Quick Overview
Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a delightful twist on traditional fried chicken. This dish is known for its crispy exterior and rich garlic flavor. It perfectly combines the savory taste of garlic with the tender juiciness of chicken. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this recipe will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish that is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Thighs
For this recipe, you will need 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They provide rich flavor and remain juicy during cooking. The tender meat absorbs the marinade beautifully.
Garlic
Use 10 cloves of fresh garlic for an intense flavor kick. Mince the garlic finely to ensure it evenly infuses throughout the chicken marinade. Fresh garlic adds depth that pre-packaged options cannot match.
Soy Sauce
Include ½ cup of soy sauce for seasoning. This ingredient enhances the umami flavor in the dish while also helping to tenderize the chicken. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer a lighter version.
Brown Sugar
Add 3 tablespoons of brown sugar to balance the saltiness from the soy sauce. The sugar caramelizes during frying, creating a beautiful color and adding a hint of sweetness to each bite.
Flour
You will need 1 cup of all-purpose flour for coating the chicken. The flour helps achieve that coveted crispy texture when frying and forms a delicious crust around each piece.
Cornstarch
Incorporate ½ cup of cornstarch alongside the flour for extra crunchiness. Cornstarch creates an airy texture that elevates your fried chicken experience and keeps it light.
Cooking Oil
Prepare approximately 2 cups of vegetable oil for frying. Choose an oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil to ensure even cooking without burning.
Step By Step Recipe: Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Whisk until mixed properly. Add the chicken thighs into the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight for enhanced flavor absorption.
Step 2: Prepare Coating Mixture
In another bowl, mix together flour and cornstarch until well combined. This mixture will form the crispy coating on your fried chicken. Ensure there are no lumps in the mixture for an even covering when frying.
Step 3: Heat Oil
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in vegetable oil until it reaches about two inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature; proper heat is crucial for achieving that crispy finish without greasiness.
Step 4: Coat Chicken
Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let excess marinade drip off. Dredge each piece thoroughly in the flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess coating before frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 5: Fry Chicken
Carefully place coated chicken pieces in hot oil one at a time using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry each batch for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove cooked pieces and drain on paper towels.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once all pieces are cooked, serve immediately while hot! Pair with steamed rice or fresh salad for a complete meal experience that everyone will love.
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Tip
Serve Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken hot out of the fryer for maximum crispiness. Pair it with sides like coconut rice or coleslaw to balance flavors and textures nicely at your dinner table.
Storage Tip
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to two months if you want to keep them longer while maintaining their quality.
Reheating Tip
When reheating leftover fried chicken, place it in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this could make it soggy instead of retaining its delicious crunch.
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when making Hawaiian garlic fried chicken is over-marinating the chicken. While marination is crucial for flavor, leaving the chicken in the marinade for too long can result in a mushy texture. Aim for 30 minutes to 2 hours; this will ensure the chicken absorbs the flavors without losing its firmness.
Another mistake is using the wrong type of oil for frying. It’s best to use high smoke point oils like vegetable or peanut oil, as olive oil can burn and impart an undesirable taste to your dish. Proper oil selection ensures a crispy and flavorful result.
Failing to properly drain excess marinade can lead to soggy chicken. Always shake off excess marinade before frying. This step helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying, as this can lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in greasy chicken.
Lastly, many people forget to season their flour mixture. The seasoned flour is essential for adding flavor to your coating. Be sure to mix salt, pepper, and any other spices into your flour before dredging the chicken.
Tips and tricks
For making delicious Hawaiian garlic fried chicken, start with fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic will provide a robust flavor that dried garlic cannot replicate. If possible, use whole cloves and crush them just before mixing them into your marinade or batter. This ensures that you capture all those aromatic oils.
Consider using a two-step frying method. First, fry the chicken at a lower temperature (around 325°F) until it’s cooked through but not browned; this ensures thorough cooking. Afterward, increase the heat (to about 375°F) for a quick second fry to achieve that golden-brown crispiness on the outside. This technique results in perfectly cooked and crispy fried chicken every time.
Don’t skip resting your fried chicken after cooking. Once you take it out of the oil, place it on a wire rack instead of paper towels. A wire rack allows air circulation around all sides of the chicken, preventing it from steaming and becoming soggy while resting.
Pair your Hawaiian garlic fried chicken with a sweet dipping sauce or tangy slaw to balance out flavors and textures on your plate. Consider using pineapple salsa or a spicy mayo dip to enhance the tropical experience of this dish.
Suggestions for Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
When preparing Hawaiian garlic fried chicken, consider marinating overnight for even better flavor infusion. This extended marination allows all those aromatic spices and garlic notes to penetrate deeply into the meat.
Opt for bone-in skin-on chicken pieces like thighs or drumsticks; these cuts are more forgiving during cooking and tend to remain juicier than boneless options. The skin also contributes to that desired crunch while sealing in moisture as it fries.
To make cleanup easier, try lining your frying area with newspapers or parchment paper before getting started. This way, you can easily discard any spills or messes without hassle after cooking.
If you’re looking for extra crunchiness in your fried chicken batter, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs when coating your pieces before frying them up.
FAQs
What is Hawaiian garlic fried chicken?
Hawaiian garlic fried chicken is a popular dish known for its crispy exterior and flavorful interior marinated in soy sauce and fresh garlic. It offers a delicious blend of savory flavors typical in Hawaiian cuisine while maintaining that classic comfort food appeal.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
While you can use boneless chicken for Hawaiian garlic fried chicken, bone-in cuts are recommended because they tend to retain moisture better during frying. Bone-in pieces also provide added flavor due to their fat content.
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
Marinating should be done between 30 minutes and 2 hours for optimal flavor absorption without compromising texture. Marinating beyond this time may result in mushy meat rather than tender juicy bites.
What type of oil is best for frying?
High smoke point oils like vegetable or peanut oil work best for frying Hawaiian garlic fried chicken. These oils maintain stability at high temperatures and help create that sought-after crispy texture without burning quickly.
Can I bake instead of fry?
Yes! You can bake Hawaiian garlic fried chicken if you prefer a healthier option; however, keep in mind that baking results may differ slightly in terms of texture compared to traditional frying methods which yield crispiness due to bubbling hot oil surrounding each piece.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve Hawaiian garlic fried chicken alongside coconut rice or macaroni salad for an authentic meal experience reminiscent of Hawaii’s local cuisine styles! You could also add fresh fruit salsas or salads made from local veggies to complement flavors beautifully!
Summary
In summary, making Hawaiian garlic fried chicken involves avoiding common mistakes like over-marinating or improper seasoning while applying useful tips such as marinating overnight and using bone-in cuts for juiciness. With thoughtful preparation techniques combined with proper side dishes like coconut rice or salads enhances both flavor profiles! Enjoy learning these methods as you create an irresistible meal at home!