Golden Hawaiian Fried Chicken That's Perfectly Crispy

This Golden Hawaiian Fried Chicken is a delicious, crispy treat that brings a taste of aloha to your table.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Marination Time 4

Total Time 4 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Chicken

Cuisine: Hawaiian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 cup Rice Flour Provides a light, crispy coating; substitute with all-purpose flour if needed.
1/2 cup Cornstarch Enhances the crispiness of the fried chicken; can be omitted for a denser texture.
2 tablespoons Sugar Balances the savory flavors; can substitute with honey or a sugar alternative.
1/4 cup Soy Sauce Adds depth and umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free option.
2 large Eggs Binds the batter; substitute with flax eggs for a vegan version.
4 cloves Garlic (minced) Infuses robust flavor; garlic powder can work in a pinch.
2 tablespoons Ginger (grated) Adds zesty warmth; fresh is best, though dried can substitute in small amounts.
1 teaspoon Salt Enhances every flavor; adjust according to dietary needs.
2 tablespoons Toasted Sesame Oil Imparts a nutty aroma; vegetable oil is a lighter alternative.
1 pound Chicken Thighs Juicy and tender; can substitute with chicken breasts, though they may be drier.

For Frying

For the Spicy Garlic Aioli

1 cup Mayonnaise Adds creaminess to the aioli; Greek yogurt can be a lighter substitute.
2 tablespoons Chili Paste Provides heat; adjust type based on desired spice level, Sriracha works well.
2 tablespoons Water Thins the aioli for desired consistency.
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Brightens flavors; fresh is preferable, but bottled will do.
2 cloves Garlic (finely grated into a paste) Enhances the aioli's flavor profile, making it deliciously robust.

For the Garnish

1 tablespoon Furikake Savory Japanese seasoning that adds umami; can buy or make if unavailable.
2 tablespoons Scallions Provide freshness; can be replaced with green onions or omitted if needed.

Equipment

Large Bowl
Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Candy thermometer
Slotted Spoon
paper towel-lined rack

Method

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Golden Hawaiian Fried Chicken

Prepare Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the rice flour, cornstarch, sugar, soy sauce, eggs, minced garlic, grated ginger, salt, and sesame oil until smooth. Set this marinade aside.
Marinate Chicken: Cut your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and fold them into the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Make Aioli: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chili paste, water, lemon juice, and finely grated garlic. Stir until smooth and set aside in the refrigerator.
Prepare for Frying: About 15 minutes before frying, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a Dutch oven. Use a candy thermometer for accuracy.
Fry Chicken: Carefully drop marinated chicken pieces into the hot oil in batches. Fry each batch for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Drain and Garnish: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined rack. Sprinkle with furikake and garnish with scallions.
Serve: Arrange the fried chicken on a platter and serve warm with the spicy garlic aioli for dipping.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For maximum flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the chicken's doneness, aiming for 165°F for perfectly cooked chicken.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!