A Southern Classic With A Twist, Featuring Tender Chicken Marinated In Sweet Tea, Then Fried To Crispy Perfection – Sweet, Savory, And Utterly Delicious!
This Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is a fun, flavorful take on classic fried chicken! I decided to make it because I love the idea of infusing the chicken with the sweet, slightly tangy flavor of sweet tea, which perfectly complements the savory fried coating.
The marinade makes the chicken juicy and tender, while the crispy, golden crust adds just the right crunch. My family loves this dish because it’s a perfect blend of Southern comfort and bold flavors. Whether it’s served for Sunday dinner, a family gathering, or even a picnic, this chicken is always the first thing to go!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use other types of tea for the marinade?
A: While sweet tea is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can experiment with other flavored teas like lemon or peach tea for a unique twist. Just make sure to add the sugar to make it a “sweet” tea.
Q: Can I make this chicken ahead of time?
A: You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for maximum flavor. After frying, the chicken is best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I bake this chicken instead of frying it?
A: Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the coating is crispy.
Q: What kind of oil should I use for frying?
A: Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are all great choices for frying. They have a high smoke point and will fry the chicken to a perfect golden brown.
Q: How can I make sure the coating stays crispy?
A: To keep the coating crispy, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken (around 350°F/175°C). Also, let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack to keep the coating from getting soggy.
What You Need to Make Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
For the Marinade:
- 2 cups sweet tea (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a kick)
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (or your preferred cut)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
How to Make Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the sweet tea, salt, sugar, and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully submerged in the tea mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat the chicken:
Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the marinade and coat it in flour a second time.
4. Heat the oil:
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for accuracy.
5. Fry the chicken:
Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Adjust the heat as necessary to keep the oil temperature steady.
6. Drain and serve:
Use tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve:
Serve the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a true Southern feast!
Tips
- For extra flavor: Add a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary to the marinade for an aromatic touch.
- Make it crispy: Double-dipping the chicken in the flour will give you a thicker, crunchier coating.
- For a smoky flavor: Add smoked paprika to the flour mixture for a smoky twist on traditional fried chicken.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan L. – “This Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is absolutely delicious! The sweet tea marinade makes the chicken so juicy, and the crispy coating is perfection. My family devoured it!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel S. – “I made this for dinner last night, and it was a big hit! The sweet tea adds a unique flavor, and the chicken was so tender and flavorful. Definitely making it again!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “The combination of sweet and savory in this chicken is amazing! The crispy coating is perfect, and the marinade makes the chicken so flavorful. A new favorite in our house!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Emma B. – “This is the best fried chicken I’ve ever made! The sweet tea marinade really takes it to the next level. My family loved it, and I’ll definitely be making it again.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica T. – “I love this twist on fried chicken! The sweet tea adds so much flavor, and the chicken is so crispy and juicy. My family asked for seconds!”
Printable Recipe
Sweet Tea Fried Chicken
This Sweet Tea Fried Chicken is juicy and tender from the sweet tea marinade, then fried to crispy perfection. A flavorful, Southern-inspired dish that’s perfect for any meal!
Ingredients
- For the Marinade:
- 2 cups sweet tea (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional for a kick)
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (or your preferred cut)
- For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken:
- In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine the sweet tea, salt, sugar, and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully submerged in the tea mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Coat the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken back into the marinade and coat it in flour a second time.
4. Heat the oil:
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1-2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature for accuracy.
5. Fry the chicken:
- Carefully add the coated chicken to the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Adjust the heat as necessary to keep the oil temperature steady.
6. Drain and serve:
- Use tongs to remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
7. Serve:
- Serve the Sweet Tea Fried Chicken with your favorite sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes for a true Southern feast!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Sweet Tea Fried Chicken, please share it with your friends and family! It’s a delicious, flavorful twist on a classic Southern dish, and I’m sure everyone will love it. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your fried chicken turns out!
