Lemon-Brined Fried Chicken

Name: Lemon-Brined Fried Chicken
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 gallon cold water; 1 cup plus 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons honey; 12 bay leaves; 1 head of garlic, smashed but not peeled; 2 tablespoons black peppercorns; 3 large rosemary sprigs; 1 small bunch of thyme; 1 small bunch of parsley; Finely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons; Two 3-pound chickens; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 tablespoons onion powder; 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 2 cups buttermilk; Vegetable oil, for frying; Rosemary and thyme sprigs, for garnish

Instructions

Cook:1h 30min

Thomas Keller serves this juicy and delectably crisp fried chicken at Ad Hoc. The secret to the moist, flavorful meat is soaking it overnight in a lemony brine.

Updated at: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 23:05:29 GMT