Craving the crispy, juicy delight that is broasted chicken? You’re in luck! This recipe is your ticket to creating that mouth-watering, golden-brown perfection right in your own kitchen. Combining the best of frying and pressure cooking, broasted chicken delivers a flavor-packed punch that’s both tender and crispy. Ready to make your taste buds dance? Let’s dive into the delicious world of broasted chicken and transform your meal times into a culinary celebration!
What is Broasted Chicken?
Before we jump into the recipe, it’s essential to understand what broasted chicken is. Broasting is a method that combines pressure cooking and deep frying. This technique, invented by Broaster Company in 1954, results in chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Unlike regular fried chicken, broasted chicken is cooked under pressure, which seals in moisture and flavor.
Ingredients
To make this broasted chicken recipe at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- Oil for frying (preferably peanut or vegetable oil)
Equipment
To achieve that perfect broasted chicken texture, for this recipe you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:
- Pressure cooker (without the rubber gasket for frying)
- Deep frying thermometer
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Broasted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Place the chicken in a large bowl or a ziplock bag and pour the buttermilk over it. Make sure all pieces are well-coated. Cover the bowl or seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and enhances the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices. This seasoned flour will give the chicken its crispy coating.
Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. Set up your dredging station with the marinated chicken, egg wash, and seasoned flour. This assembly line will make the coating process quick and efficient.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dip each piece into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Next, dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Place the coated chicken on a wire rack and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This rest time allows the coating to set, which helps it stick during frying.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Fill your pressure cooker with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces, but do not exceed the maximum fill line. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a deep frying thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. Maintaining the right temperature is key to achieving that perfect crispiness without burning the chicken.
Step 6: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the cooker, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Fry for about 8-10 minutes, until the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Pressure Cooking
After frying, carefully remove the chicken pieces and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil. For the final touch, pressure cook the fried chicken. This step ensures the chicken is cooked through and remains juicy. Place the fried chicken back into the pressure cooker, cover it without the rubber gasket, and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and let it rest on the wire rack for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful. Serve the broasted chicken hot with your favorite sides.
Tips for Perfect Broasted Chicken
- Buttermilk Brine: Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade. It’s essential for tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
- Seasoned Flour: Be generous with the spices in your flour mixture. It’s the key to a flavorful crust.
- Oil Temperature: Keep a close eye on your oil temperature. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cool, and the chicken will be greasy.
- Resting Period: Allow the coated chicken to rest before frying and after cooking. This step helps set the crust and redistribute the juices.
Side Dishes to Pair with Broasted Chicken
Broasted chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with rich, savory gravy are a classic pairing.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob is a perfect summer side.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are great for sopping up any extra juices.
- Green Beans: Sautéed or steamed green beans add a healthy, vibrant element to your plate.
A Brief History of Broasted Chicken
The concept of broasted chicken was created by L.A.M. Phelan in 1954. He invented a special pressure fryer, which combined the benefits of deep frying and pressure cooking. His invention led to the founding of the Broaster Company, which popularized broasted chicken across the United States. Today, broasted chicken is a staple in many restaurants and homes, known for its distinctive texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Broasted chicken isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that brings together the comfort of home-cooked meals and the indulgence of restaurant-quality food. By mastering this broasted chicken recipe, you’re not only treating yourself to a delightful meal but also creating memorable moments for family and friends. The blend of crispy, golden-brown crust with tender, juicy meat inside is a testament to the magic of this cooking technique. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace the process, and enjoy every bite of your homemade broasted chicken. It’s a culinary adventure that’s well worth the effort!