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Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering twist of Lemon Tea Fried Chicken, a dish that combines the tangy zest of lemon tea with crispy fried chicken for an explosion of flavor. In this blog post, I’ll share fantastic marinating techniques and frying tips to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Click through to explore this unique recipe and unleash your culinary creativity today!
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Ingredients
  

4 chicken thighs, skin-on and bone-in

2 cups buttermilk

2 bags of black tea (Earl Grey works well)

1 tablespoon lemon zest

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

½ cup cornstarch

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup of water to a boil. Steep the black tea bags for 5 minutes, then remove the bags and let the tea cool. In a large bowl, mix the cooled tea with buttermilk, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.

    Prepare the Coating: In another large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure even distribution of the spices.

      Heat the Oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature for optimal frying.

        Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.

          Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken in the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 7-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

            Drain and Rest: Once fried, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving.

              Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Lemon Tea Fried Chicken hot. You can drizzle with additional lemon juice for an extra zing or serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

                Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating) | Servings: 4