Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Spicy Mango Dip

Imagine golden, crunchy coconut-coated chicken tenders paired with a sweet and spicy mango dip that makes your taste buds dance. πŸ₯­βœ¨ These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Spicy Mango Dip are the ultimate tropical comfort food β€” crunchy, juicy, and packed with flavor in every bite.

Perfect for family dinners, parties, or an easy weeknight treat, this recipe combines crispy coconut breading with a luscious mango glaze that’s both sweet and just the right amount of heat. Every bite feels like a mini-vacation! 🌴


The Story Behind the Recipe πŸ’¬

This recipe was inspired by my love for tropical flavors β€” coconut, mango, and a hint of spice that wakes up your palate. One afternoon, craving something fun and finger-licking good, I decided to make chicken tenders extra special. πŸ”πŸ₯₯

Instead of regular breadcrumbs, I used shredded coconut mixed with panko for crunch and flavor. Then, to balance the sweetness, I whipped up a quick mango dip with just a touch of chili. The result? Crispy, golden chicken tenders with a glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and a little spicy β€” pure magic. ✨


What Makes This Recipe Special? ✨

πŸ₯₯ Crispy coconut coating – golden, crunchy, and packed with flavor.
πŸ₯­ Sweet & spicy dip – the perfect tropical balance of flavors.
πŸ— Juicy chicken inside – tender, moist, and perfectly cooked.
⏱️ Quick & fun – ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
🌿 Family-friendly & party-ready – everyone loves finger foods!


Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor πŸ›’

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • Salt & black pepper – to taste
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Β½ cup shredded coconut πŸ₯₯
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter

For the Spicy Mango Dip:

  • 1 ripe mango, peeled and cubed πŸ₯­
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili flakes 🌢️ (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey 🍯
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice πŸ‹
  • Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

  • Fresh cilantro 🌿
  • Lime wedges

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions πŸ‘©β€πŸ³

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. Set up a dredging station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of panko + shredded coconut.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg, then press into the coconut-panko mixture until fully coated.

Step 3: Cook the Tenders
Heat olive oil or melted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest briefly.

Step 4: Make the Spicy Mango Dip
Blend mango, honey, lime juice, sriracha, and salt until smooth. Adjust sweetness or heat to your taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature. πŸ₯­βœ¨

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Plate the crispy chicken tenders with a side of mango dip. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for a tropical touch. Every bite is crunchy, juicy, sweet, and a little spicy β€” pure heaven!


Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️

  • 🍚 Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
  • πŸ₯— Asian slaw or crisp salad for freshness
  • πŸ₯­ Extra mango slices for dipping
  • πŸ₯– Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
  • πŸ₯‚ A refreshing tropical drink, like pineapple juice or coconut water

Customization & Variations πŸ§‚

🌢️ Adjust the heat: Use more or less sriracha in the dip.
πŸ₯₯ Extra crunch: Toast the coconut lightly before mixing with panko.
πŸ‹ Zesty twist: Add lime zest to the coating for extra flavor.
🐟 Try other proteins: Shrimp or fish fillets work beautifully with the same coating.
πŸ₯¬ Add herbs: Sprinkle fresh basil or cilantro on top for a fresh finish.


Storing & Reheating 🧊

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Store mango dip separately in the fridge for up to 2 days.


Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.) βš–οΈ

Calories: 380
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fat: 18g
Sugar: 11g
Sodium: 450mg


Reader Q&A – Common Questions πŸ’­

1. Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Bake at 400Β°F (200Β°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I make the dip less spicy?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha.

3. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! Thaw completely before cooking for even crispiness.

4. Can I use sweet chili sauce instead of sriracha?
Yes! It adds a different but equally delicious flavor.

5. How do I keep the coating crispy?
Cook in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.

6. Can I prep the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Coat them and refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking.

7. Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free flour and panko.

8. Can I use canned mango for the dip?
Fresh is best, but canned works β€” just drain well and adjust sweetness.

9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Cook in batches to maintain crispiness.

10. Can I freeze cooked tenders?
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.


Final Thoughts 🌸

These Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Spicy Mango Dip are fun, flavorful, and absolutely addictive. πŸ₯₯πŸ₯­ The combination of crunchy coconut, juicy chicken, and sweet-spicy mango makes this recipe perfect for kids, adults, parties, or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Every bite is a mini-vacation to the tropics β€” sweet, spicy, crunchy, and full of flavor. πŸŒ΄πŸ’›


🍽️ Tried This Recipe?

If you made these Crispy Coconut Chicken Tenders with Spicy Mango Dip, I’d love to hear how they turned out! πŸ’¬
πŸ‘‰ Don’t forget to follow @mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more crispy, tropical, and family-loved recipes! πŸ’›

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