Sweet tea fried chicken is a delightful dish that combines the classic flavors of Southern cooking with a unique twist that will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine crispy, golden chicken, marinated in sweet tea, offering a perfect blend of savory and sweet with every bite. Bang Bang Chicken Bowl The aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw everyone in, making it impossible to resist.
Now, picture this: it’s a sunny afternoon, and you’re hosting a backyard barbecue. Friends gather around, laughter fills the air, and everyone’s eagerly anticipating the feast to come. Chicken with Mango Salsa As you serve up your sweet tea fried chicken, compliments roll in like waves at the beach. Trust me; this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience packed with flavor and joy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet tea fried chicken is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor
- Its golden crust and juicy interior make it irresistibly appealing
- Perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners, it’s sure to impress everyone around the table
- You can even switch up the spices to suit your taste preferences!
I still remember the first time I made sweet tea fried chicken; my friends devoured it, leaving no crumbs behind and demanding seconds! One Pot Buffalo Ranch Chicken.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Chicken Pieces: Bone-in thighs and drumsticks work best for juiciness and flavor; aim for about 4-6 pieces.
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Sweet Tea: Brewed strong for maximum flavor; feel free to use store-bought if you’re short on time.
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Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken while enhancing flavor.
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Flour: Use all-purpose flour for coating; it creates that coveted crispy crust.
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Spices: A mix of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper adds depth; adjust according to your taste.
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Cooking Oil: Choose vegetable or peanut oil for frying; both provide high smoke points.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep the Chicken: Start by marinating your chicken pieces in sweet tea and buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight for deeply infused flavors.
Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In a large bowl, combine flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly mixed; this will be your crispy coating.
Dredge the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture thoroughly to ensure an even coating.
Heat Your Oil: In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat until shimmering; you’ll know it’s ready when small bubbles form around a wooden spoon dipped in oil.
Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully place chicken pieces into hot oil without overcrowding; fry them for about 10 minutes per side or until they reach a beautiful golden brown color.
Drain Excess Oil: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F), remove chicken from oil and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess fat before serving.
Enjoy this crispy delight with your favorite sides—macaroni and cheese or coleslaw make excellent companions!
You Must Know
- Sweet tea fried chicken is a delightful twist on classic fried chicken, infusing it with a sweet, Southern charm
- The blend of sweetness and savory flavors creates an unforgettable dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds
- Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by marinating the chicken in sweet tea overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeply. Next, coat it with seasoned flour before frying. Fry in hot oil for a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the sweet tea for flavored teas like peach or mint for a unique twist. You can also add spices to the flour mixture to kick up the heat or even drizzle some honey before serving.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover sweet tea fried chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Shells To reheat, place it in an oven at 375°F until heated through, ensuring it stays crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh oil when frying to achieve that perfect golden crust
- Letting the chicken rest after frying helps maintain its juiciness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking and crispness you’ll love!
Cooking sweet tea fried chicken reminds me of summer barbecues when family gathered around, devouring every piece and sharing laughter over sticky fingers and full bellies. For more inspiration, check out this honey garlic soy sauce chicken recipe.
FAQ
Can I use boneless chicken for sweet tea fried chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless cuts will work just fine, but adjust cooking times accordingly.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinating overnight yields the best flavor infusion; however, four hours will suffice too.
What sides pair well with sweet tea fried chicken?
Classic sides include coleslaw, cornbread, and mashed potatoes for a true Southern feast.
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Description
Sweet tea fried chicken is a mouthwatering Southern classic that elevates traditional fried chicken with a sweet twist. Marinated in sweet tea and buttermilk, the chicken becomes incredibly juicy and flavorful. Coated in a seasoned flour mixture, it’s fried to golden perfection for an irresistible crunch. This dish is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy family dinners, ensuring that every bite brings joy and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 4–6 bone-in chicken thighs and drumsticks
- 1 cup strong brewed sweet tea
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil (vegetable or peanut) for frying
Instructions
- Marinate chicken pieces in sweet tea and buttermilk for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a large bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Fry chicken pieces for about 10 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain on paper towels before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 125g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Experiment with flavored teas like peach or mint for a unique twist. Adjust spices in the flour mix to add extra heat if desired. Serve with classic sides like coleslaw or cornbread.
