Crispy Lemon-Fried Chicken

Prep: 960 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

Crispy lemon-fried chicken combines tender, flavorful meat with a crunchy coating, infused with lemon and paprika—perfect for casual family dinners or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

  • 2 broiler-fryer chickens (2 to 3 lb. each), cut up or 16 pieces chicken
  • 3 1/2 tsp. salt, divided
  • juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/8 tsp. pepper
  • cooking oil
  • 2 Tbsp. water

Instructions

  1. Place chicken pieces in a large bowl; add 3 teaspoons salt, lemon juice, and enough water to cover chicken. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Drain chicken thoroughly.
  3. In a paper bag, combine flour, paprika, pepper, and remaining salt.
  4. Toss chicken pieces in the flour mixture; shake off excess.
  5. Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet.
  6. When the oil is hot, carefully add chicken pieces.
  7. Brown chicken lightly on all sides, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

414 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7g 14% DV
Total Fat 28.7g 37% DV
Carbs 40.2g 15% DV
Fiber 10.3g 37% DV
Sugar 3.1g 6% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 9712.3mg 100% DV
Potassium 843.5mg 18% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 620mcg 69% DV
Vitamin C 21.6mg 24% DV
Calcium 89.3mg 7% DV
Iron 8.7mg 48% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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