Olivia Carter
Do you love the famous Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) but want to recreate that delicious taste and crunch in the comfort of your own home? Look no further! In this article, we will show you how to make KFC-style chicken right in your pressure cooker. With its quick cooking time, the pressure cooker will lock in all the flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering and tender chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Why Use a Pressure Cooker?
Using a pressure cooker not only cuts down on cooking time, but it also helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavors. The high pressure and steam in the cooker break down the tough fibers in the chicken, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. Additionally, the flavors from the marinade or seasoning will be absorbed more efficiently, making every bite bursting with taste.
Before you begin making your KFC-style chicken in the pressure cooker, it’s essential to have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready:
Now that you are ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker!
Why Use a Pressure Cooker to Make Kentucky Fried Chicken
Using a pressure cooker to make Kentucky Fried Chicken is a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why:
1. Faster Cooking Time: A pressure cooker uses the power of steam and high pressure to cook food faster than traditional methods. When making Kentucky Fried Chicken, this means that you can have a crispy and delicious meal on the table in a fraction of the time it would take using other cooking methods.
2. Retains Moisture: The sealed environment of a pressure cooker helps to trap moisture, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. This is especially important when making fried chicken, as it can be prone to drying out during cooking.
3. Even Cooking: The high-pressure environment of a pressure cooker ensures that the chicken cooks evenly throughout, with no undercooked or overcooked spots. This means that every piece of chicken will be perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
4. Healthier Option: By using a pressure cooker, you can significantly reduce the amount of oil needed to fry the chicken. This results in a healthier version of Kentucky Fried Chicken, without compromising on taste or texture.
5. Less Mess: Traditional deep-frying can be messy and time-consuming to clean up. With a pressure cooker, there is no hot oil splattering or need for a dedicated frying station. This makes the cooking process much cleaner and more convenient.
Overall, using a pressure cooker to make Kentucky Fried Chicken offers numerous benefits. It saves time, retains moisture, ensures even cooking, provides a healthier option, and simplifies the cleanup process. So why not give it a try and enjoy delicious homemade fried chicken in a fraction of the time?
Benefits of Using a Pressure Cooker
The pressure cooker is not just a convenient kitchen appliance; it also offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for many home cooks. Here are some of the advantages of using a pressure cooker:
1. Saves Time: One of the biggest benefits of using a pressure cooker is that it significantly reduces cooking time. The high pressure and steam created inside the cooker cook the food faster compared to traditional cooking methods. This makes it an ideal choice for busy individuals who want to prepare meals quickly.
2. Preserves Nutrients: Unlike boiling or steaming, pressure cooking locks in more vitamins and minerals in the food. The shorter cooking time and sealed environment help retain the nutrients that may be lost during longer cooking processes.
3. Energy Efficient: Pressure cookers are designed to use less energy compared to other cooking methods. With shorter cooking times, they consume less electricity or gas, which ultimately helps reduce energy costs.
4. Enhances Flavor: The high-pressure environment in a pressure cooker helps in infusing flavors into the food. The sealed environment allows for better distribution of spices and seasonings, resulting in more flavorful dishes.
5. Versatile Cooking: Pressure cookers can be used for a wide range of cooking tasks, including boiling, steaming, stewing, braising, and even baking. This versatility makes it a valuable tool in the kitchen, allowing users to experiment with different recipes and cook a variety of dishes.
In conclusion, using a pressure cooker has several benefits, including saving time, preserving nutrients, being energy-efficient, enhancing flavor, and offering versatility in cooking. It is a valuable appliance that can greatly simplify meal preparation and contribute to healthier and delicious meals.
Ingredients and Preparation
Making homemade Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker is easier than you might think. The key is to have the right ingredients and follow a few simple steps. Here is what you will need:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl.
- Dip the coated chicken pieces into the buttermilk, making sure they are fully coated.
- Place the chicken pieces in the pressure cooker, making sure not to overcrowd the pot.
- Set the pressure cooker to fry mode and heat the vegetable oil.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil, using tongs to prevent splattering.
- Cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the chicken from the pressure cooker and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces.
Now you have delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken that you made yourself in a pressure cooker. Enjoy it with your favourite sides and sauces!
Cooking Instructions for Kentucky Fried Chicken in a Pressure Cooker
Step 1: Preparation
Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for your Kentucky Fried Chicken recipe. You will need chicken pieces, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, buttermilk, and vegetable oil.
Step 2: Seasoning the Chicken
In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Mix well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Marinating the Chicken
In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk over the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated. Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 4: Breading the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place each piece of chicken into the bowl of seasoned flour, pressing firmly to ensure the flour adheres to the chicken. Coat each piece well, shaking off any excess flour.
Step 5: Preparing the Pressure Cooker
Before placing the chicken in the pressure cooker, add enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the cooker. Preheat the pressure cooker according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 6: Cooking the Chicken
Add the breaded chicken pieces to the preheated pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook the chicken at high pressure for about 10 minutes.
Step 7: Releasing Pressure
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully release the pressure according to the pressure cooker instructions. Be cautious as the steam can cause burns.
Step 8: Finishing Touches
Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the chicken to cool slightly and the flavors to settle.
Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the size and type of pressure cooker used. Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions when using a pressure cooker.
FAQ
Can I make Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker?
Yes, you can definitely make Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker. It is a quick and efficient way to cook the chicken, and it results in a crispy and delicious coating.
What ingredients do I need to make Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker?
To make Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker, you will need chicken pieces, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, buttermilk, and oil for frying.
How long does it take to make Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker?
The total cooking time for Kentucky Fried Chicken in a pressure cooker is about 30 minutes. This includes the time it takes for the pressure cooker to come to pressure and the actual cooking time.
Can I use a different type of chicken instead of chicken pieces?
Yes, you can use a whole chicken or chicken wings instead of chicken pieces. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts of chicken may require different cooking times.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken before cooking it in a pressure cooker?
No, marinating the chicken is not necessary for this pressure cooker recipe. However, if you prefer to marinate the chicken for added flavor, you can do so before coating it with the flour and spices.
