Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken: A Flavorful Island-Inspired Dish for Beginners

There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into crispy, golden chicken that has been enveloped in a rich, savory sauce with a slight sweetness and the perfect touch of spice. Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is one such dish that brings together a crispy fried chicken and a soy garlic sauce, all topped with the added kick of fried jalapeño rings. This dish takes your typical island takeout to the next level with its bold flavors, making it a hit with anyone who loves a bit of heat and sweetness in their meals.

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I first encountered Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken during a trip to Hawaii a few years ago, where I was introduced to the tropical island flavors in a whole new way. The combination of garlic and soy sauce with the crispy fried chicken and spicy jalapeños was absolutely delicious. Inspired by this memorable dish, I decided to recreate it at home, and over time, I’ve perfected my version of it. The result is a simple, straightforward recipe that can be easily made by beginner cooks. Whether you’re just starting to explore the world of cooking or are looking for an easy dish that packs tons of flavor, this Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is the perfect choice. It’s quick, easy, and versatile—and most importantly, it delivers that signature crispy, spicy, and savory taste that’s irresistible. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients and Preparation

The best part about Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is how simple and easy it is to prepare. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients, many of which are likely already stocked in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients, as well as some substitutions in case you need more flexibility:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are an excellent choice for this recipe because they’re juicy, tender, and full of flavor. If you prefer chicken breasts, they can be used as a substitute, but thighs will give you the best texture.
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional): The jalapeño adds heat and a fresh, crisp texture to the dish. If you prefer less spice, you can skip this ingredient, or remove the seeds to make it milder.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: This is a basic seasoning for the chicken to help bring out its natural flavor.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Flour helps to create a light, crispy coating on the chicken.
• 1/4 cup cornstarch: Cornstarch is key in making the chicken extra crispy. It helps create a delicate, crunchy crust without making the chicken too heavy or greasy.
• 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper: A pinch of black pepper gives the chicken a slight bite and enhances the other flavors.
• Oil for frying: You’ll need oil for frying, preferably a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce: Soy sauce forms the base of the sauce, providing that deep umami flavor that is characteristic of many Asian-inspired dishes.
• 1/4 cup sugar: The sugar adds a touch of sweetness, balancing out the salty soy sauce and bringing out the caramel-like flavor in the dish.
• 3 tablespoons water: Water is used to thin out the sauce and help it come together nicely.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger: Ginger adds a hint of warmth and spice that complements the garlic and soy sauce perfectly.
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic: Fresh garlic is the star ingredient in the sauce, infusing the chicken with its bold, aromatic flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken breasts, feel free to use them as a substitute. However, chicken thighs will provide a juicier, more tender result, which is key to the dish’s overall flavor and texture.
• Jalapeño: If you don’t like spicy food, you can skip the jalapeños altogether, or use a mild pepper like a bell pepper or poblano pepper for a gentle touch of heat. You could even use pickled jalapeños for a tangy twist.
• Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free version, tamari sauce is an excellent alternative to soy sauce.
• Cornstarch: If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use potato starch or rice flour, which will give you the same light, crispy coating on the chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that you have everything you need, let’s walk through the process of making this Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken. As a beginner cook, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward, with minimal steps. The result is a restaurant-worthy dish that you can make in the comfort of your own home.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Begin by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. This will help the chicken cook quickly and evenly. After cutting the chicken, season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. These simple seasonings help enhance the flavor of the chicken and ensure that every bite is tasty. Set the chicken aside while you prepare the flour mixture.

2. Slice the Jalapeño (Optional)

If you want to add some heat to the dish, slice the jalapeño into thin 1/4-inch thick rings. Make sure to remove the seeds if you want to reduce the spice level. The jalapeños will fry up crispy and add a burst of flavor to the dish, complementing the chicken perfectly. If you don’t want to use jalapeños, you can skip this step or substitute with another type of pepper or chili.

3. Prepare the Flour Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Stir the two together to ensure they’re well mixed. This flour mixture will help give the chicken its crispy coating. Take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. This step is key to achieving that irresistible crispy texture. Shake off any excess flour before frying.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. You can use a kitchen thermometer to check the temperature, or simply drop a small piece of chicken into the oil. If it sizzles right away, the oil is ready for frying.

5. Fry the Chicken

Carefully add a quarter of the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can result in soggy chicken. Cook each batch for about 3-4 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

6. Fry the Jalapeños (Optional)

After frying all the chicken, add the sliced jalapeños to the hot oil and fry them for about 30 seconds or until crispy. Remove them from the oil and place them on the paper towel-lined plate. These crispy jalapeños will add a nice crunch and spice to your dish.

7. Make the Soy Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is frying, you can prepare the soy garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sugar, 3 tablespoons water, 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger, and 2 tablespoons minced garlic. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture reaches a boil, turn off the heat. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

8. Coat the Chicken in Sauce

Once all the chicken is fried, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the soy garlic sauce over the chicken and toss to coat it evenly. The crispy chicken will absorb the sauce, creating a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors.

9. Garnish and Serve

Finally, top the chicken with the fried jalapeños for extra flavor and a pop of color. Serve the crispy Hawaiian garlic chicken hot, and enjoy the crunch and flavors in every bite!

Beginner Tips and Notes

• How to Tell If the Chicken is Cooked Through: To ensure your chicken is cooked through, cut into one of the pieces. It should be white inside with no pink. If in doubt, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).
• Frying Tips: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy rather than crispy. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small piece of chicken into the oil—if it bubbles vigorously, the oil is at the right temperature.
• Customize the Heat: If you’re not a fan of spice, you can skip the jalapeños or use a milder pepper. Alternatively, you can add the jalapeños at the end for a milder flavor, or try pickling them beforehand for a tangy twist.
• Sauce Consistency: If you find the sauce too thin, let it simmer a bit longer until it thickens. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions

This Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is perfect on its own, but there are a few complementary sides that will make it even better:

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: The delicate, fragrant rice pairs wonderfully with the savory sauce of the chicken. It’s perfect for soaking up the sauce and balancing the richness of the dish.
• Grilled Vegetables: Try serving your crispy chicken with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. The smoky, tender vegetables will provide a great contrast to the crispy chicken.
• Coleslaw: The freshness and crunch of a tangy coleslaw will balance out the rich, fried chicken and add a refreshing touch to the meal.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until the exterior crisps up again. If you don’t mind losing a bit of crispness, you can also microwave it. However, the best results come from reheating in the skillet or even air-frying to bring back that crispy texture.

Conclusion

Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of crispy fried chicken, a sweet and savory soy garlic sauce, and the heat from the jalapeños makes this dish a standout. It’s quick and easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and is sure to impress your family or guests. With its delicious balance of textures and flavors, this dish will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you serve it over rice, with vegetables, or just on its own, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to make this tropical-inspired dish at home. Enjoy!