How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken Fast

If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and bursting with a tropical twist, then this Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is your new go-to. This quick and easy Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is packed with bold flavors that marry sweet pineapple notes with the irresistible punch of garlic. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a last-minute snack, it’s fast and satisfying, delivering that perfect balance of savory and sweet everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Tropical Flavor: The combination of garlic and pineapple creates a vibrant, mouthwatering taste you won’t find in your typical fried chicken.
• Fast and Easy: Minimal prep and cooking time make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
• Crispy Outside, Juicy Inside: The chicken’s perfectly crispy coating locks in moisture for an irresistible bite every time.
• Family-Friendly: A perfect meal that appeals to kids and adults alike with its familiar yet exciting flavors.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Ready to customize to your dietary preferences or ingredient availability without losing the rich Hawaiian flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe relies on simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the sweet, garlicky, and crunchy experience you’re after.

• Chicken pieces: Bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks offer juiciness and flavor while frying.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic punch that elevates the overall taste.
• Pineapple juice: Provides natural sweetness and tenderizes the chicken perfectly.
• Soy sauce: Adds a deep umami richness and salty balance.
• Flour and cornstarch: Create the crispy coating that locks in moisture.
• Eggs: Act as a binder so the coating adheres evenly.
• Brown sugar: Enhances the caramelized flavor in the crust.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the other flavors.
• Vegetable oil: For frying to a golden, crunchy perfection without overpowering the garlic and pineapple notes.

Variations for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

This Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is delightfully easy to adjust based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds, dietary restrictions, or even regional flair.

• Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade for a fiery twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch blends to keep it crispy but safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Healthier version: Try baking the chicken instead of frying for a lighter alternative that still packs flavor.
• Pineapple chunks: Toss in fresh pineapple pieces for bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• Herb infusion: Incorporate fresh thyme or cilantro into the marinade for an added layer of aroma and zest.

How to Make Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, mix freshly minced garlic, pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. The pineapple juice tenderizes the chicken, while garlic infuses it with incredible aroma. Place your chicken pieces in this marinade, cover, and let it soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture by combining flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. In another bowl, whisk the eggs to create an egg wash. This setup ensures a light but crispy coating once fried.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove each piece of chicken from the marinade, letting any extra liquid drip off, then dip into the egg wash and dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well, setting the stage for that perfect crunch.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 6 to 8 minutes until golden brown and crispy. The cooking time ensures the chicken cooks through while remaining juicy inside.

Step 5: Drain and Serve

Once fried, transfer the chicken to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This step keeps the coating crisp until you’re ready to serve your delicious Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken.

Pro Tips for Making Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

• Marinate longer: For more intense flavor and tenderness, marinate overnight if time allows.
• Use a thermometer: Keep oil temperature steady at 350°F to avoid greasy or undercooked chicken.
• Double dredging: For extra crunch, dip chicken in egg wash and flour twice before frying.
• Pat dry: Before dredging, gently pat chicken pieces to prevent soggy breading.
• Rest before serving: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes post-frying so juices redistribute evenly.

How to Serve Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh green onions or cilantro adds a bright, fresh note that complements the chicken’s sweet and savory flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, a crisp tossed salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal with fresh textures and flavors that balance the richness of the fried chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken on slider buns with a tangy mayo or pineapple salsa for handheld mini sandwiches bursting with island flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain the flavors and prevents the coating from becoming soggy too quickly.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive the crispy crust and warm the meat thoroughly without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can, but chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful when fried, while breasts tend to dry out if overcooked, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have pineapple juice?

If pineapple juice isn’t available, substitute with a mix of orange juice and a little bit of brown sugar to mimic the sweetness and acidity.

Is this recipe good for gluten-free diets?

Absolutely! Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour and use cornstarch as is, ensuring your fried chicken remains crispy and safe to enjoy.

How spicy is Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken?

The basic recipe isn’t spicy but you can easily add heat with chili flakes or cayenne pepper to give it a delightful kick.

Can I bake this instead of frying?

Yes, baking is a healthier option. Coat the chicken as usual, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Final Thoughts

Ready to bring a burst of island sunshine into your kitchen? This Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken recipe is a fast, flavorful favorite that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to try it out, experiment with variations, and make it your own. Enjoy each crispy, garlicky, and sweet bite—it’s comfort food with a tropical soul!

Related Posts

• How to Make Rosemary Garlic Steak Kebabs Perfect
• Easy 10-Minute Spicy Garlic Bok Choy Recipe
• Why Vegan Jamaican Chickpea Curry Tops Easy Meals

Print