Lemon Tea Fried Chicken Recipe
This Lemon Tea Fried Chicken is crispy, juicy, and packed with zesty lemon flavor. The chicken is marinated in a lemon tea brine, double-coated for crunch, and fried to golden perfection. Simple ingredients and easy steps make this dish a refreshing twist on classic fried chicken.
Servings: 8
Calories: 410kcal
Equipment
- Medium pot
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Wire rack or baking sheet
- Deep skillet or cast-iron pan
- Thermometer
Ingredients
- For the Lemon Tea Marinade:
- 5 cups water
- 5 –6 black or green tea bags
- ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
- ¾ cup white sugar
- For the Chicken Coating:
- 8 –10 chicken pieces drumsticks, thighs, or breasts
- 3 large eggs
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 3 tbsp seasoned salt
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- For Frying:
- Oil for frying vegetable or peanut oil
- Oven preheated to 275°F 135°C
Instructions
- Prepare the Lemon Tea Marinade:
- Boil water in a pot. Remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 20–30 minutes. Remove tea bags, then stir in lemon juice and sugar until dissolved. Let cool to room temperature.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place chicken in a large bowl and pour cooled tea mixture over it. Cover and refrigerate for 4–48 hours for best flavor.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a large bowl, combine flour, seasoned salt, cornstarch, paprika, cayenne, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In another bowl, whisk the eggs.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg wash, then back into the flour for a second coating. Let rest 10–15 minutes to set.
- Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken in small batches for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack.
- Keep Warm and Serve:
- Place fried chicken on a baking sheet in a 275°F (135°C) oven to keep warm until all pieces are done. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
or a sweet twist, add 1 tbsp honey to the marinade.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for even frying.
For a lighter version, air fry at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in oven at 375°F for 15–20 minutes for crispiness.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – 1 Piece)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 410 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Sugar | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Cholesterol | 125mg |
| Sodium | 2000mg |
| Vitamin A | 450 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5mg |
| Iron | 2.8mg |
| Calcium | 35mg |