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Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken combines a crispy golden crust with juicy, tender chicken infused with a flavorful garlic and pineapple marinade, delivering a perfect balance of savory and tropical sweetness. This versatile, family-friendly dish is ideal for weeknight meals, gatherings, or party snacks, bringing a delightful Hawaiian twist to classic fried chicken.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 46 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
  • Black pepper, a dash (optional)

Coating

  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Frying

  • Vegetable or canola oil, for frying (enough to fill skillet about 2 inches deep)

Optional Garnishes and Sides

  • Thinly sliced green onions
  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Lime wedges
  • Sticky white rice
  • Macaroni salad
  • Grilled pineapple slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, mix minced fresh garlic, pineapple juice, soy sauce, and ground ginger if using. Submerge the chicken pieces in this marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
  2. Set Up the Coating Station: Whisk eggs in one bowl. In another bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Remove chicken from marinade and let excess drip off before coating.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg wash, then press into the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. For extra crispiness, double-dip by repeating the egg and flour step once more.
  4. Fry Until Golden: Heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Carefully fry chicken pieces without overcrowding for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the crust is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Drain and Rest: Transfer cooked chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow to rest a few minutes so juices redistribute, ensuring juicy and tender meat beneath the crispy crust.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature for even cooking and crispiness.
  • Fry in batches to prevent overcrowding and soggy crusts.
  • Drain on a wire rack to keep chicken crust crispy; avoid stacking or using only paper towels.
  • Use fresh minced garlic for the marinade for the best aromatic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian, Fried Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Tropical Recipe, Party Food, Family Friendly, Easy Dinner