Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is a flavorful, island-inspired dish that delivers crunchy, golden-fried chicken tossed in a sweet and garlicky soy sauce. With an optional kick from fried jalapeño slices, this takeout-style recipe combines the savory comfort of fried chicken with bold, aromatic Hawaiian flavors. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal perfect served with steamed rice and macaroni salad for an authentic plate lunch experience.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
½ tsp salt
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp coarse ground black pepper
Oil for frying

Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup sugar
3 tbsp water
½ tsp ground ginger
2 tbsp minced garlic

Directions

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Dredge chicken in this mixture.
Fry chicken in batches until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a wire rack or paper towel.
If using, fry jalapeño slices for 30 seconds until crispy and set aside.
While frying, prepare the sauce by adding soy sauce, sugar, water, ginger, and garlic to a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
Once all chicken is fried, toss it with the warm sauce just before serving to maintain crispiness.
Top with fried jalapeños if desired and serve with rice and macaroni salad.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

Calories: 262 kcal
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 617mg
Cholesterol: 83mg
Fiber: <1g
Vitamin C: 2.7mg
Iron: 1.2mg

The Origins of Hawaiian Garlic Chicken

This recipe is inspired by a beloved takeout classic popular in Hawaii, where Asian, Polynesian, and American influences blend seamlessly into a distinctive culinary culture. Garlic chicken, in particular, reflects Hawaii’s deep ties with Japanese, Korean, and Filipino cooking traditions. The dish is commonly found in lunch trucks and local eateries, especially on Oahu, where it’s served as part of the “plate lunch”—a comforting trio of rice, macaroni salad, and a protein, often accompanied by rich sauces and local garnishes. While variations exist across the islands, the signature combination of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and crispy chicken remains a favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is pure comfort food. The bite-sized pieces of chicken are juicy inside and crunchy outside, thanks to a double-strength coating of flour and cornstarch. Once tossed in the hot, garlicky sauce, they become addictively sticky and savory-sweet—perfectly coated but still crisp. You’ll also love how quickly the sauce comes together using pantry staples like soy sauce, sugar, and ground ginger. The fried jalapeños are an optional twist, but they add a welcome pop of heat and crunch that elevate the dish even further.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, game day party, or casual family meal, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Flavor Profile: The Balance of Sweet, Savory, and Garlic

At the heart of this dish is the unforgettable garlic-soy glaze. With generous amounts of minced garlic simmered in a soy and sugar mixture, the sauce is bold, aromatic, and perfectly balanced. The sweetness mellows out the saltiness of the soy sauce, while a touch of ginger adds depth. The chicken absorbs just enough of this sauce to flavor the exterior while maintaining its crisp edges. The contrast of juicy meat with crunchy coating and sticky glaze creates a multi-sensory eating experience that’s impossible to resist.

Healthier Than Takeout? Yes—When Made at Home

While this dish is undeniably indulgent, making it at home allows you to control the quality and quantity of ingredients. You can use heart-healthy oil for frying, trim excess fat from chicken thighs, and moderate the sugar or sodium in the sauce as desired. The chicken is fried quickly in hot oil, meaning it absorbs less oil compared to lower-temperature frying. And unlike many takeout versions, there are no preservatives or MSG—just real ingredients and bold, fresh flavor.

Perfect for Sharing (or Keeping All to Yourself)

This dish is perfect for casual dinners, potlucks, or backyard get-togethers. Serve it as the star of a Hawaiian plate lunch with rice and macaroni salad for an authentic touch, or pair it with steamed vegetables and salad greens for a lighter meal. Leftovers—if there are any—reheat well in an air fryer or hot oven, making this a great make-ahead option for weekly meal prep. Just keep the sauce and chicken separate until serving to maintain that crave-worthy crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcrowding the pan when frying, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy. Always fry in batches and give the pieces space to crisp up evenly. Be sure to preheat your oil to the right temperature—around 350°F (175°C)—to ensure a golden crust that cooks quickly and cleanly.

Another misstep is letting the sauce overboil. Garlic burns easily, and burnt garlic turns bitter, so once the sauce comes to a boil, remove it from the heat promptly. For the crispiest results, wait to toss the chicken in the sauce until just before serving.

Pro Tips for Maximum Crunch and Flavor

Marinate the chicken briefly with a dash of soy sauce and a sprinkle of garlic powder for an extra boost of flavor before dredging. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain the fried pieces, which prevents steam buildup and sogginess. To thicken the sauce slightly, reduce it for a minute or two longer before tossing, or add a touch of cornstarch slurry for a glossy finish.

To make it more festive or spicy, serve with fried garlic chips, extra jalapeños, or a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds.

Delicious Variations to Try

While chicken thighs are traditional, you can also use boneless chicken breast or even wings for a fun variation. For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari for soy sauce and use rice flour in place of wheat flour. If you love heat, add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce or replace jalapeños with Thai chilies. You can also turn this into a full rice bowl with shredded cabbage, pickled vegetables, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo for a street food-style meal.

Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic

Garlic is the undisputed star of this dish, lending its pungent aroma and savory flavor to the glaze. In Hawaiian cuisine, garlic is used liberally—often fried until fragrant to add crunch and intensity. In this recipe, it’s minced and simmered to infuse the sauce with its deep, slightly caramelized essence. For best results, use freshly minced garlic rather than pre-chopped or powdered to preserve its sharp bite and natural sweetness.

Conclusion

Crispy Hawaiian Garlic Chicken is a celebration of flavor, texture, and tradition. With its juicy, golden-fried pieces of chicken coated in a garlicky soy glaze, it’s no wonder this dish has become a beloved staple of Hawaiian comfort food. Easy to make at home and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to win over friends, family, and anyone who loves bold, crave-worthy food. Pair it with steamed rice, macaroni salad, or enjoy it straight from the pan—however you serve it, this chicken is destined to disappear fast.