- Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Discover the mouthwatering goodness of Lemon Tea Fried Chicken, a crispy and flavorful delight that's sure to impress at the dinner table! This easy recipe combines zesty lemon and aromatic tea for a fun twist on classic fried chicken. Perfect for cooks of all skill levels, you’ll master the art of marinating and frying to achieve that perfect crunch.

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Ingredients

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

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 bags of lemon-flavored tea

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil (for frying)

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

Tea Infusion:

- In a small pot, bring one cup of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the lemon tea bags in the hot water for about 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.

Chicken Marinade:

- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, lemon zest, and cooled lemon tea. Mix well. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Coating:

- In another bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper until well combined.

Dredging the Chicken:

- Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Let excess buttermilk drip off the chicken and then dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mix, pressing lightly to adhere the coating. Set aside on a wire rack for about 10 minutes to help the coating stick.

Heat Oil:

- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

Fry the Chicken:

- Carefully place the flour-coated chicken thighs in the hot oil, skin side down. Fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Drain and Rest:

- Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow it to rest for at least 5 minutes.

Serve:

- Serve the Lemon Tea Fried Chicken warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This chicken pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or coleslaw.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins (including marination) | Servings: 4