Print

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken
Print Recipe

Hawaiian Garlic Fried Chicken is a flavorful dish combining a crispy, golden crust with juicy, tender chicken infused with fresh garlic and a touch of tropical sweetness. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe offers a unique island-inspired twist on classic fried chicken that is easy to prepare and sure to delight all ages.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • Bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks – 2 to 3 pounds
  • Buttermilk – 2 cups
  • Fresh garlic, minced or crushed – 4 cloves
  • Brown sugar – 1 tablespoon
  • Hawaiian sea salt or kosher salt – 1 teaspoon (plus more to taste)

Coating

  • All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups
  • Cornstarch – ½ cup
  • Paprika – 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic powder (optional) – ½ teaspoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon

Frying

  • Vegetable oil – enough for deep frying (about 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, minced garlic, salt, and brown sugar. Submerge the chicken pieces in the mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder (if using), and salt. This dry mix will create the crispy, flavorful crust.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade, letting excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring every part is well coated for maximum crunch.
  4. Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken in batches to avoid crowding, cooking each piece for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating fully cooked juicy meat.
  5. Drain and Rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow it to rest a few minutes to keep the crust crisp before serving.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for increased tenderness and flavor.
  • Pat chicken dry slightly after marinating for better coating adhesion.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in small batches to avoid soggy crust.
  • Cool fried chicken on a wire rack to prevent moisture buildup and sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Hawaiian fried chicken, garlic fried chicken, crispy fried chicken, island flavors, buttermilk fried chicken

Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/hawaiian-garlic-fried-chicken/