Kinda. Broasted chicken is fried in oil. But it is fried, in essence, inside a pressure cooker. Generically speaking, the machinery that can fry and pressure cook chicken simultaneously is known as a pressure fryer.
“Broasted chicken is really popular on the subcontinent,” said the younger Ghani. While their chicken follows the classic flavor profile, with distinctively crispy skin, what sets Mr. Broast apart are the sauces made from recipes by Sarwar’s mother, Tahira Ghani. Skip the standard barbecue, and get extra white garlic sauce, made with fresh garlic, cream and vinegar. Plus the family began bottling hot sauces last year, including a searing red habanero. Do note there are other Mr. Broast locations, but they don’t have the hot sauces.
“It’s a light coating,” said Schweigel. “You’re pretty much just eating the skin with seasoning, so you don’t feel so bad about eating it.”
“What evolved shortly after he invented the pressure fryer was not only the equipment, but he came up with his own marinades and coatings. Those taste profiles are what we’re still using today as genuine Broaster chicken.”
Broasted chicken and wedge potatoes are a reliable Midwestern pair but seem largely forgotten for Nashville hot, Korean fried and even honey-buttered. But Broasted chicken is more complicated than it seems, a promising moment in postwar Wisconsin that has now gone global via Pakistan and India, picking up surprising flavors before coming home to roost.
But it wasn’t until I visited Mother Cluckers Kitchen in Jefferson Park on the Northwest Side that I went behind the scenes and into the kitchen to see the making of Broasted chicken, thanks to owner Penny Schweigel.
The Deliciousness of Broasted Chicken
If you’ve never heard of broasted chicken, then you’re in for a treat. This type of fried chicken is known for its juicy, tender texture and flavorful coating that’s created by pressing the meat into a hot oil bath. It can be served as an appetizer or the main course, making it perfect for a variety of occasions. Let’s dive into what makes this unique cooking method so special.
Genuine Broaster Chicken Demonstration Video
FAQ
Which is healthier broasted or fried chicken?
Is KFC fried or broasted chicken?
Why is it called broasted?
What’s the difference between a deep fryer and a broaster?
Are broasted chicken and fried chicken the same?
Broasted chicken and fried chicken both have a crispy exterior, but the broasted chicken tends to have a moister and more flavorful interior due to the pressure cooking process. Fried chicken can be crispy, but it may not have the same level of juiciness and flavor as broasted chicken.
Is fried chicken healthy?
No, it has a very high caloric content, in addition to excess saturated fats and carcinogenic compounds that are generated in the frying process.
Is broasted chicken healthier than fried chicken?
Broasted chicken is generally considered to be a healthier option than fried chicken, as it is lower in calories and fat. Fried chicken can be high in calories and fat, particularly if it is made with a batter or coating that is high in fat or if it is cooked in oil that is not at the correct temperature.
What is the difference between roasted chicken and fried chicken?
On the other hand, roasted chicken is made by, you guessed it, roasting chicken at a slightly lower temperature in the oven. This means that the process takes much longer than frying or broasting chicken. Also, roasted chicken is much less crispy than fried or broasted chicken. The surface is nice and browned, but there isn’t much of a crunch.