Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering Southern culinary adventure that will transform your ordinary chicken dinner into an extraordinary feast! Imagine crispy, golden-brown chicken infused with the sweet, refreshing essence of Southern sweet tea - a recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to a sunny Southern porch. This Sweet Tea Oven Fried Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that combines traditional Southern comfort with a modern, healthier twist of oven-frying.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup sweet tea
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the chicken. Rinse the chicken thighs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the coating adhere better.
- In a large bowl, combine the sweet tea and buttermilk. Stir well to mix. This mixture will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with sweetness.
- Add the chicken thighs to the sweet tea and buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help achieve a crispy coating.
- In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
- Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly.
- Take each chicken thigh out of the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each thigh in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
- Place the coated chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each piece for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. This will help the coating crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is recommended for safety.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy.
- Serve the Sweet Tea Oven Fried Chicken hot, alongside your favorite Southern sides such as coleslaw, cornbread, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Allow your chicken to soak in the sweet tea and buttermilk mixture for at least 30 minutes, but don't exceed 2 hours to maintain optimal texture.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to 425°F for that perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior.
- Coating Technique: Press the seasoned flour mixture gently onto the chicken to create a thick, even coating that will crisp up beautifully.
- Space is Important: Leave enough room between chicken pieces on the baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, ensuring even cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, you can use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air circulation around the entire chicken piece.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 160mg
