Broasted chicken is a delicious dish that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. It is made by combining frying and pressure cooking methods. People really like it. The term “roasting” is a trademarked method invented by the Broaster Company, which uses a special pressure fryer to cook the chicken.
However, you can replicate a similar result at home without specialized equipment. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to make broasted chicken in your kitchen, from selecting the right ingredients to serving the perfect dish.
1. Understanding Broasted Chicken
Before starting the recipe, it’s important to know what makes broasted chicken different. Unlike traditional fried chicken, broasted chicken is pressure-fried, which locks in moisture while creating a crispy coating. This cooking method ensures the chicken is tender and juicy inside with a perfectly crisp crust. Although home kitchens typically don’t have commercial pressure fryers, you can achieve a similar effect with a pressure cooker and some careful techniques.
2. Choosing the Right Chicken
The quality of your chicken is crucial for a successful broasted chicken dish. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken pieces, preferably organic or free-range, for the best flavor and texture. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or opt for your favorite cuts, such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts. It’s important to make sure that the chicken pieces are about the same size so they cook the same.
3. Ingredients Needed
To prepare broasted chicken at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Pieces: 2-3 pounds (1-1.5 kg)
- Buttermilk: 2 cups (for marination)
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Pepper: 1 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups
- Cornstarch: 1/2 cup
- Baking Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Eggs: 2 large
- Water: 1/2 cup
- Oil for Frying: Peanut oil or vegetable oil
- Pressure Cooker or Heavy-Duty Pot
4. Marinating the Chicken
Marinating is a key step in ensuring your chicken is flavorful and tender. Start by preparing the marinade:
- In a big bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you want it spicy).
- Put the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a zip-lock bag to marinate the chicken, removing as much air as possible.
- Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The buttermilk will tenderize the meat, making it juicier, while the spices infuse flavor.
5. Preparing the Coating
The coating is what gives the broasted chicken its signature crispy texture. Here’s how to prepare it:
- Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
- In an another bowl, beat the eggs and add the water to create an egg wash.
6. Coating the Chicken
Once your chicken has marinated, it’s time to coat it:
- Take the chicken out of the marinade, letting extra buttermilk drip off.
- Put each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, making sure it’s covered all over. Remove any extra flour by shaking it off.
- Dip the chicken covered in flour into the beaten egg, making sure it’s completely covered.
- Coat the chicken in flour again, pressing the flour onto the chicken to make a thick, even layer.
7. Frying the Chicken
Now that your chicken is marinated and coated, it’s time to cook it. While commercial roasting uses a pressure fryer, you can mimic this technique using a pressure cooker or a deep pot.
- Preheat the Oil: Fill your pressure cooker or pot with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to make sure the temperature is right. If it gets very hot, the coating can burn. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken may be greasy.
- Fry in Batches: Cook the chicken in small groups to prevent too many pieces being in the pan at once, which can make the oil not as hot. Carefully lower each chicken piece into the hot oil.
- Pressure Frying Method:
- If you’re using a pressure cooker, put the lid on (without the weight or pressure regulator) after putting the chicken in the oil. This will trap some steam and make the pressure a bit higher, like roasting. Make the chicken for 8-12 minutes, depending on how large the pieces are.
- You might have to cook big pieces of chicken longer. The chicken is ready when it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Draining the Chicken: Take the chicken out of the oil with a spoon or tongs and put it on a rack or paper towels to get rid of extra oil. Wait a bit before serving so the juices can spread in the meat.
8. Serving Suggestions
Broasted chicken is delicious, but you can elevate your meal with complementary side dishes. Consider serving it with:
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: A classic pairing that complements the crispy chicken.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is a great addition to fried chicken.
- Biscuits: Soft, flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up any extra juices or gravy.
9. Tips for Success
- Temperature Control: Keeping the oil at the right temperature is very important. If the heat is very high, the chicken will get burnt on the outside before it’s fully cooked within. If it’s too cold, the chicken will soak up too much oil.
- Don’t Skip the Marination: The buttermilk marinade adds flavor and helps tenderize the chicken, making it juicier and more flavorful.
- Resting Time: Letting the chicken sit after frying keeps it crispy and helps the juices spread out.
10. Variations and Customizations
You can try new seasonings and spices in the marinade and coating for a different taste. For instance, adding a bit of cumin and coriander can give your chicken a Middle Eastern twist, while a touch of curry powder can add a hint of Indian flavor. You can also change how spicy it is by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
Conclusion
Cooking broasted chicken at home is a fun and satisfying experience. It gives you a dish with crunchy skin and moist, tasty meat. By following the steps mentioned, you can make broasted chicken in your own kitchen without needing fancy tools.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, broasted chicken is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve it with your favorite sides and try adding different flavors to make it unique to you. Enjoy!
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