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Crispy outside and juicy inside, this homemade chicken broast delivers restaurant-style crunch without any fancy equipment. I first tried pressure-cooker frying after craving takeout on a busy weeknight, and the results surprised me. The double coating stays shatteringly crisp while the meat stays tender. Marinate overnight, then fry in a regular pressure cooker used like a deep fryer. One batch disappears fast, so make extra.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This pressure-cooker method gives golden, crunchy broast with far less oil mess.
- Ultra-crispy coating that stays crunchy for hours
- Juicy meat thanks to overnight flavorful marinade
- Uses only a regular pressure cooker you already own
- Ready in under an hour after simple overnight prep
Ingredients
Gather these everyday pantry items for eight perfectly seasoned drumsticks that taste just like the best takeout broast.
- 8 chicken drumsticks
- 1 tsp salt (for initial wash)
- 4 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tbsp chilli garlic ketchup
- 2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp Chinese salt
- 1 tbsp mustard paste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ginger powder
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp red chilli powder
- ¼ tsp white pepper powder
- 2 tbsp cornflour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Oil for deep frying
If Chinese salt is unavailable, simply increase regular salt by a pinch and add a dash of soy sauce. Mustard paste can be swapped with Dijon, and chilli garlic ketchup works with any spicy ketchup you have on hand. Cornflour may be replaced with cornstarch for the same light, crisp texture.

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Step-by-step instructions
Follow these clear steps for golden, restaurant-style crispy chicken broast every single time.
Step 1: Clean the drumsticks
Rinse eight chicken drumsticks under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Make two or three shallow cuts on each piece so the marinade can penetrate deeply.
Step 2: Vinegar soak
Place the drumsticks in a large bowl with one teaspoon salt and four tablespoons white vinegar. Toss well and let them sit for ten minutes to remove any raw smell.
Step 3: Drain and dry
Drain the vinegar mixture completely and transfer the drumsticks to a clean bowl. Pat them dry once more so the marinade sticks properly.
Step 4: Prepare the marinade
Add lemon juice, hot sauce, chilli garlic ketchup, red chilli powder, salt, Chinese salt, mustard paste, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Mix thoroughly until every drumstick is evenly coated.
Step 5: Marinate overnight
Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate the chicken for at least eight hours or overnight. This long rest ensures maximum flavor and tenderness inside.

Step 6: Make the egg wash
In a shallow dish whisk together two eggs, milk, salt, red chilli powder, white pepper, and cornflour until smooth. The mixture should be slightly thick for good adhesion.
Step 7: Double coat the chicken
Dredge each marinated drumstick first in flour, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat again generously in flour. Shake off excess flour for an even, crisp crust.
Step 8: Fry in pressure cooker
Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium flame. Fry the coated pieces in batches for eight to ten minutes until deep golden, turning once, then drain on a wire rack.

Crispy Fried Chicken Broast in Pressure Cooker
Equipment
- 1 | Pressure cooker | used as deep fryer
- 1 Mixing bowls
- 1 | Wire rack | for draining
- 1 | Tongs | for turning
Ingredients
- 8 | | chicken drumsticks |
- 1 | tsp | salt | for initial wash
- 4 | tbsp | white vinegar |
- 1 | tbsp | lemon juice |
- 1 | tbsp | hot sauce |
- 1 | tbsp | chilli garlic ketchup |
- 2 | tsp | red chilli powder |
- 1.5 | tsp | salt |
- 0.5 | tsp | Chinese salt |
- 1 | tbsp | mustard paste |
- 1 | tsp | garlic powder |
- 1 | tsp | ginger powder |
- 2 | | eggs |
- 2 | tbsp | milk |
- 0.5 | tsp | salt | for egg wash
- 0.25 | tsp | red chilli powder | for egg wash
- 0.25 | tsp | white pepper powder |
- 2 | tbsp | cornflour |
- 2 | cups | all-purpose flour | for coating
- 1 | | oil | for deep frying
Instructions
- Clean drumsticks, make shallow cuts, and soak in salt and vinegar for 10 minutes.
- Drain, pat dry, and mix with all marinade ingredients until well coated.
- Cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, chilli powder, white pepper, and cornflour for the egg wash.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip in egg wash, then coat again in flour.
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker over medium heat.
- Fry coated drumsticks in batches for 8–10 minutes until deep golden, turning once.
- Drain on a wire rack and serve hot.
Notes
Reheat in a preheated oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
Freeze double-coated uncooked pieces for up to 1 month.
Tips & common mistakes
A few small details make the difference between soggy and perfectly crisp broast.
- Always marinate overnight for deepest flavor and juiciness
- Keep oil at medium heat to avoid burning the coating
- Do not overcrowd the cooker or temperature will drop
- Drain fried pieces on a wire rack instead of paper towels
Recipe variations
Easy swaps let you customize this broast to suit different tastes and occasions.
- Spicier version: add extra red chilli powder and hot sauce
- Lighter version: use chicken breast pieces instead of drumsticks
- Different protein: try the same coating on bone-in thighs
- Air-fryer method: spray coated pieces and cook at 180°C
What to serve with this recipe
Pair your hot crispy broast with these simple sides for a complete satisfying meal.
- Creamy garlic mayo or spicy ketchup for dipping
- Soft dinner rolls or plain steamed rice
- Fresh cucumber-onion salad with lemon dressing
- Chilled soft drink or mint lemonade
Pairs well with this: Easy Savory Cheese Pancakes with Red Peppers
Frequently asked questions

Here are quick answers to the most common questions about making pressure-cooker chicken broast.
Can I skip the overnight marinade?
A shorter two-hour rest still works, but overnight gives far better flavor and juicier meat that stays tender after frying.
What oil is best for frying?
Use any neutral oil with a high smoke point such as canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil for clean taste and even browning.
How do I keep the coating crispy longer?
Drain the fried chicken on a wire rack and avoid covering it while hot so steam does not soften the crust.
Can I freeze the coated chicken?
Yes, freeze the double-coated pieces on a tray then store in bags; fry straight from frozen, adding two extra minutes.
Final thoughts
This pressure-cooker chicken broast proves you do not need a commercial deep fryer to enjoy shatteringly crisp, juicy fried chicken at home. The overnight marinade and double coating create the perfect texture every time. Give the recipe a try this weekend, then leave a comment with your results and a star rating so other readers can see how it turned out for you.