Fried chicken is a beloved dish that boasts a combination of flavors, textures, and nostalgia. However, achieving that perfect crust while ensuring the meat is juicy and tender can often be a challenge. Fortunately, there’s a method that can help you attain that delectable golden-brown exterior without spending hours in the kitchen. Welcome to the world of pressure cooking! In this article, we will guide you step-by-step on how to make fried chicken in a pressure cooker that is not only quick but also scrumptious. Whether you are a busy professional or a home cook looking to impress family and friends, this method will become your new favorite.
Understanding the Pressure Cooker
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand the tools at hand. A pressure cooker incorporates steam and pressure to cook food faster than conventional methods. The high temperatures inside the cooker allow for quicker cooking time while maintaining moisture, ensuring your meat stays juicy and tender.
The Benefits of Pressure Cooking Fried Chicken
Time-Efficiency: Cooking fried chicken in a pressure cooker significantly reduces cooking time compared to traditional frying or baking.
Moisture Retention: The sealed environment of a pressure cooker ensures that the moisture stays trapped inside, delivering tender, juicy chicken.
Tasty Results: The pressure cooker ensures even cooking, which helps to infuse flavors throughout the meat.
Healthier Option: While you can still fry food in oil, using a pressure cooker enables you to reduce the amount of oil needed, offering a healthier alternative.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create mouthwatering fried chicken in a pressure cooker, gather the following ingredients. Make sure to choose high-quality ingredients for optimal flavor and results.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a tablespoon of lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Your favorite hot sauce (optional)
Preparing the Chicken
Preparation is crucial when it comes to frying chicken. Here’s how to get your chicken ready for the pressure cooker.
Marinating in Buttermilk
Marinating the chicken not only infuses flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat.
Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, and hot sauce if you like a little kick.
Submerge Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated.
Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. For best results, marinate overnight.
Dry Ingredients Mixture
While your chicken is soaking up the flavors, prepare the breading.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set Up Breading Station: Set up a breading station with the marinated chicken and the dry mixture.
Breading the Chicken
To achieve that perfect crispy crust, you need to properly coat your chicken.
Coating the Chicken
Remove Chicken: Take a piece of chicken out of the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off.
Dredge: Dip the chicken into the dry mixture, ensuring that it is completely coated. Pat the flour onto the chicken, so it adheres well.
Repeat: Continue this process for all chicken pieces.
Cooking in the Pressure Cooker
Now that your chicken is marinated and breaded, it’s time to cook.
Setting Up the Pressure Cooker
Add Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into the bottom of the pressure cooker to cover about half an inch (this will help give the chicken a crispy exterior).
Heat the Oil: Turn on the pressure cooker to the sauté mode or heat function, allowing the oil to become hot (about 350°F or 175°C).
Cooking the Chicken
Brown the Chicken: Add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Pressure Cooking: Once the chicken is nicely browned, remove it from the pot and set aside. Place the trivet that came with your pressure cooker in the bottom, and add about a cup of water (this is important as it creates steam for the pressure cooking).
Place Cooked Chicken Back: Arrange the browned chicken pieces on the trivet. Close the lid securely and set the valve to sealing.
Set Cooking Time: Cook on high pressure for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Smaller pieces like wings may need 8-10 minutes, while larger breasts may require the full time.
Releasing the Pressure
Once the timer goes off, carefully perform a quick release of pressure, turning the valve to venting. Wait for the steam to escape completely before opening the lid.
Final Steps: Achieving Extra Crispiness
To get that extra crunch, there are a couple of final touches you can add.
Broil for Crispiness
Preheat the Oven: While the pressure cooker is releasing steam, preheat your oven broiler.
Transfer to a Baking Sheet: Carefully take the chicken out of the pressure cooker and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Broil: Place the chicken under the broiler for about 3-5 minutes, watching closely to ensure it doesn’t burn. This final step gives the chicken an irresistible crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Once the chicken is golden and crispy, it’s time to enjoy! The possibilities with fried chicken are endless. Here are a few serving options:
Classic Pairings
- Serve your fried chicken with classic sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
- For a refreshing touch, consider pairing it with a side salad or pickled vegetables.
- Don’t forget a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a side of barbecue sauce for dipping!
Creative Ideas
- Chicken Sandwiches: Slice the chicken and layer it on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious fried chicken sandwich.
- Fried Chicken Tacos: Crumble the chicken in a taco, adding avocado, cabbage slaw, and salsa for a fusion twist.
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover fried chicken, storing it properly is crucial to maintain its taste and texture.
Short-Term Storage
- Cool Down: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing.
- Refrigerate: Place the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can last for about 3-4 days.
Long-Term Storage
- Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen fried chicken can last about 2-3 months.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to restore some crispiness.
Conclusion
Making fried chicken in a pressure cooker is a game changer. It delivers on the promise of juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy exterior, all while saving you precious time in the kitchen. By following this comprehensive guide, you can create a homemade fried chicken dinner that rivals your favorite restaurant. So, gather your ingredients, fire up that pressure cooker, and enjoy a delicious meal that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy!
What ingredients do I need to make perfectly crispy fried chicken in a pressure cooker?
To make perfectly crispy fried chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts), buttermilk, flour, breadcrumbs, and a few key seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The buttermilk acts as a marinade, tenderizing the chicken and adding flavor.
You will also need oil for frying to ensure that your chicken gets that delicious crispy coating. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even peanut oil, depending on your preference. Make sure to have enough oil in the pressure cooker to cover the chicken pieces properly while frying.
How do I ensure the chicken remains juicy while still being crispy?
To ensure your chicken stays juicy, it’s crucial to marinate it in buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight if possible. This helps to tenderize the meat while infusing moisture and flavor. Don’t skip this step, as the marination plays a significant role in achieving the perfect chicken texture.
Additionally, be mindful of the cooking time and temperature. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than frying. When you remove the chicken from the pressure cooker, allow it to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving; this helps maintain its crispiness.
Can I cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker for fried chicken?
While it is technically possible to cook frozen chicken in a pressure cooker, it may not yield the best results for fried chicken. Cooking from frozen will require a longer cooking time, which could prevent the outer coating from becoming crispy while the inside cooks thoroughly.
For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to thaw your chicken in the refrigerator ahead of time. This allows for even cooking and better absorption of flavors from the marinade. If you do end up with frozen chicken, consider using the pressure cooker to defrost it first before marinating and frying.
What is the best technique for frying chicken in a pressure cooker?
The best technique for frying chicken in a pressure cooker involves a two-step process: first, pressure cook the chicken and then transition to frying. Start by sealing the chicken in the pressure cooker with some liquid and cooking it under pressure for a short time—this will help infuse moisture into the meat.
Afterward, remove the chicken and allow it to cool slightly before dredging it in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs. Heat the oil in the pressure cooker and fry the chicken in small batches until golden brown and crispy. This method maximizes juiciness while ensuring a wonderfully crispy exterior.
How can I spice up the flavor of my fried chicken?
To spice up the flavor of your fried chicken, consider adding various herbs and spices to your buttermilk marinade or the dredging flour. Popular additions include cayenne pepper for heat, onion powder for depth, or even herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist.
Another effective method is to create a seasoning blend with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and your choice of spices. Mixing this into the flour before dredging the chicken ensures every bite is flavorful. Feel free to get creative and tailor the spices to your personal preferences for a more customized taste experience.
How long should I cook the chicken in a pressure cooker?
Cooking times can vary based on the size and type of chicken pieces you’re using. Generally, bone-in pieces like thighs and drumsticks should cook for about 10 to 15 minutes at high pressure. If you are using boneless chicken breasts, they will typically need around 8 to 10 minutes.
After the cooking time is complete, it’s essential to allow for a natural pressure release for about 5 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. This ensures the chicken retains its juices and remains tender during the frying process.
What should I serve with my crispy fried chicken?
Crispy fried chicken can be served with a variety of delicious sides to complement its flavors. Classic choices include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread, all of which pair well with the crunchy texture of the chicken.
You can also consider adding some pickles or a tangy dipping sauce, like hot sauce or ranch dressing, to enhance the meal. Fresh vegetables or a money salad can provide a refreshing contrast, making your chicken dinner well-rounded and satisfying.