The Crispiest Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Recipe Ever

Crispy, golden chicken takes a delightful tropical turn with this Hawaiian garlic fried chicken recipe that promises explosive flavor in every bite.

The blend of Asian and Pacific influences creates a mouthwatering dish bursting with aromatic garlic and tangy notes.

You’ll love how the simple ingredients come together to craft something extraordinary.

Marinating the chicken ensures deep, rich flavors penetrate every morsel.

Each piece emerges from the pan with a perfect golden-brown crust that crackles with each bite.

The recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a celebration of Hawaiian-inspired cuisine.

This crowd-pleasing dish will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for your secret.

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken – Why It’s Irresistible

• Master the double-fry technique that guarantees an irresistibly crunchy exterior with a tender, juicy inside every single time.
• Dive into a flavor explosion with the Hawaiian-inspired sauce that blends sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes for a taste sensation that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Marinate the chicken overnight, giving you a head start on meal preparation and allowing the flavors to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.
• Impress family and friends with this restaurant-quality dish that works perfectly as a party appetizer, game day snack, or casual family dinner centerpiece.

The Ingredients That Make Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Chicken: A versatile meat that provides the core protein base for this crispy Hawaiian-style dish.

• Potato Starch, Garlic Powder, Salt: A seasoned mixture that creates a light, crispy exterior for the chicken.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil perfect for achieving a golden, crispy chicken texture.

• Shoyu, Brown Sugar, Chili Garlic Sauce, Sesame Seeds, Minced Garlic, Sesame Oil, Green Onions: A combination of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy ingredients that create a complex Hawaiian-style sauce for coating the fried chicken.

Equipment Needed for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Heavy-bottomed pan: Essential for evenly frying chicken without burning.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing chicken from hot oil safely and letting excess oil drip off.
• Food thermometer (optional): Helps monitor oil temperature for precise cooking.
• Small mixing bowls: Great for preparing starch coating and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Paper towels: Crucial for draining excess oil and keeping chicken crispy.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate sauce ingredient measurements.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for tossing chicken in final sauce coating.

Instructions for Crisp Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Chunks

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.

In a bowl, combine potato starch, garlic powder, and salt.

Coat chicken pieces thoroughly in the mixture.

Refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to enhance flavor and texture.

Step 2: Set Up Frying Station

Select a heavy-bottomed pan and fill with vegetable oil to about 3/4 inch depth.

Heat oil to 175 degrees Fahrenheit or use medium heat setting if no thermometer is available.

Step 3: First Frying Round

Carefully drop chicken pieces into hot oil, avoiding overcrowding.

Fry until lightly browned, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Remove chicken using a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Double Fry for Ultimate Crispiness

After a brief 1-2 minute rest, return chicken to hot oil.

Fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden brown color.

Transfer back to paper towels to drain.

Step 5: Create Hawaiian Sauce

• Shoyu
• Diced green onions
• Brown sugar
• Chili garlic sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Minced garlic
• Sesame oil

Stir ingredients until well mixed and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Final Toss and Serve

While chicken remains hot, toss pieces in prepared Hawaiian sauce.

Ensure each piece is generously coated.

Serve immediately to enjoy maximum crispiness and flavor.

Handy Tips for Crunchy Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Use potato starch for an ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy longer than regular flour or cornstarch.
• Refrigerate chicken for at least an hour to help the coating stick better and create a more even, crispy texture.
• Keep oil consistently around 175 degrees for even cooking and preventing greasy chicken – use a thermometer if possible.
• The second fry is crucial for achieving that irresistible golden-brown crunch that makes Hawaiian fried chicken special.
• Taste and adjust sauce ingredients to match your preference for sweet, spicy, or savory notes before tossing chicken.

Flavor Variations for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Gluten-Free Hawaiian Chicken: Replace potato starch with rice flour and use tamari instead of shoyu for a gluten-free version that maintains the same crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Baked Lighter Option: Skip the deep frying and bake chicken pieces on a wire rack at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway through for a healthier alternative with reduced oil.
• Spicy Coconut Variation: Add coconut milk to the sauce and increase chili garlic sauce for a tropical, heat-packed version that brings extra richness and kick to the classic recipe.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets, using the same coating and frying technique to create a plant-based version that's equally crispy and flavorful.

Serving Ideas for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Tropical Beach Party Platter: Arrange the crispy chicken on a large wooden board with colorful tropical fruits like pineapple chunks and mango slices for a vibrant island-inspired presentation.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these bite-sized chicken pieces with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side, making them perfect for easy snacking during movie or game nights.
• Rice Bowl Remix: Create a complete meal by placing the saucy chicken over steamed white rice, sprinkled with extra green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
• Picnic Perfect Wrap: Pack the chicken in portable containers with lettuce leaves, allowing guests to create their own fresh and crunchy chicken wraps during outdoor gatherings.

How to Store Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Perfectly

• Store leftover Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum to maintain quality and food safety.
• Wrap chicken pieces individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even heating and restore crispiness.

FAQs

• What's the purpose of using potato starch in this recipe?

Potato starch helps create an extra crispy coating on the chicken by absorbing moisture and forming a light, crunchy exterior when fried.

• Why do I need to double-fry the chicken?

Double-frying is a technique that ensures the chicken becomes incredibly crispy on the outside while remaining juicy and tender on the inside. The first fry cooks the chicken, and the second fry creates that perfect golden-brown crunch.

• Can I substitute the chili garlic sauce?

If you don’t have chili garlic sauce, you can use sriracha or sambal oelek as alternatives. These will provide a similar spicy kick to the Hawaiian-style sauce.