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Fried chicken has long been cherished as one of the ultimate comfort foods. Its golden, crispy exterior, combined with juicy, tender meat, evokes feelings of warmth and home-cooked nostalgia. From backyard barbecues to family gatherings, fried chicken holds a special place on tables across the globe. But what if we could elevate this beloved classic with a unique twist? Enter Lemon Tea Fried Chicken—a dish that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also introduces a refreshing, zesty flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional recipes.

Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Elevate your dinner with our Zesty Lemon Tea Fried Chicken recipe! This delicious dish combines the classic comfort of fried chicken with a refreshing twist of lemon and tea, resulting in a crispy, juicy feast that’s sure to impress. Learn how to marinate the chicken for maximum flavor, prepare a perfectly seasoned coating, and master the frying techniques to achieve that golden brown finish. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family meal, this unique recipe will have everyone asking for more!
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Ingredients
  

4 pieces of chicken (bone-in, skin-on preferred)

2 cups buttermilk

2 bags of lemon tea (black tea with lemon flavor)

1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)

1 tablespoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon paprika

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

Instructions
 

Brine the Chicken:

    - In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, the contents of the lemon tea bags, hot sauce (if using), salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well mixed.

      - Add the chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

        Prepare the Coating:

          - In a separate large bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and baking powder.

            - Create an assembly line: drain the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and let any excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour until fully coated, shaking off the excess.

              Heat the Oil:

                - In a large, heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

                  Fry the Chicken:

                    - Carefully place the coated chicken pieces, skin-side down, in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if necessary.

                      - Fry for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

                        - Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil.

                          Serve:

                            - Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps retain its juiciness.

                              - Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this zesty twist on fried chicken!

                                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 4 hours (marinating) | 30 mins | 4 servings