Sweet Chili Popcorn Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 cup panko
• 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 0.25 cups cornstarch
• 0.25 cups mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 0.5 teaspoons ground ginger
• 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoons onion powder
• 1 pound skinless , boneless chicken thighs

Instructions

1. 1

   Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

2. 2

   Prepare the Chicken: Place panko and coconut on a large rimmed baking sheet and toss with 2 tablespoons oil to fully coat mixture. Spread into an even layer.

3. 3

   Bake in preheated oven until lightly golden, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a shallow dish and stir in cornstarch. Line the rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

4. 4

   Stir together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, ginger, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder in a medium bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.

5. 5

   In batches, toss chicken pieces in panko mixture, pressing to adhere and completely cover each piece; transfer coated pieces to prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Let sit 5 minutes to allow breading to set.

6. 6

   Bake in the preheated oven until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of chicken pieces registers 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the coating is golden brown, 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Let sit 4 minutes before brushing with Sweet Chili Sauce.

7. 7

   While chicken sits, prepare the Sweet Chili Sauce: Stir together sweet chili sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, and lime juice in a small bowl. Brush chicken liberally with sauce.

8. 8

   Transfer chicken to a bowl and sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.