Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken Recipe
Get ready to elevate your fried chicken game with this irresistible Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken recipe. Every bite is a journey—a crispy, golden-brown exterior encasing tender, juicy chicken marinated in a tangy, flavor-packed lemon pepper buttermilk blend. The pièce de résistance? A drizzle of whipped lemon pepper hot honey that adds a sweet, zesty heat to every bite.
This recipe is designed to impress, whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner or hosting friends who crave bold, unforgettable flavors. Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading brings a vibrant kick, while the homemade hot honey perfectly balances sweet and spicy notes. It’s not just fried chicken—it’s an experience you’ll savor to the very last piece.
Let’s dive into the ultimate recipe that guarantees to turn any meal into an occasion worth celebrating!
Why You’re Going to Love This Recipe
This Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken is everything you want in a comfort food classic with a flavorful twist. Here’s why you’ll savor every bite:
- Bold, Zesty Flavor: Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading delivers a citrusy kick that takes ordinary fried chicken to extraordinary.
- Crispy Perfection: The combination of the marinade and breading creates a golden-brown crust with unbeatable crunch.
- Sweet Heat Finish: Whipped lemon pepper hot honey adds a luxurious balance of sweetness, spice, and zest.
- Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings—this recipe always steals the spotlight.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Pepper Marinade:
- Chicken pieces (thighs, legs, breasts, and wings)
- Buttermilk
- Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading
For the Crispy Breading:
For the Lemon Pepper Hot Honey:
- Honey
- Lemon zest
- Fresh cracked black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, buttermilk, and Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading. Mix until the chicken is fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Make the Lemon Pepper Hot Honey: In a stand mixer or bowl, whisk together honey, lemon zest, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt. Whisk for 8-10 minutes until smooth and light. Set aside.
3. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat vegetable oil to 330°F.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dredge the marinated chicken in Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off any excess breading.
5. Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken in batches, cooking similar pieces together for even cooking:
- Thighs: 14-18 minutes
- Legs: 12-15 minutes
- Breasts and wings: 10-12 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of each piece.
6. Drizzle and Serve: Once fried, drizzle the chicken with the whipped lemon pepper hot honey. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Marination Matters: For maximum flavor and tenderness, let the chicken marinate overnight.
- Temperature Control: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Hot Honey Pro Tip: Whisking the hot honey thoroughly creates a smooth, luxurious texture that’s perfect for drizzling.
Storage Suggestions
If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Whether it’s a casual dinner or a weekend indulgence, this Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken will have everyone coming back for seconds. With its bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and sweet-spicy finish, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen!
Juicy Lemon Pepper Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil for frying
Lemon Pepper Marinade
- 3-4 lbs bone in chicken pieces thighs legs breast and wings
- 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 1/4 cup Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading
Crispy Breading
- 2 cups Papi’s Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading
Lemon Pepper Hot Honey
- 1 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp black pepper fresh cracked
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
Lemon Pepper Marinade
- In a large bowl, add all ingredients listed under “Lemon Pepper Marinade” and mix until the chicken pieces are fully coated. Set aside to marinate at least 20 minutes of 24 hours in the fridge.
Lemon Pepper Hot Honey
- In a stand mixer or bowl add all ingredients listed under “Lemon Pepper Hot Honey.” Using the whisk attachment, whisk for 8-10 minutes until the mixture is fully incorporated and gains a smooth and light texture. Set aside.
Assemble
- Heat a large pot of vegetable oil to 330F.
- Working in batches, dredge the marinated chicken pieces in the Papi Cuisine Lemon Pepper Deluxe Breading until each is fully coated. Shake off any excess and gently place into the hot oil.
- I recommend frying like pieces together to assure a proper cook. Fry thighs for 14-18 minutes, legs for 12-15 minutes, breast and wings for 10-12 minutes.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F in the thickest part of each piece.
- Once all pieces are cooked, drizzle with the whipped lemon pepper hot honey. Enjoy!
