My Hawaiian friend first showed me this recipe, and we’ve been eating it regularly since!

 

🌺 My Hawaiian Friend First Showed Me This Recipe, and We’ve Been Eating It Regularly Since!

Some recipes stick with you not just because they’re delicious — but because they come with a story, a memory, or a meaningful connection. That’s exactly how I feel about this Hawaiian-inspired dish my friend from Maui introduced me to. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with the laid-back tropical vibes you'd expect from the islands.

And once we made it the first time? It quickly became a family favorite — showing up in our weekly meal rotation ever since!

So what is this magical meal? It’s a classic, comforting, totally satisfying dish called Hawaiian Garlic Chicken — crispy, sticky, sweet, salty, and garlicky in all the right ways.

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🍗 What Is Hawaiian Garlic Chicken?

This dish is a beloved staple in many Hawaiian homes and local restaurants. It features crispy fried chicken bites, coated in a sweet soy-garlic glaze that’s sticky and irresistible. Think of it as the Hawaiian cousin to teriyaki chicken — but with a bigger punch of garlic and that crave-worthy crunch.

Served with warm white rice and maybe a side of mac salad or pineapple, it’s the kind of meal that instantly transports you to a backyard luau.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples — you probably already have them!

For the chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 cup cornstarch (or potato starch for extra crisp)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

For the garlic glaze:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, six!)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional, for a hint of warmth)

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (to thicken)

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Prep the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then toss them in cornstarch until evenly coated. This gives them a perfectly crisp exterior when fried.

2. Fry Until Golden

Heat oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and fully cooked (about 4–5 minutes per batch). Remove and let drain on paper towels.

3. Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, vinegar, and honey. Bring to a simmer, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Stir constantly until glossy and sticky.

4. Toss It All Together

Place the fried chicken in a large bowl and pour the hot garlic sauce over it. Toss until every piece is coated in that shiny, garlicky glaze.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve over steamed jasmine rice, sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds, and prepare to fall in love.

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🍍 Why We Can’t Stop Making It

• Super flavorful – Sweet, savory, and garlicky in every bite

• Crispy yet saucy – The best of both worlds

• Family-friendly – Kids and adults devour it

• Easy to adapt – You can bake instead of fry, or make it spicy with chili flakes

• Great for leftovers – Reheat in the air fryer for crispy goodness again

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💬 Final Thoughts

When my Hawaiian friend first made this for me, I had no idea it would become one of those rare “repeat recipes” — the kind you never get tired of, no matter how often you make it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and has that special ability to bring people together around the table.

Try it once, and you might just find yourself making it week after week, too.