Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken

Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken is a perfect fusion of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The crispy golden exterior of the chicken is complemented by the rich, tangy Hawaiian sauce, creating a flavor explosion with every bite. This dish is inspired by the best of Korean fried chicken, with the addition of tropical Hawaiian ingredients that give it a unique twist. The chicken is deep-fried to crispy perfection, and then generously coated with a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, honey, and sesame oil. The addition of sesame seeds and green onions enhances the texture and flavor, making every bite even more irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party or just treat yourself to a flavorful, crispy meal, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken

This Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken is an absolute flavor bomb. It brings together the addictive crunch of perfectly fried chicken with a sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and umami. The sauce itself is a combination of rich soy sauce and brown sugar, creating a deep, sweet flavor with just the right amount of heat from chili garlic sauce. The added honey and sesame oil bring a lovely richness to the dish, while sesame seeds and green onions provide texture and freshness. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, perfectly cooked to complement the crispy coating. This recipe is incredibly satisfying, and the crispy chicken paired with the sauce is something you’ll want to make over and over again. Plus, it’s easy to make and is sure to impress both family and friends. It’s a great dish for a fun dinner, special occasion, or a weekend treat.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Salt

For the Hawaiian Sauce:

• Soy sauce
• Green onions, diced
• Brown sugar
• Chili garlic sauce
• Sesame seeds
• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Sesame oil

Variations

While the classic Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, there are many ways to make it your own:

• Add more spice: If you enjoy a spicier kick, increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or add some sliced fresh chilies to the sauce for extra heat.
• Use chicken breasts: While chicken thighs are juicy and tender, you can substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian version: Substitute the chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based alternative that still captures the crispy texture and rich flavors.
• Customize the sauce: If you prefer a tangy twist, add a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce. Alternatively, you can swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar for a slightly different sweetness profile.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to ensure the coating sticks. In a large bowl, mix the cornstarch, garlic powder, and salt. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture and toss to coat each piece evenly. The cornstarch will help give the chicken a super crispy texture once fried.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches around 350°F (175°C), carefully add the coated chicken pieces in batches. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken. Fry the chicken for about 5-6 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 3: Prepare the Hawaiian Sauce

While the chicken is frying, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, diced green onions, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds, minced garlic, honey, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once the chicken is fried and the sauce is ready, transfer the chicken pieces to a large bowl. Pour the hot Hawaiian sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Make sure all the chicken pieces are well-covered with the sauce.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken immediately, garnished with extra sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness. Enjoy it on its own, or serve with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.

Tips for Making the Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken

• Ensure the oil is hot enough: The oil should be at 350°F (175°C) for the crispiest chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of cornstarch into it. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping, which could lead to greasy chicken.
• Use a deep frying thermometer: A thermometer will help ensure that the oil stays at the right temperature, making it easier to get that perfect golden-brown crispiness.
• Adjust the sauce to taste: Depending on your preference, you can make the sauce sweeter by adding more honey or adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the chili garlic sauce.

How to Serve

Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides:

• With rice: Serve the fried chicken over a bed of steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
• With a side of vegetables: Pair the chicken with sautéed vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the richness of the dish.
• In a sandwich: For a fun twist, serve the crispy chicken in a bun with some extra sauce, pickled vegetables, and slaw for a Hawaiian-style fried chicken sandwich.
• As an appetizer: These crispy, saucy chicken bites make a great finger food for parties, gatherings, or game day snacks.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The fried chicken will stay crispy for a while if stored properly, but it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. Reheat the chicken in a hot oven or air fryer to help retain its crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the fried chicken before coating it in the sauce. Simply freeze the cooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. If the chicken has already been coated in the sauce, reheat it in a pan on low heat to avoid making the coating soggy.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the chicken thighs provide more juiciness and flavor.

2. How do I make the chicken even crispier?

For extra crispiness, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying and ensure the oil is at the correct temperature before frying.

3. Can I make this recipe without deep frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or use an air fryer for a healthier version.

4. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the Hawaiian sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat it before using.

5. Can I add more spice to the sauce?

Yes, feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or fresh chopped chilies.

6. What can I serve with this dish?

You can serve the chicken with rice, sautéed vegetables, or even in a sandwich with coleslaw.

7. Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

8. How can I make the chicken crispier when reheating?

Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer at a high temperature to restore its crispy texture.

9. Can I use a different sweetener besides brown sugar?

Yes, you can use coconut sugar, maple syrup, or even agave syrup as alternatives to brown sugar.

10. Can I make this dish less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, simply decrease the amount of brown sugar or honey in the sauce.

Conclusion

Crispy Hawaiian Style Korean Fried Chicken is a delicious and fun fusion dish that offers the perfect balance of flavors. The crispy, golden chicken paired with the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy Hawaiian sauce creates a meal that is both satisfying and addictive. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a true crowd-pleaser!

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• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs with Teriyaki Marinade
• Chicken Marsala

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