Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

This Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a deliciously crispy treat that combines the bold flavors of island cuisine with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to impress. The unique blend of shoyu, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce creates an irresistible glaze that elevates the chicken to a whole new level. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it on a casual weeknight, this recipe has something for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The double-frying technique ensures each piece of chicken is extra crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of shoyu, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce delivers a savory-sweet flavor that tantalizes your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for cooks of all levels.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even add it to salads or wraps for a flavorful twist.
• Family-Friendly: The mild spice from the chili garlic sauce can be adjusted to suit everyone’s palate, making this dish great for the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed pan
• Slotted spoon
• Mixing bowls
• Food thermometer (optional)
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed pan: Provides even heat distribution for frying, preventing hot spots that can burn your chicken.
• Slotted spoon: Allows you to easily remove fried chicken from hot oil while letting excess oil drain off.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for tossing chicken in the coating and mixing your flavorful sauce.
• Food thermometer: Ensures oil is at the correct temperature for frying, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken.

Ingredients

This Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken features crispy double-fried chicken pieces tossed in a flavorful sauce with shoyu, brown sugar, chili garlic, and green onions.

For the Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3/4 cup potato starch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup shoyu (Japanese soy sauce)
• 1/2 cup green onions, diced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp sesame oil

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Cut your chicken into bite-sized chunks – not too big, not too small. In a small bowl, mix together the potato starch, garlic powder, and salt. Toss the chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re well coated. Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight if you’re planning ahead).

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan until it’s about 3/4 inch deep. If you have a food thermometer, you’re aiming for 175 degrees. No thermometer? No problem. Just set your burner to medium heat and you’ll be fine.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken First Time

Once your oil is hot, drop in your chicken pieces (not too many at once or they’ll crowd the pan). Let them fry until they’re lightly browned for about 8-10 minutes. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them rest on some paper towels.

Step 4: Double-Fry for Extra Crispiness

Here’s the secret to extra crispy chicken: after a brief 1-2 minute rest, put those chicken pieces back in the hot oil for another 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. This double-fry technique makes all the difference! Place them back on paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

While your chicken is doing its final drain, grab a large bowl and mix all your sauce ingredients together: the shoyu, diced green onions, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Give it a good stir until everything is well combined.

Step 6: Toss with Sauce and Serve

While the chicken is still hot, toss it in the Hawaiian sauce until every piece is coated in that sweet, savory goodness. Serve it up right away while it’s still warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

On a Bed of Rice

• Steamed White Rice – A classic pairing, the fluffy rice complements the savory chicken perfectly.
• Fried Rice – For an extra burst of flavor, serve it over fried rice mixed with vegetables and egg.

With Fresh Salad

• Green Salad – A light green salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the chicken.
• Cucumber Salad – Crisp cucumbers tossed with sesame oil provide a refreshing contrast.

In Tacos or Wraps

• Taco Style – Use tortillas to create delicious tacos filled with Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken, topped with slaw and avocado.
• Wraps – Add chicken to wraps along with fresh veggies and a drizzle of sauce for a portable meal.

How to Perfect Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

To make sure your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken turns out perfectly crispy and flavorful every time, consider these tips.

• Bold Marinade – Marinate your chicken overnight for deeper flavor absorption.
• Bold Coating Technique – Ensure each piece is evenly coated with potato starch for maximum crispiness.
• Bold Oil Temperature – Maintain the oil temperature around 175 degrees for optimal frying results.
• Bold Double Frying – Don’t skip the double-fry technique; it’s essential for that golden crunch.
• Bold Sauce Addition – Toss the chicken in sauce while it’s still hot to allow better adhesion of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Pairing sides with your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots add color and nutrition.
2. Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad offers a delightful contrast to the crispy chicken.
3. Coleslaw – Tangy coleslaw provides crunch and balances the sweetness of the dish.
4. Pineapple Salsa – Fresh pineapple salsa adds a tropical twist that enhances the Hawaiian theme.
5. Kimchi – This spicy fermented cabbage side gives an exciting kick to your meal.
6. Miso Soup – A warm bowl of miso soup brings comfort and complements the Asian flavors in the chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken even better. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the marination: Not letting the chicken marinate in the potato starch mixture can lead to less flavor and a less crispy texture. Always refrigerate the coated chicken for at least an hour.
• Overcrowding the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in small batches to maintain that perfect crispiness.
• Neglecting the double-fry technique: Skipping the second fry means missing out on that extra crunch. Follow this step for a truly crispy experience.
• Using cold oil: If the oil isn’t hot enough when you add the chicken, it will absorb more oil and become greasy. Always use a thermometer or test with a small piece of chicken first.
• Ignoring sauce ratios: Not measuring ingredients for your sauce can lead to an imbalanced flavor. Follow the recipe closely for a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow chicken to cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• For long-term storage, freeze Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken in a freezer-safe container.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to label and date your container for easy identification.

Reheating Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: If you’re short on time, microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Be mindful that this method may compromise crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Add chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken?

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a delicious dish featuring crispy double-fried chicken tossed in a flavorful sauce made with shoyu, brown sugar, and chili garlic sauce.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless thighs or breasts as indicated in the recipe. Both options work well with this dish.

How do I make Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken spicier?

To increase spiciness, add more chili garlic sauce or toss in some sliced fresh chilies when mixing your sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix your sauce ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to toss them with your fried chicken.

Is Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Just store it properly in containers, and you’ll have tasty meals ready throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is not just a tasty treat; it’s versatile enough for any occasion—from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding veggies or experimenting with different sauces. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its delightful flavors!