Are you ready for a new favorite dish that’s bursting with flavor? This Hawaii Garlic Chicken Recipe is one of those meals that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I remember the first time I made it—crispy, garlicky chicken pieces, perfectly tender on the inside, and coated with a sweet, savory sauce that has just the right kick. I instantly knew this dish was going to be a family favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings a taste of Hawaii right into your kitchen—no fancy techniques required!
What Is Hawaiian Garlic Chicken?
Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is a popular dish from the islands, known for its crispy fried chicken and bold garlic flavor. It is frequently mixed with a sweet-savory sauce that balances the sweetness and saltiness by combining sugar, garlic, and soy sauce.
While some variations, like Garlic Furikake Chicken, add furikake seasoning for extra crunch, this version focuses on crispy fried chicken with a rich garlic sauce. Perfect for garlic lovers!
Hawaii Garlic Chicken Recipe
This Hawaii Garlic Chicken Recipe is a crispy, garlicky fried chicken dish tossed in a sticky, savory-sweet sauce.
Perfect for anyone who loves bold flavors, it’s easy to make and pairs beautifully with rice or a simple salad. Let’s dive into the details!
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Course: Main
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 4 servings
- Calories Per Serving: 450 calories
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 2 jalapenos, sliced (for a touch of heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
- Oil for frying
For The Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
Instructions
1. Prep The Chicken
Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and coarse ground black pepper for a flavorful base.
Then, in a mixing bowl, toss the chicken with flour and cornstarch, making sure each piece is well-coated. This will give your chicken that perfect crispy texture once fried.
2. Fry The Chicken
In a frying pan or deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Before adding the chicken, make sure the oil is heated. You can test it by putting a small piece in; if it sizzles, you are ready to go.
Fry the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Once done, remove the chicken and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Make The Sauce
In a small saucepan, mix together soy sauce, sugar, water, ground ginger, and minced garlic.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Let it cook until the sauce thickens and becomes sticky—about 5 minutes.
4. Toss The Chicken In The Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, toss your crispy fried chicken pieces into it. Make sure every piece is generously coated. This is where the magic happens—the sticky, savory, garlicky sauce clings to the crispy chicken for that irresistible flavor combo.
5. Final Touches
Add sliced jalapenos to the mix for a subtle kick of heat. If you love things spicy, feel free to add extra jalapenos or even a drizzle of sriracha for that extra punch!
Tips And Variations
- For A Healthier Version: You can bake the chicken instead of frying. Simply place the seasoned chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Switch Up The Heat: Don’t have jalapenos on hand? You can use crushed red pepper flakes or even a bit of cayenne for a spicy twist.
- Storage: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. To reheat, just pop the chicken in the oven at 350°F to re-crisp it before serving.
- Advance Prep: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in salt and pepper for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
What Makes Hawaiian Garlic Chicken Different Than Most Fried Chicken?
The secret lies in the sauce. While many fried chicken recipes focus purely on crispiness, Hawaiian Garlic Chicken shines with its sticky, flavorful sauce that brings sweet, salty, and garlicky flavors together. The use of soy sauce and sugar is classic Hawaiian, giving it that unique island vibe!
Serving Suggestions
This Hawaiian Garlic Chicken pairs perfectly with steamed white rice—it helps soak up that amazing sauce!
You can also serve it with a simple side salad or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal. Want to impress guests? Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Conclusion
I know you’re going to love making this Hawaii Garlic Chicken Recipe as much as I do! It’s one of those dishes that feels special without being difficult to whip up.
Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with me—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Got any questions or creative spins on the recipe? Let me know in the comments!
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