Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken is a delightful fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisines, featuring crispy, deep-fried chicken with bold flavors. Inspired by tori-no-Kara-age, a popular Japanese dish, this recipe boasts crunchy chicken pieces coated in a savory soy sauce.

The dish’s appeal lies in its generous use of garlic and the spicy-sweet notes from the soy sauce, evoking a taste of Hawaii. Enjoy it at home for a taste of island life, perfect for those craving take-out comfort in their own dining room. The dish pairs well with rice and can be customized with spicy condiments like chili sauce or fried jalapeños for added adventure.

Discover the Unique Flavor of Hawaiian Crispy Garlic Chicken

Hawaiian Crispy Garlic Chicken stands out because of its unique sauce. While the fried chicken itself is fairly straightforward, the intense soy garlic sauce it is tossed in adds a ton of flavor. The mixture of garlic and soy creates a strong and distinct flavor that makes this dish special. The sauce is only brought to a boil and then turned off, allowing the garlic to retain its strong taste, which is a key element in making the chicken so different from other fried chicken recipes.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can add jalapeños to the recipe. Though we personally love a lot of spice and often use two jalapeños, the recipe suggests using just 1 to prevent it from being too spicy. This way, everyone can enjoy it without the need for fighting over the spiciest bites. The flavor of the chicken paired with the soy garlic sauce is truly delicious, making it a dish that is sure to be loved by everyone.

Hawaiian Garlic Sauce

One of my favorite parts about Hawaiian food is the amazing sauce that comes with it. Picture this: crispy, fried garlic chicken served with a side of white rice, soaking up all those Ono flavors. It’s a perfect dish for lunch or any time you’re craving something savory. But what truly elevates this dish is the Hawaiian garlic sauce that you drizzle on top.

Soy-Garlic Sauce

This sauce is sticky and delicious, starting with equal parts soy and sugar, creating that perfect balance of sweet and salty. To give it a spicy kick, we add a pinch of chili flakes. A bit of sesame oil is included to add a rich depth of flavor. Heat it all together to dissolve the sugar, letting the flavors meld into something truly special. Then, you stir in plenty of sliced green onion and, of course, the star of the show—garlic.

Adding 1/2 cup of finely chopped garlic at the end ensures it stays slightly raw, giving you that fiery spicy punch that makes this dish so memorable. Some might think it’s a mistake to use so much garlic, but trust me, this is what makes the recipe truly stand out.

Ingredients:

• 1 boneless, skinless chicken thigh (about 150g)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Method:

Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper.
• Add the chicken thigh to the marinade, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Batter

• In a separate bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch.

• In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water.

Coat the Chicken

• Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Dip each piece in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and back into the flour mixture to ensure a good coating.

Fry the Chicken

• In a large pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
• Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken in the pan.

• Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.

• Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Garnish

• Slice the fried chicken into bite-sized pieces.
• Garnish with chopped green onion.

Additional Info About Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken.

Health Benefits:

• High Protein: Chicken provides a good source of lean protein.
• Antioxidants: Garlic and ginger are known for their antioxidant properties, which help boost the immune system.

Notes:

• Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the chicken from becoming greasy.
• Adjust the seasoning according to taste.

Nutritional (Per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan
• Tongs
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

My Secret for Crispy Breading

When making Hawaiian fried chicken, everyone wants that perfect crispy coating. I’ve learned a little trick to get that ideal crunch. Most tempura batters don’t work well here because they can turn soggy when you pour the sauce on top. The secret is adding some garlic marinade directly into the flour and cornstarch mix. This step creates small clumps in the dry batter, which gives the chicken that extra crispness.

Use a fork to whisk it all together before adding the chicken. When you press the chicken into the batter and drop it in the fryer, those clumps become little bites of crunchy goodness. It’s a simple tip, but it makes all the difference for that extra crispy Hawaiian flavor.

Serving Suggestions

When enjoying Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken, you definitely should go for a variety of rice options to complement the flavors. Cauliflower rice are classic choices, but for a unique twist, consider cauliflower rice or southern chicken rice. These options will soak up the delicious chicken katsu sauce perfectly. In my experience, I prefer Jasmine rice topped with furikake seasoning for that extra touch of authenticity. However, fried rice can also be a fantastic alternative, adding a delightful texture to the meal.

A Key Tip

Brining is an essential step in making Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken. Although it might seem unnecessary, this process helps preserve the chicken, making it juicier, more tender, and adding a subtle salty flavor. The salt in the brine allows the chicken to retain its moisture by breaking down the protein. This prevents the chicken from becoming dry and ensures that when it is cooked, it doesn’t shrink and lose its liquids.

When it comes to dredging the chicken, the method you choose can make a big difference. After testing various techniques, I found that omitting the furikake seasoning from the mixture for the flour prevents burnt particles from floating in the oil. Instead, I prefer to garnish the cooked chicken with the furikake afterwards. This way, you get the most optimal taste without the unpleasantness of biting into burnt bits.

By focusing on both brining and the right dredging method, you can ensure that your Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken is flavorful and perfectly textured. Whether you’re enjoying it in a grilled chicken wrap or alongside a spicy beef jerky recipe, these steps will elevate your dish to the next level. The attention to detail in these preparations makes every bite a delightful experience.

Safety Tips for Frying Chicken

Frying Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken can seem like a daunting task with the oil spattering, potential mess, and danger of getting burned. However, don’t let that be a downer because frying can be a satisfying and onolicious treat to whip up. Make sure to keep the oil temperature around 350°F.

Although the temperature may fluctuate, this is the best heat to fry the chicken. It’s not too hot to cook the chicken to oblivion, nor too low where the chicken will take forever to fry and soak up the oil. This is the perfect heat to thoroughly cook the chicken and achieve that crunchy, golden batter. This is the key to frying a good chicken.

What is Hawaiian chicken sauce made of?

Making Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken is easy and delicious. Whisk together pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, Asian sweet chili sauce, ginger, and garlic. Marinate the chicken in this blend and then grill. This recipe captures the essence of Hawaiian cuisine.

What is chicken with garlic sauce made of?

Hawaiian Fried Garlic Chicken is a flavorful twist on classic garlic chicken, using less oil, adding wine, saffron, and chile pepper, and slow-cooking for extra succulence. The garlic, olive oil, and seasoned cloves create a standout dish with a tropical flair.

Does Southern fried chicken contain garlic?

Hawaiian fried garlic chicken blends Southern-fried chicken with paprika, salt, ground black pepper, garlic, and onion powders, plus a hint of cayenne, creating a savory dish with a fragrant aroma and tender, flavorful meat.