Lemon Brined Fried Chicken Recipes

CRISPY LEMON-FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place chicken pieces in a large bowl; add 3 teaspoons salt, lemon juice and enough water to cover chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Drain thoroughly. In a resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, paprika, pepper and remaining salt. Add chicken pieces; seal bag and toss to coat. , In a large skillet, heat 1/2 in. of oil to 375°. Add chicken; brown on all sides, about 20 minutes. Reduce heat. Carefully add water; cover and cook for 20 minutes or until juices run clear. Uncover; cook 10 minutes longer or until chicken is crisp.

FRENCH LAUNDRY'S LEMON BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a very large pot, combine 1 quart of the water with 1 cup of the salt and the honey, bay leaves, garlic, peppercorns, rosemary, thyme and parsley. Add the lemon zest and juice and the lemon halves and bring to a simmer over moderate heat, stirring until the salt is dissolved. Let cool completely, then stir in the remaining 3 quarts of cold water. Add the chickens, being sure they're completely submerged, and refrigerate overnight.
• Drain the chickens and pat dry. Scrape off any herbs or peppercorns stuck to the skin and cut each bird into 8 pieces, keeping the breast meat on the bone.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Put the buttermilk in a large, shallow bowl. Working with a few pieces at a time, dip the chicken in the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing so it adheres all over. Transfer the chicken to a baking sheet lined with wax paper.
• In a very large, deep skillet, heat 1 inch of vegetable oil to 330°. Fry the chicken in 2 or 3 batches over moderate heat, turning once, until golden and crunchy and an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of each piece registers 160°, about 20 minutes. Transfer the chicken to paper towels to drain, and keep warm in a low oven while you fry the remaining chicken pieces.
• Transfer the fried chicken to a platter, garnish with the herb sprigs and serve hot or at room temperature.

HONEY BRINED CHICKEN WITH LEMON AND SAGE

Steps:

• Mix honey, salt, water, bay leaves, and garlic together. Pull skin away from chicken just enough to place sage leaves and lemon slices under skin. Truss the chicken and tie the other end of the butcher's twine to the pot handle for a quick retrieval of the brined chicken. Place chicken in liquid and let sit in cooler for 12 hours.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
• Place chicken on roasting rack in oven and brush with olive oil. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes or until juices run clear.

SWEET TEA AND LEMON BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Mix tea, salt, thyme, lemons, and garlic together in a large re-sealable plastic bag. Add Chicken and seal. Place bag into a container in the fridge to protect from spoilage. You can also place in a big cooler filled with ice - this is what I do to brine my turkeys.
• Allow the chicken to marinate in the brine mixture for 24-48 hours, no longer than 48 hours.
• Remove chicken and discard the bag and the brining mixture.
• Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and honey. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in a shallow bowl -- I often like to use a pie plate, because I have several and barely ever use them :).
• Mix together flour, panko bread crumbs, chili powder, baking powder, and the additional salt and pepper in a second shallow bowl.
• Using one hand for wet and another hand for dry, dip each piece of chicken in the wet mixture on both sides. Then coat each side of the chicken piece in the dry mixture. Coat well and shake off any excess. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken.
• I then like to repeat the process for what I call a "DOUBLE DIP". You may need to add an additional wet and dry recipe to the bowls. All you do is re-dip each piece of chicken in the wet and dry mixtures to add an extra kiss of love and tenderness to that chicken crust :).
• Deep fry chicken in Vegetable Oil (or shortening if you prefer) until golden brown and chicken is the desired doneness (or about 165 to 175 degrees internally). This should take about 9-10 minutes at 350 degrees.
• If you don't want to break out the fryer or stink up your kitchen, you can also bake the chicken on a pan sprayed with non-stick spray. I have not tried this yet, but I am sure it will work with the appropriate patience.
• When I made this chicken recipe, I served with a Seafood boil and a selection of hot sauces, bbq sauces, honey, butter, etc. Serve how you wish and enjoy!