Lemon Fried Chicken
Experience the irresistible zing of Lemon Fried Chicken, a delightful twist on a classic comfort food favorite! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken drumsticks marinated in a flavorful blend of tangy buttermilk, fresh lemon zest, and aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. The result? The perfect balance of citrus brightness and savory depth. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture with a hint of baking powder for extra crispiness, the drumsticks are fried to golden perfection, delivering a mouthwatering crunch in every bite. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, this crowd-pleasing dish pairs beautifully with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Ready in under an hour (excluding marinade time), Lemon Fried Chicken is the ultimate fusion of bold flavors and classic cooking techniques that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons Lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 4 cups Vegetable oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Add the chicken drumsticks to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
In another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, the remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir to combine.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack and let them sit for 10 minutes to help the coating adhere.
In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent frying results.
Working in batches, carefully lower the coated chicken drumsticks into the hot oil. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Avoid placing it on paper towels, which can make the coating soggy.
Serve the Lemon Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
9777 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 928.9 g | 1191% | |
| Saturated Fat | 150.0 g | 750% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 538.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 798 mg | 266% | |
| Sodium | 6252 mg | 272% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 223.0 g | 81% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 26.0 g | ||
| Protein | 219.7 g | 439% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.3 mcg | 32% | |
| Calcium | 744 mg | 57% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 2914 mg | 62% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
