🌺 Hawaiian Fried Chicken So Good, It Might Just Break Da Mouth! 🍍
If there’s one dish guaranteed to bring smiles around my table, it’s this crispy, juicy Hawaiian Fried Chicken! 🍗 Imagine tender chicken bites marinated with garlic and ginger, double-fried until golden and crunchy, then glazed with a sweet-savory garlic soy sauce. 🤤 It’s comfort food that’s truly “onolicious”—island slang for seriously delicious!
Whether you’re missing the islands 🌴or looking to jazz up your weekday dinners, this recipe checks all the boxes: crispy✅, garlicky✅, flavorful✅, and totally addictive✅!
Let’s dive into what makes this Hawaiian fried chicken so irresistible—and how easy it is to make at home (better than takeout!). 🥡🏡
🌈 What Exactly Is Hawaiian Fried Chicken?
At its delicious heart, Hawaiian fried chicken blends Japanese-inspired flavors with classic island comfort. Picture juicy, bite-sized chicken thighs, marinated in shoyu (soy sauce), garlic, ginger, and sugar, then fried to crispy perfection. 🥢✨
Here’s what makes it stand out from regular fried chicken:
- Flavorful marinade that penetrates deeply into every juicy bite.
- The double-fry technique gives you ultra-crispy, golden perfection.
- Sticky Garlic Soy Glaze providing just the right umami-sweet balance.
Traditionally served bento-style 🍱, complete with steamed rice 🍚, creamy mac salad 🥗, and perhaps a squeeze of fresh lime 🍈, it’s comfort food at its Hawaiian best.
😍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
After countless tests (someone had to do it! 😉), this recipe never disappoints. Here’s why you’ll crave making (and eating!) it again and again:
- Juicy, Flavor-Packed Chicken: Thanks to marinating (and optional brining!).
- Perfect Crunch Every Time: Double-frying ensures crispy coating stays crunchy.
- Simple Pantry Ingredients: Garlic, soy sauce, flour—easy, flavorful, fuss-free.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Marinate overnight, fry fresh, and enjoy stress-free prep.
Plus, frying up chicken while your rice cooks gently on the stove feels like a cozy kitchen hug 🤗.
📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
You likely already have these in your pantry or fridge!
🍗 Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (shoyu)
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying (350°F recommended)
🍯 Garlic Soy Glaze (Dipping Sauce):
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat 🌶️)
- Pinch of chili flakes
🌱 Garnishes (Highly recommended!):
- Sliced green onions
- Furikake seasoning, toasted sesame seeds, or nori strips
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (Easy & Delicious!)
1️⃣ Marinate for Flavor
Combine chicken with soy sauce, garlic, lime juice, sugar, white pepper, and ginger. Marinate at least 4 hours or overnight (even better!). 🌙
Pro Tip: For extra juicy chicken, briefly brine in salted water (30 mins) before marinating.
2️⃣ Create the Crispy Coating
In one bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs.
Dip chicken into flour mix ➡️ eggs ➡️ flour again. Double-dipping guarantees ultimate crunch! 🔥
3️⃣ Fry Until Golden
Heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken in batches (4–5 mins) until crispy and golden. Drain on wire rack or paper towels.
For extra crunch: Let chicken rest 5 mins, then quickly fry again (1–2 mins). 🥳
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Soy Sauce
Simmer soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, sriracha, and chili flakes in a saucepan until slightly thickened and glossy. Delicious as a glaze or dipping sauce! 🍯
5️⃣Plate and enjoy!
Toss chicken in glaze or serve it alongside for dipping. Garnish generously with sliced green onions, furikake, sesame seeds, or nori. Serve with steamed rice 🍚 and mac salad 🥗 for authentic island vibes! 🌺
✨ Pro Tips for Perfect Hawaiian Fried Chicken:
- Cut Evenly: Ensures consistent cooking.
- Keep Oil at 350°F: Crispy results every time! 🌡️
- Rest the Chicken: Let coated pieces sit 10 mins before frying for max crispiness.
- Enjoy Island Style: Pair with a Mai Tai 🍹 or pineapple soda for the ultimate island feel.
🍽️ Got Leftovers? (Lucky You!)
Though rare, leftovers reheat beautifully in an oven or air fryer—crispy, juicy perfection round two! ♻️✨
🌺 Final Thoughts: Aloha in Every Bite!
Hawaiian fried chicken isn’t just a meal—it’s a delicious celebration of Hawaii’s multicultural heritage and culinary warmth. Each crispy, garlicky bite carries island comfort and the aloha spirit straight to your kitchen. 🌴❤️
Give it a try, and you’ll understand why leftovers rarely exist—no leftovers means everyone loves it! 🥰
💬 Hungry yet? Comment below if you’ve made this recipe or if you have your own island twist!
📌 Pin it! Save this delicious recipe for your next potluck or quick weeknight dinner!
Hawaiian Fried Chicken (FAQs)
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, although thighs are recommended for their tenderness and juiciness. If using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them to prevent dryness.
2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour, and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
3. Can I air-fry or bake the chicken instead of deep-frying?
Yes! For air-frying, cook at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping once halfway. It may not be as crispy as frying but will still taste great.
4. What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 375°F until warmed through and crispy.
5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken the night before, then coat and fry when you’re ready. You can also prepare the sauce ahead and store it refrigerated, gently reheating it before serving.
Hawaiian Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce shoyu
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 large eggs beaten
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying, approx. 4 cups
- For the Garlic Soy Glaze Dipping Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce optional, for heat
- Pinch of chili flakes optional
- Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Furikake seasoning toasted sesame seeds, or thinly sliced nori
Instructions
- Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, soy sauce, lime juice, sugar, white pepper, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix thoroughly.
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
- Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt.
- Place beaten eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip chicken pieces first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally back into the flour mixture. This double coating ensures maximum crispiness.
- Step 3: Fry the Chicken
- Heat about 3–4 inches of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–5 minutes or until golden and cooked through. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- For extra crispiness, rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then briefly fry again for 1–2 minutes.
- Step 4: Make Garlic Soy Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, Sriracha (if using), and chili flakes.
- Simmer gently until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Step 5: Serve
- Toss fried chicken pieces in the glaze or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, furikake, sesame seeds, or nori strips.
- Serve hot alongside steamed rice and macaroni salad for an authentic Hawaiian-style meal.
Notes
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat leftover chicken in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–10 minutes, until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it may cause sogginess.
