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The lemon tea fried chicken recipe shines with its unique blend of flavors. To start, you need a whole chicken, cut into pieces. This allows for even cooking and crispy skin. Buttermilk is a key player in this dish. It adds great moisture and tang.

Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Elevate your dinner with this delicious Savory Lemon Tea Fried Chicken recipe! Infused with zesty lemon and rich buttermilk, this dish is not only a taste sensation but also offers health benefits. Discover essential cooking tips, ingredient secrets, and fun variations to impress your guests. Ready to get cooking?
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Ingredients
  

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

2 cups buttermilk

3 tablespoons lemon zest

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon black tea leaves (or 1 tea bag)

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and steep the black tea leaves for about 5 minutes. Strain the tea or remove the tea bag, and let it cool.

    In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, cooled tea, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk until well mixed.

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

        In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper together until evenly combined.

          Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

            Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.

              Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 8-10 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 75°C).

                Remove the fried chicken and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

                  Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 4 hrs 30 mins | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a wooden platter lined with fresh lemon slices and herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic touch. Add a small bowl of lemon dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.