What is Broasted Chicken?

Broasted chicken is a type of fried chicken that produces a crispy crust and juicy interior. Unlike traditional fried chicken, broasted chicken is cooked at higher pressure and temperatures, which results in less oil absorption. This cooking method combines frying, roasting, and broiling, resulting in a crunchy, savory flavor that is becoming a popular alternative to the traditional fried chicken.

History of Broasted Chicken

The term “broasted” was first coined in the mid-1950s by Wayne Brooks of Lums Restaurants in South Bend, Indiana. He applied for the first patent on June 27, 1956, for cooking a “fried chicken-like product” in a pressure cooker.

Broasted chicken is now widely popular in the United States, particularly in the Midwest; the Midwest Broaster Company is one of the major producers of equipment specifically for broasting chicken.

Broasted Chicken Nutrition Facts

Broasted chicken is generally similar in nutritional value to regular fried chicken, with about 268 calories and 14 grams of fat per 4-ounce serving. The main difference lies in the amount of oil absorbed by the chicken as a result of the pressure fryer. Broasting reduces the amount of absorbed oil significantly (by about 50%), resulting in fewer calories and less fat.

Because it’s fried at a lower temperature, broasted chicken also has a shorter frying time, cooking in just 8 minutes compared to 13-15 minutes for traditional fried chicken.

Broasted Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4-5 lbs of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, breasts)

  • 2 cups of buttermilk

  • 2 cups of all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp of garlic powder

  • 1 tsp of paprika

  • 1 tsp of dried oregano

  • 1/2 tsp of black pepper

  • 1/2 tsp of sea salt

  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.

  2. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir to coat the pieces. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour.

  3. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, and sea salt.

  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.

  5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture and transfer to the flour mixture. Gently shake to coat the pieces.
  6. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 8 minutes, or until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

  7. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Conclusion

Broasted chicken is a delicious alternative to traditional fried chicken. It is cooked at higher temperatures, resulting in a crunchy, savory flavor that won’t leave you feeling greasy afterward. Try this simple Broasted Chicken recipe and enjoy all the flavor without all the fuss.