Instant Pot Fried Chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of traditional frying methods. This recipe combines the convenience of the Instant Pot with the deliciousness of fried chicken, resulting in tender, juicy meat enveloped in a perfectly crisp coating. With minimal hands-on time and the ability to whip up a family-friendly meal in under an hour, this dish is sure to become a weekly staple in your home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You will adore this Instant Pot fried chicken for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. The pressure cooking method ensures the chicken is moist and tender, while the final crisping step gives you that satisfying crunch you crave. Not only is this recipe quick, but it also accommodates various diets, fitting seamlessly into busy lifestyles or weeknight dinner rotations. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy comfort food without the guilt of deep frying!
Tips and Tricks
- Brine for Flavor: For extra flavor and juiciness, consider brining your chicken for a few hours or overnight in a saltwater solution. This will help to amplify the taste and moisture.
- Crispy Finish: After pressure cooking, use the sauté function of your Instant Pot to achieve that golden-brown crust. Alternatively, you can transfer the chicken to a preheated oven or air fryer for an even crispier finish.
- Season Liberally: Don’t be afraid to season your flour mixture generously; this is where much of the flavor comes from. Experiment with spices to find your perfect blend.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prep the chicken by marinating it in your favorite seasoning mix the night before. This not only enhances the flavor but also saves you time on cooking day. The marinated chicken will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Additionally, you can pre-make the flour coating and store it in an airtight container for quick access when you’re ready to cook.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your flour mixture for a fragrant twist.
- Nashville Hot Chicken Style: After frying, brush the chicken with a spicy oil mixture to achieve that signature Nashville flavor.
How to Serve
Serve your Instant Pot fried chicken on a large platter with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair it with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. To elevate the presentation, use a rustic cutting board or a colorful plate that contrasts well with the golden-brown chicken.
Pairing Suggestions
For drink pairings, consider a chilled glass of sweet tea or a light lager beer to complement the richness of the chicken. Side dishes like baked beans or a fresh garden salad work beautifully alongside the fried chicken, and for dessert, a slice of banana pudding or a scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a sweet finish to the meal.
How to Store
Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag; they can last for up to 3 months. When reheating, use the oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness, avoiding the microwave which can make the chicken soggy.
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot: The star of this recipe, essential for pressure cooking the chicken.
- Mixing Bowls: For marinating and mixing the flour coating.
- Tongs: For handling the chicken safely during cooking.
- Baking Sheet: If you opt to finish the chicken in the oven.
Dietary Adaptations
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. For a dairy-free version, ensure your buttermilk substitute is plant-based, using almond milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice. Vegans can experiment with tofu or seitan, marinating and coating it the same way as chicken.
Seasonal Adaptations
In the summer, consider adding a citrus zest to your flour mix, using lemon or lime for a refreshing touch. In the colder months, incorporate warming spices like paprika or smoked paprika to give the dish a heartier flavor profile.
Recipe FAQs
- Can I use boneless chicken? Yes, boneless chicken will work, but adjust the cooking time to around 8-10 minutes based on the thickness.
- How long does it take to cook? The total cooking time is approximately 25 minutes, but this can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces.
- What if I don’t have an Instant Pot? You can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, but the texture will be different. Searing the chicken in a pan before placing it in the slow cooker can help achieve a similar flavor.
Instant Pot Fried Chicken
Instant Pot Fried Chicken is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave crispy, flavorful chicken without the hassle of traditional frying methods.
Ingredients
- 4-6 pieces of chicken (legs, thighs, or breasts)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for sautéing (vegetable or canola oil
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Prepare Coating: In another bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until well-coated.
- Pressure Cook: Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. Place the coated chicken on the steam rack inside. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes (depending on the size of the pieces).
- Crisp the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully release the pressure and remove the chicken.
- Heat oil in the Instant Pot using the sauté function and brown the chicken on both sides until crispy.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 363Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 527mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 25g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Instant Pot fried chicken is a delightful experience that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. With this recipe, you can enjoy the pleasure of homemade fried chicken without the mess and fuss of traditional frying methods. It’s perfect for family gatherings, casual dinners, or any occasion that calls for delicious, hearty food. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and techniques—your taste buds will thank you!
