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To make lemon tea fried chicken, you need simple, fresh ingredients. The key is to create a tasty marinade.

Lemon Tea Fried Chicken

Elevate your dinner with this flavorful Lemon Tea Fried Chicken recipe! Combining zesty lemon with the richness of buttermilk and earthy black tea, this easy dish is perfect for impressing your family and friends. Discover the essential marinade ingredients, clever cooking tips, and fun variations that will make your fried chicken unforgettable. Click through for the complete recipe and transform your next meal into a delicious delight!

Ingredients
  

1 cup buttermilk

2 tablespoons lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 bags of black tea (or 2 tablespoons loose leaf)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

4 chicken thighs, bone-in, skin-on

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornstarch

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a medium bowl, brew the black tea by steeping the tea bags in 1 cup of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and let the tea cool.

    In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Stir in the cooled tea. This will be your marinade.

      Place the chicken thighs in the marinade, ensuring they're completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight for maximum flavor.

        In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

          Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off any excess liquid. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring a thick coating.

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

              Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot oil, skin side down. Fry for about 7-8 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F or 75°C).

                Once done, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes.

                  Serve hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest for an extra zing!

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including marinating) | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken on a rustic wooden platter with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation. A side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad can complement the dish well.