Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a crispy, juicy fried chicken infused with bold garlic flavors and a touch of tropical sweetness from a flavorful marinade. Perfectly marinated and double-coated for ultimate crunchiness, this dish combines island-inspired ingredients with classic fried chicken techniques, ideal for lunch, dinner, or impressing guests any time.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Can be gluten-free with flour substitution
Chicken
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
Marinade
- 4–5 fresh garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Frying
- Vegetable oil (enough for 2 inches depth in frying pan)
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, salt, and black pepper until the sugar dissolves completely to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks into the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor and tenderness.
- Set Up the Coating Station: In a shallow dish, mix all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will form the crispy exterior when fried.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken pieces from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks well. Place on a wire rack and let rest for about 10 minutes to help the coating adhere better.
- Heat the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to a depth of approximately 2 inches and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature during frying.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each piece for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the exterior is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Drain and Rest: Remove the fried chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. Allow it to rest for a few minutes to drain excess oil and finalize crispiness before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken pieces for juicier and more tender meat.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking and to avoid greasy chicken.
- Rest the coated chicken before frying to ensure a better crust adhesion.
- For extra crunch, double dredge by briefly dipping the coated chicken back into marinade and then into the flour mixture again.
- Always use freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant and bold flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (about 150g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian fried chicken, garlic fried chicken, crispy chicken, tropical chicken recipe, island fried chicken, double coating fried chicken, garlic marinade chicken