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.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 2-12 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 12 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Hawaiian
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free flour alternative)
Chicken and Marinade
- 4–6 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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 4 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Hawaiian, Fried Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken, Tropical Recipe, Party Food, Family Friendly, Easy Dinner