Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a beloved dish that transcends cultures and cuisines, cherished for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. From Southern-style fried chicken in the United States to Korean fried chicken, each region has its unique twist on this classic comfort food. The appeal of fried chicken lies not just in its taste but also in its versatility, allowing for endless possibilities in flavor combinations.

Discover a delicious twist on a classic favorite with this Zesty Lemon Tea Fried Chicken recipe. Combining the bright flavors of lemon with the depth of black tea, this dish offers a unique taste experience that elevates your fried chicken game. Learn how to create the perfect marinade, achieve that crispy coating, and enjoy juicy, tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe will impress your family and friends!

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Ingredients

4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on)

2 cups buttermilk

2 bags of strong black tea (like English Breakfast)

1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice)

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups all-purpose flour

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the black tea bags for about 10 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then mix in the buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.

Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk marinade over them. Ensure every piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Prepare for Frying: In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each piece in flour until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or cast-iron pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Chicken: Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, skin side down. Fry for about 7-8 minutes without moving them, until golden brown. Flip the chicken and fry for another 7-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Drain and Rest: Remove the fried chicken and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

Serve: Enjoy your Zesty Lemon Tea Fried Chicken hot, garnished with lemon slices, and perhaps a side of coleslaw or your favorite dipping sauce!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including marinating) | Servings: 4