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Lemon-Brined Fried Chicken

Lemon-Brined Fried Chicken: 5 Steps to Irresistible Flavor

Crispy fried chicken marinated in lemon brine for extra flavor.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
  • 4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup salt
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix water, salt, lemon juice, peppercorns, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Add chicken pieces to the brine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
  3. Remove chicken from brine and pat dry.
  4. Soak chicken in buttermilk for 1 hour.
  5. In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  6. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture.
  7. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  8. Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes per side.
  9. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Notes

  • Adjust salt in brine according to taste.
  • Let chicken rest before serving for better texture.
  • Use a thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F.
  • Author: Evelyn E. Stotts
  • Prep Time: 4 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 piece
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Lemon-Brined Fried Chicken