Broasted chicken is a crispy, juicy fried chicken recipe that has been popularized by restaurants and fast food chains. But with the right techniques and equipment, you can recreate this tasty dish in your own kitchen. This step-by-step guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook broasted chicken at home.
What is Broasted Chicken?
Broasted chicken is not your average fried chicken It is cooked using a specialized combination pressure fryer and cooker called a broaster The broaster applies heat and pressure to lock in moisture while creating an ultra-crispy exterior. This results in chicken that is exceptionally juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
While broasters are expensive professional equipment, it is possible to emulate the broasting method at home with the right tools and techniques. The key aspects to recreating broasted chicken are using a pressure cooker, achieving the ideal breading, and maintaining the correct oil temperature during frying. Follow this guide to get broasted results in your own kitchen.
The Equipment You’ll Need
To cook broasted chicken at home you will need
- A stovetop pressure cooker with a pressure release valve
- A deep fry thermometer
- A heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
- A wire cooling rack
- Tongs
- Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil for frying
- Paper towels
- An oven (optional)
The pressure cooker allows you to emulate the pressurized environment of a broaster. Be sure to use a cooker large enough to hold several pieces of chicken without overcrowding.
Preparing the Chicken
The chicken itself greatly impacts the finished product. Follow these tips:
Select the Right Chicken
- Whole chicken cut into 8 or 9 pieces works best. You can also use a package of mixed chicken parts.
- Opt for fresh, never frozen chicken if possible.
- Similar sized pieces allow for even cooking.
Brine or Marinate (Optional)
- Brining or marinating for 4+ hours tenderizes the meat and adds flavor.
- Make a simple brine with water, salt, and sugar or use a flavorful marinade.
Dry and Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces completely dry before breading. This helps the coating stick.
- Lightly coat with flour or cornstarch for extra crispness (optional).
Creating the Perfect Breading
A well-adhered breading is vital for broasted chicken. Consider these tips:
- Use all-purpose flour as the base for crisping and browning.
- Include panko breadcrumbs for added crunch and texture.
- Season with spices like salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, etc.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before frying.
- Gently press the breading onto the chicken so it sticks.
Feel free to experiment with creative breading mixes using ingredients like parmesan, crushed crackers, cornmeal, and more.
How to Cook Broasted Chicken
Follow these steps carefully to achieve broasted results when frying your chicken:
Heat the Oil
- Fill your heavy pot halfway with frying oil. Vegetable, canola, and peanut oil work well.
- Heat the oil to 325°F on medium-high heat. Use your thermometer to monitor.
- Maintaining this temperature is crucial during cooking.
Fry the Chicken
- Carefully add a few pieces to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Overcrowding will lower the oil temp and make the chicken greasy.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes on each side until golden brown.
“Pressure Cook”
- Place the pot into the pressure cooker but do not lock the lid or pressurize it.
- The enclosed environment helps emulate the steaming and pressure of a broaster.
- Cook for another 8-10 minutes per side until chicken is 165°F internally.
Drain and Rest
- Drain fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Letting it rest allows excess oil to drain off for a crisper crust.
Finish in the Oven (Optional)
- If chicken isn’t fully cooked through or crust isn’t crispy enough, finish in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.
Serving Broasted Chicken
Your crispy, juicy broasted chicken is now ready to serve and enjoy! Pair it with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, biscuits, coleslaw, or mac and cheese. For extra flavor, toss the fried chicken in your favorite dipping sauce.
With the right tools and some practice, you can achieve broasted chicken success at home. Just be sure to focus on maintaining oil temperature, achieving an evenly adhered breading, and partially pressure “frying” the chicken in a contained environment.
Now that you know how to recreate this popular dish, get ready to enjoy restaurant-quality broasted chicken any night of the week!
FAQ About Broasted Chicken
What is broasted chicken?
Broasted chicken is fried chicken cooked in a specialized pressure fryer called a broaster. The pressurized heat crisps the outside and seals in juices.
What’s the difference between broasted and fried chicken?
Broasted chicken is cooked using pressure and steam for a crispier crust and juicier meat. Regular fried chicken is cooked in an open deep fryer.
Can you broast chicken in a pressure cooker?
You cannot submerge and fry food directly in a pressure cooker, but emulating broasting is possible by sealing a frying pot in the open pressure cooker.
What oil is best for broasting?
Oils with high smoke points like vegetable, canola, and peanut work well. They can withstand the high heat.
How do you get the breading to stick?
Drying the chicken thoroughly, using a binder like flour, and letting the breaded chicken rest helps the coating adhere.
What temperature should broasted chicken reach internally?
The thickest part of the chicken should reach 165°F for food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check.
How long does it take to broast chicken?
Expect around 8-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The pressure and steam cut down on overall cooking time.
Can you broast chicken wings or nuggets?
Yes, smaller pieces like wings or nuggets can be broasted using the same method. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is broasted chicken healthier than fried chicken?
While still fried, broasting may absorb slightly less oil than traditional frying. But both are high in fat and calories.
What sides go well with broasted chicken?
Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, biscuits, coleslaw, cornbread, mac and cheese, baked beans, and creamy vegetable sides.
The Broasted Chicken Recipe
- 3-4 pounds of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, wings, or a mix)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Start by combining all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-covered. For maximum flavor absorption, let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl. This seasoned flour mixture will be the key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature. Dip each piece into the buttermilk and coat it with the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken for better adherence.
If you have a broaster machine, preheat it according to the manufacturers instructions. A deep fryer or a large, heavy pot with a thermometer will also work if not. Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the preheated broaster or oil. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each piece has ample space to cook evenly. Broast for about 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the broasted chicken from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
For those who love an extra kick, you can create a spicy dipping sauce by combining hot sauce, melted butter, and a dash of garlic powder. Adjust the proportions to suit your preferred spice level.
What is Broasted Chicken?
- With its perfect balance of crispness and juiciness, it is a culinary masterpiece that deserves a place in every home cooks repertoire. With its carefully crafted marinade and seasoned coating, this broasted chicken recipe promises a dining experience that will leave your guests raving. So, don your apron, fire up that fryer, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the art of broasting and the joy of indulging in the perfect broasted chicken recipes. Your taste buds will thank you!
- The broasting process begins with marination, an essential step to infuse the chicken with rich flavors. Typically, a mixture of yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, herbs, and spices forms the marinade. The chicken is immersed in this flavorful concoction, allowing it to absorb the marinades essence for at least two hours, though overnight marination is often preferred for maximum taste.
- The seasoned coating is the key to the irresistible texture of broasted chicken. A mixture of all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper creates a well-balanced blend of spices contributing to the chickens outer crispiness.
- The marinated and coated chicken is then subjected to the broasting process. The chicken undergoes high-pressure frying in a specialized broaster machine or an alternative such as a deep fryer. This cooking technique seals in the juices, resulting in a moist interior, while the pressurized frying produces a crispy exterior akin to traditional deep frying but with a distinct texture.
- Broasting is not just about the cooking method but also about achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Its a culinary art that transforms a simple chicken into a gastronomic delight, how to make broasted chicken a favorite among food enthusiasts and a staple in many restaurants worldwide.
- Whether enjoyed on its own or accompanied by dipping sauces, broasted chicken is a testament to the delicious possibilities that emerge when culinary techniques are combined with creativity and expertise.