Instant Pot Fried Chicken: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe You Need to Try

Instant Pot Fried Chicken is a game-changer for anyone who craves the crispy, savory goodness of traditional fried chicken but wants to save time in the kitchen. This recipe combines the best of both worlds: the rich, comforting flavors of fried chicken with the convenience of modern cooking technology. As someone who has always loved the crispy skin and juicy meat of fried chicken, I was thrilled to discover how the Instant Pot can replicate that beloved texture while significantly reducing cooking time.

Fried chicken has a long-standing history in many cultures, particularly in the Southern United States, where it has become a staple at family gatherings and celebrations. People adore this dish not only for its mouthwatering taste but also for its versatility; it can be served with a variety of sides, making it perfect for any occasion. With the Instant Pot Fried Chicken recipe, you can enjoy that same deliciousness without the hassle of deep frying. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, wings, or breasts)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). This will be the marinade that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. 2. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. You can use a spoon or your hands to coat the chicken well. 3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but ideally overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors and tenderize.

Preparing the Coating

4. In another large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, thyme, and baking powder. This will be the seasoned coating for the chicken. 5. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well combined. This step is crucial as it ensures that every piece of chicken will be evenly coated with the flavorful mixture.

Coating the Chicken

6. After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps the coating stick better. 7. Take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. 8. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, pressing down slightly to ensure a good coating. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack or a plate. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

Preparing the Instant Pot

9. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the Instant Pot. This is essential for creating steam, which will help cook the chicken. 10. Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot. This will keep the chicken elevated above the water, allowing it to cook evenly.

Cooking the Chicken

11. Carefully arrange the coated chicken pieces on the trivet in the Instant Pot. You can stack them if necessary, but try to keep them in a single layer for even cooking. 12. Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to the sealing position. 13. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural release for 5 minutes, then switch to a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Frying the Chicken

14. While the chicken is cooking in the Instant Pot, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach about 350°F (175°C) for frying. 15. Once the oil is hot, carefully remove the chicken from the Instant Pot. It will be fully cooked but not crispy yet. 16. Working in batches, add the chicken pieces to the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. 17. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces halfway through the frying process for even browning. 18. Once the chicken is golden and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Assembling and Serving

19. After frying all the chicken pieces, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist. 20. Serve the fried chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs wonderfully with sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. 21. Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot fried chicken with family and friends, and don’t forget to share your delicious creation on social media!

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

– For extra flavor, consider adding spices to the but

Conclusion:

In summary, this Instant Pot Fried Chicken recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a deliciously crispy and juicy meal without the hassle of traditional frying methods. The Instant Pot not only speeds up the cooking process but also locks in all those mouthwatering flavors, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or special gatherings. For serving suggestions, I love pairing this fried chicken with a side of creamy coleslaw and fluffy mashed potatoes, or you could even toss it into a fresh salad for a lighter option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding your favorite spices or marinades to the chicken before cooking to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. You could also experiment with different coatings, like panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes, for an extra crunch! I encourage you to give this Instant Pot Fried Chicken a try and share your experience with friends and family. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own variations, I’m sure you’ll find it to be a delightful addition to your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

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