Broasted chicken is a popular dish that combines the flavors of fried chicken with the tenderness and juiciness of roasted chicken. Traditionally, this dish is made by marinating the chicken, coating it in a special seasoned flour, and then deep frying it. However, you can achieve the same delicious results using a pressure cooker, which not only saves time but also reduces the amount of oil used in the cooking process.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of making broasted chicken in a pressure cooker. We will provide you with information on the cook times, preparation, and optimal pressure cooking techniques. By the end of this article, you will have all the knowledge you need to make a mouthwatering batch of broasted chicken in your pressure cooker.
Contents
The cooking time for broasted chicken in a pressure cooker depends on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. On average, it takes around 8-10 minutes of cooking time under pressure for boneless chicken pieces and 10-12 minutes for bone-in chicken pieces. However, these times may vary depending on the specific model and brand of your pressure cooker, as well as the altitude at which you are cooking.
Before you start cooking broasted chicken in your pressure cooker, here are the steps you need to follow for preparation:
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in your desired marinade. This step is optional but adds flavor and tenderness to the chicken. Some popular marinades for broasted chicken include buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, or a combination of spices and herbs.
Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the marinade and coat it in a seasoned flour mixture. The flour mixture typically consists of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, various spices, and herbs. The coating adds a crispy texture to the chicken.
Using a pressure cooker to make broasted chicken requires an understanding of its basic features and operation. Here are some essential aspects to consider:
There are various types and models of pressure cookers available in the market, including stovetop and electric variants. Regardless of the type, ensure that your pressure cooker has a minimum pressure setting of 10 PSI (pounds per square inch), as this is necessary to achieve the desired results for broasted chicken.
Pressure cookers have different pressure release mechanisms, such as valve systems or pressure release buttons. Familiarize yourself with the mechanism of your specific pressure cooker to ensure you can safely release the pressure when the cooking is complete.
Modern pressure cookers often come with different cooking functions and settings, such as sauté, simmer, or high pressure. These functions can be utilized for different stages of broasting the chicken, including browning the coated chicken before pressure cooking or reducing the sauce after cooking.
The cooking times for broasted chicken in a pressure cooker can vary depending on the size and type of chicken pieces you are using. Here is a general guideline for the cook times:
Boneless Chicken Pieces: Cook boneless chicken pieces for approximately 8-10 minutes under pressure. This cook time ensures that the chicken is fully cooked while maintaining its tenderness and juiciness.
Bone-In Chicken Pieces: For chicken pieces with bones, such as drumsticks or thighs, increase the cooking time to around 10-12 minutes. The increased time is necessary to ensure that the meat around the bones is fully cooked.
Remember that these times are estimates, and actual cooking times may vary. It is always recommended to consult the user manual of your pressure cooker for specific guidelines and adjust the cooking time based on your specific recipe and preferences.
Now that you have a general understanding of the cooking process, here is a step-by-step guide on how to make broasted chicken in a pressure cooker:
Preheat the Pressure Cooker: Start by preheating your pressure cooker using the sauté function. Add a small amount of oil to the bottom of the cooker and allow it to heat up. This helps in browning the chicken and enhances its flavor.
Brown the Chicken: Place the coated chicken pieces in the preheated pressure cooker and cook them for a few minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. Browning the chicken adds a crispy texture to the final dish.
Add Liquid: Once the chicken is browned, add a small amount of liquid, such as water or chicken broth, to the pressure cooker. This liquid helps create the necessary steam for pressure cooking.
Pressure Cook: Close the lid of the pressure cooker and set it to high pressure. Cook boneless chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes and bone-in pieces for 10-12 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
Natural Release or Quick Release: After the cooking time is complete, you can either allow the pressure to release naturally or opt for a quick release. Natural release involves letting the pressure cooker depressurize on its own, which can take around 10-15 minutes. Quick release involves manually venting the pressure by using the release valve.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the pressure is completely released, carefully open the lid of the pressure cooker. Transfer the broasted chicken to a serving platter and serve it while it’s still hot and crispy. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
To ensure the best results when making broasted chicken in a pressure cooker, consider the following tips and techniques:
Utilize the sauté function of your pressure cooker to brown the chicken before pressure cooking. This step adds a flavorful crust to the chicken and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
While pressure cooking, it is essential to add a small amount of liquid to create the necessary steam. However, be cautious not to add too much liquid, as it can dilute the flavors and affect the texture of the chicken. Consult your pressure cooker’s user manual for specific recommendations on the liquid amount.
After pressure cooking, allow the broasted chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender chicken.
Despite following the steps and techniques mentioned above, you may encounter some issues when making broasted chicken in a pressure cooker. Here are a few common troubleshooting tips:
If your chicken is not browning as desired during the initial browning step, ensure that the heat is set to the correct temperature. Additionally, ensure that the chicken is dry before coating it with the seasoned flour mixture, as excess moisture can hinder the browning process.
If your chicken is not fully cooked after the recommended cooking time, you may need to increase the cooking time slightly. Remember that the cooking times provided are estimates, and actual times may vary depending on various factors, such as the size of the chicken pieces and the specific model of your pressure cooker.
If the sauce is too thin after pressure cooking, you can use the sauté function on your pressure cooker to reduce and thicken it. Cook the sauce on the sauté setting, stirring occasionally, until it reaches the desired consistency.
While the classic broasted chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can experiment with different flavors and variations to customize your dish. Here are some flavoring options you can try:
Add a kick of heat to your broasted chicken by incorporating chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce into the seasoned flour mixture or marinade. Adjust the amount of spice to suit your preference.
Infuse your broasted chicken with the aromas of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage. Add these herbs to the marinade or coat them in the seasoned flour mixture for an extra burst of flavor.
For a tangy and aromatic twist, marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, minced garlic, and olive oil. The acidity of the lemon will tenderize the chicken while imparting a zesty flavor.
For a touch of sweetness, brush the broasted chicken with a honey glaze before browning it in the pressure cooker. The honey will caramelize and create a delightful crispy glaze on the chicken.
Experiment with different flavors and combinations to create your own signature broasted chicken recipe. Remember to adjust the seasoning and cooking techniques accordingly to ensure a well-balanced and delicious dish.
In conclusion, making broasted chicken in a pressure cooker is a time-saving and oil-reducing alternative to traditional deep-fried methods. With the right preparation, understanding of pressure cooker basics, and optimal cooking techniques, you can achieve juicy, tender, and flavorful broasted chicken with a crispy exterior. So, grab your pressure cooker and start creating this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Broasting is a technique of pressure cooking food using a special combination of pressure, oil, and high heat to create a crispy and flavorful exterior, while keeping the inside moist and tender.
No, only pressure cookers that have a broasting feature or have a built-in fryer function should be used for this method.
It is recommended to use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil to achieve the desired crispiness without burning the chicken.
The cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of chicken, but on average it takes about 25-30 minutes for one whole chicken or 15-20 minutes for chicken pieces.
No, marinating is not necessary for broasting chicken in a pressure cooker, as the high heat and pressure will infuse the chicken with enough flavor. However, marinating can add extra flavor and tenderness to the chicken if desired.