Fried Coconut Chicken Bites

Name: Fried Coconut Chicken Bites
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut; Vegetable oil, for frying

Highlighted under: Warm & Hearty Dishes

I absolutely love these Fried Coconut Chicken Bites! The combination of tender chicken pieces coated in a light, crispy batter and rolled in toasted coconut creates a tropical delight that’s hard to resist. Whenever I make these bites for friends and family, they disappear in a flash, and the aromas that fill the kitchen are simply divine. This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or as a fun appetizer at parties. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked on the sweet and savory flavors.

Created by

Leo

Last updated on 2026-01-17T13:50:27.773Z

When I first tried making Fried Coconut Chicken Bites, I was amazed at how simple it was to achieve such a delicious dish. The key is to use unsweetened shredded coconut, which balances perfectly with the savory chicken. I also discovered that using a buttermilk soak for the chicken helps create an incredibly moist texture.

One tip I found particularly useful is to ensure your oil is at the right temperature before frying. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Each time I make these, I can’t help but smile as everyone enjoys them!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy coconut crust adds a delightful crunch
Tender chicken bursting with flavor
A tropical twist that’s perfect for any occasion

      

Perfecting the Coconut Coating

The key to achieving a perfectly crispy coconut crust lies in the quality of the shredded coconut you choose. Opt for unsweetened coconut to maintain the savory nature of the dish. When pressing the chicken into the coconut, make sure to use your hands to evenly coat each piece, applying a bit of pressure so the coconut adheres well. This ensures that every bite has a satisfying crunch, essential for the texture experience you're aiming for.

If you find that your coconut coating isn't sticking as well as you'd like, a quick tip is to return the coated chicken to the buttermilk briefly before re-coating with the coconut. This can help the coconut cling better during frying, providing that irresistible outer layer we all love.

Frying Tips for Success

Maintaining the right oil temperature while frying is critical for achieving golden, crispy chicken bites. Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep the oil at a steady temperature of around 350°F (175°C). If the oil is too cool, the chicken will absorb too much grease, becoming soggy instead of crisp. Conversely, too hot oil can burn the coating before the inside cooks through; aim for that perfect medium-high heat during frying.

Fry the chicken in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature. This ensures each piece gets evenly cooked and crisped. After frying, always drain the bites on paper towels to absorb excess oil without losing that crunchy texture.

Serving and Storage Tips

When serving your Fried Coconut Chicken Bites, pair them with a zesty dipping sauce like sweet chili sauce or a cooling ranch for contrast. The bright flavors of the sauce elevate the sweet coconut and savory chicken, creating a delightful balance. You can also serve them on a platter with a side of fresh pineapple salsa for an added tropical touch that complements the dish beautifully.

For leftovers, store any uneaten chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in an air fryer or a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Freezing is also an option; lay the cooked bites on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a container for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy these delicious bites at a later time!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Bites

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
Vegetable oil, for frying

Prepare all the ingredients before you start cooking for the best results.

Instructions

Marinate Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes to ensure the chicken stays juicy.

Prepare Coating

In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, place the shredded coconut.

Coat the Chicken

Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture and then press into the shredded coconut until well coated.

Heat Oil

In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.

Fry Chicken Bites

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

Serve the Fried Coconut Chicken Bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Fried Coconut Chicken Bites!

Pro Tips

The key to crispy chicken bites is ensuring the oil maintains a consistent temperature. A thermometer can be your best friend here.

Ingredient Role Insights

The buttermilk in this recipe acts as a tenderizer and flavor enhancer for the chicken. It not only keeps the meat juicy during frying but also adds a rich, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut. If you're in a pinch and don't have buttermilk, you can create a substitute by mixing one cup of milk with one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, allowing it to sit for about 5 minutes before using.

Coconut adds a unique texture to the fried bites but also carries a subtle sweetness that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish. Make sure to toast your coconut until it’s just golden for deeper flavor; this will give your chicken bites a beautiful color and a toasty aroma while cooking.

Techniques for Scaling the Recipe

If you're planning to serve a larger crowd, consider doubling the ingredient amounts. When scaling recipes, ensure you have a large enough frying vessel to accommodate the increased quantity. Alternatively, you can pan-fry them in batches, keeping the cooked bites warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack as you finish frying subsequent batches.

Similarly, if you wish to make a smaller portion, halve the ingredients precisely, taking care to adjust the cooking times slightly. Monitoring the visual cues—golden-brown color and the sound of sizzling—is essential to ensure the smaller portions are cooked perfectly without overdoing them.

Variations to Explore

You can easily put a twist on this recipe by incorporating different spices into the flour mixture. Consider adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness. Herb blends like Italian seasoning or a dash of curry powder can impart intriguing flavors that will surprise your taste buds and elevate the dish.

For a healthier take, try baking the chicken bites instead of frying them. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the bites with cooking oil to help them crisp up in the oven, and bake for around 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even browning.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully for a juicier bite.

→ How can I make these bites healthier?

You can bake them instead of frying. Just place them on a baking sheet and spray lightly with cooking oil.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these bites?

A sweet chili sauce or a tangy mango salsa works beautifully with the coconut flavor.

→ Can I prepare these in advance?

You can coat the chicken in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to fry.