ready to cook a delightful meal.

Golden Coconut Chicken

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Crispy coconut chicken with spicy honey orange sauce delivers a perfect balance of crunchy texture and zesty flavors. Caribbean-inspired ingredients combine to create an exciting meal that invites you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 ½ lbs (680g) skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (80g) sweetened shredded coconut
• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (65g) whole wheat flour (or all-purpose)
• ¼ cup (56g) coconut oil
• ½ cup orange preserves (or marmalade)
• ¼ cup (85g) honey
• 3 tbsps dijon mustard
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt, to taste
• Chopped cilantro or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Transform chicken into uniform strips by thinly slicing breasts or halving tenders lengthwise to ensure consistent cooking and maximum crispiness.
2. Oven Setup: Preheat oven to 400°F and line baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cleanup and optimal heat distribution.
3. Coating Creation: Pulse coconut into fine fragments and merge with Panko breadcrumbs. Simultaneously, establish seasoned flour and egg dipping stations for comprehensive coating process.
4. Initial Frying: Heat coconut oil in skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal golden-brown surface for initial chicken preparation.
5. Breading Technique: Execute strategic coating method – dust chicken in seasoned flour, delicately dip in whisked eggs, then generously roll in coconut-Panko mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Cooking Process: Fry chicken strips 2-3 minutes per side until achieving rich golden coloration, working in controlled batches of 4-6 pieces.
7. Finishing Technique: Transfer partially cooked strips to prepared baking sheet and complete cooking in preheated oven for 6-10 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches safe consumption level.
8. Sauce Composition: Whisk honey, orange juice, and complementary seasonings to create vibrant, zesty accompanying sauce with balanced flavor profile.
9. Presentation: Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to enhance visual and gustatory experience.
10. Storage Strategy: Refrigerate remaining chicken up to five days, reheating methodically in 350°F oven to restore original crispness and warmth.

Notes

• Slice Smart: Cut chicken into uniform strips for consistent cooking and maximum crispiness, preventing uneven textures.
• Breading Brilliance: Create a three-stage coating process by using seasoned flour, eggs, and coconut-Panko mixture to lock in moisture and develop a crunchy exterior.
• Temperature Control: Fry chicken in hot skillet for golden color, then finish in oven to ensure safe internal temperature without compromising crispy texture.
• Sauce Precision: Balance honey and orange juice with complementary seasonings, tasting and adjusting to create a perfect sweet-spicy harmony that elevates the chicken’s flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 20min
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg