Just the other day, I stumbled upon an inviting aroma wafting through my kitchen—it was the unmistakable scent of garlic mingling with savory soy sauce. This delightful experience got me thinking about how much I adore my favorite Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken. It’s amazing how this dish serves as a bridge between the rustic charm of home-cooked meals and the exotic appeal of tropical flavors. With its crispy exterior and juicy, tender chicken, this recipe is not only a quick prep wonder but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or summer barbecues. As you dive into this delectable culinary journey, you might find yourself wondering how you ever lived without this flavor-packed dish. Ready to make your kitchen smell heavenly? Let’s get started!
Why is Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken a Must-Try?
Crispy Delight: Experience the irresistible crunch that comes from frying to golden perfection, ensuring every bite glistens with flavor.
Savory Sweet Balance: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a rich taste that’s perfectly balanced—sweet meets savory in every mouthful.
Quick and Easy: With simple marinating and frying steps, this dish is perfect for those busy weekdays or unexpected guests looking for a savory treat.
Crowd-Pleaser: Serve it at your next barbecue or family gathering, and watch how quickly it disappears—everyone loves this tropical twist on fried chicken!
Versatile Pairing: Enjoy it with steamed rice, fresh salads, or even pineapple salsa for a burst of refreshing flavor that complements the savory chicken perfectly.
Get ready to impress your guests and elevate your home cooking with this amazing Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken!
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken – Choose bone-in pieces for juicier and more flavorful results.
For the Marinade
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the best aroma and flavor; if unavailable, use garlic powder as a substitute.
• Soy Sauce – This adds umami and saltiness; opt for tamari if you need a gluten-free version.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger enhances the dish with a zesty kick; ground ginger can work in a pinch but use less.
• Brown Sugar – Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the flavors; you can substitute white sugar if needed.
For Frying
• Vegetable Oil – A neutral oil is best for frying, helping achieve that perfect crispy texture; canola or peanut oil are great options.
Dive into making this delicious Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken that combines rich, tropical flavors, and enjoy the delightful crunch!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the bone-in chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken will be!
Step 2: Prepare the Oil for Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of chicken in—the oil should bubble vigorously around it. This temperature ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. Have a plate lined with paper towels ready for draining the fried chicken.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken in Batches
Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Use tongs to flip the chicken, ensuring an even cook and monitoring the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
Step 4: Drain the Fried Chicken
Once the chicken pieces are a beautiful golden brown and truly crispy, carefully remove them from the oil with tongs. Place the fried chicken on the prepared plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes, allowing the crispy skin to retain its crunch before serving.
Step 5: Serve Your Masterpiece
Plate the Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken warm, showcasing its irresistible crispy exterior. Serve alongside steamed rice or a refreshing pineapple salsa to complement the savory flavors. Gather your family or friends around the table, and enjoy the tropical taste of this amazing dish that’s sure to impress!
How to Store and Freeze Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring it stays fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer it to a freezer bag for up to 3 months to keep it crispy.
Reheating: To regain the crispy texture, reheat the chicken in the oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, rather than using the microwave, which can make it soggy.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy again, thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight before reheating for best flavor and texture.
Expert Tips for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
• Achieve Perfect Crispy Skin: Ensure the oil is preheated to 350°F; this is crucial for that golden, crispy texture everyone loves in Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches, allowing enough space between pieces to maintain oil temperature, which helps achieve even cooking.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh garlic and ginger to maximize flavor; dried substitutes can alter the depth of taste in your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken.
• Marinating Magic: Marinate the chicken as long as possible—ideally overnight—to deepen the flavors, resulting in a juicier chicken that’s bursting with taste.
• Monitor Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe eating while keeping the meat moist.
What to Serve with Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that dance with the flavors of this beloved dish.
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Steamed Rice: A classic choice, its fluffy texture soaks up the savory juices, delivering a comforting balance to each bite of chicken.
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Pineapple Salsa: The fresh, zesty sweetness of pineapple salsa provides a bright contrast to the rich garlic flavor, making every bite a celebration of taste.
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Crispy Slaw: Refreshing cabbage and crunchy carrots dressed in a tangy vinaigrette add a crisp texture and vibrant color on the plate.
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Lemon Garlic Green Beans: These tender beans brightened with a hint of garlic offer an earthy complement that enhances the Hawaiian garlic fried chicken’s savory notes.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: Refreshing beverages that cleanse the palate and offer a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the chicken.
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Chocolate Cake: End your meal on a sweet note with rich, moist chocolate cake—its deep flavor offers a decadent finish to the tropical experience.
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken; these tasty twists will delight your taste buds!
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Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper or a dash of cayenne to the marinade for a heat-filled delight that kicks up the flavor.
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Tropical Sweetness: Swap in pineapple juice for part of the soy sauce in the marinade, adding a juicy, fruity sweetness that brings the tropics to your plate.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a delicious and satisfying vegetarian alternative that holds onto all the fantastic flavors!
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Coconut Flare: For a rich, tropical twist, add shredded coconut to the coating before frying, giving a delightful crunch and flavor that pairs beautifully with the garlic.
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Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions in the marinade for a refreshing herbal kick that adds brightness to your dish.
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Air Fryer Friendly: Try using an air fryer for a healthier take—marinate and then air fry at 375°F for 20-25 minutes for crispy results without all the oil.
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Baked Version: For a lighter version, coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs and bake at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
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Flavored Soy Sauce: Experiment with flavored soy sauce such as teriyaki or garlic-infused varieties to enhance the umami depth in your marinade.
Each of these variations opens up a world of flavor possibilities to enhance your homemade dish. For a delightful pairing, serve your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken alongside Cheesy Garlic Chicken for a flavor feast that keeps everyone coming back for more!
Make Ahead Options
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time on weeknights! You can marinate the chicken in the savory garlic and soy sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring it absorbs all those delicious flavors. Simply prepare the marinade and coat the chicken, then cover and refrigerate. Additionally, you can also fry the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the fried chicken in the oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes to regain its crispiness and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! For Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken, I recommend using bone-in pieces such as thighs or drumsticks. The bones provide moisture and flavor during cooking, resulting in juicy, tender meat.
How should I store leftovers?
Certainly! Leftover Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the chicken cool completely before sealing it to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken?
Very! To freeze, first allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Then, lay the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer bag. It will keep well for up to 3 months.
What’s the best way to reheat fried chicken without losing its crispiness?
Great question! To regain that lovely crunch, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet (this allows air to circulate around it), and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chicken soggy.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! While this Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe isn’t specifically tailored for dietary restrictions, it contains soy sauce, which can be high in sodium. Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option. If serving to pets, chicken skin and rich seasonings may not be suitable—stick to plain chicken for them.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic or ginger?
No worries! If fresh garlic or ginger isn’t available, you can use garlic powder or ground ginger instead—just remember to reduce the quantity since they are more concentrated. Typically, 1 clove of fresh garlic can be replaced with ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder, and for ginger, 1 teaspoon of ground ginger can substitute for 1 tablespoon of fresh.
Irresistibly Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together minced garlic, soy sauce, grated ginger, and brown sugar until well combined. Add the bone-in chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of chicken in—the oil should bubble vigorously around it.
- Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Once the chicken pieces are a beautiful golden brown and truly crispy, carefully remove them from the oil with tongs. Place the fried chicken on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Plate the Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken warm, showcasing its irresistible crispy exterior. Serve alongside steamed rice or a refreshing pineapple salsa.
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