Categories: Chicken

Ingredients

• 3 cups water
• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup plus 1 1/2 tbsp. kosher salt, divided
• 4 regular-size black tea bags
• 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 5 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 cups ice cubes
• 3 lb. whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup whole buttermilk

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups water, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add tea bags, lemon, thyme, and garlic. Let stand for 10 minutes. Discard tea bags. Stir in ice until melted. Refrigerate until brine cools to room temp, about 2 hours.

2. Place chicken in a large heavy-duty Ziploc bag. Add brine; seal bag, pressing out as much air as possible. Place bag in a 13×9-inch baking dish. Refrigerate overnight.

3. Let chicken stand at room temp for 40 minutes.

4. Meanwhile, fill a large cast-iron Dutch oven halfway with oil, and heat over medium heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 325.

5. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, and remaining 1 1/2 tbsp. salt. Place buttermilk in another large bowl.

6. Working in batches, remove chicken from brine, letting excess drip off. Dredge chicken in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in flour mixture again, shaking off excess. Fry chicken, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Let drain on paper towels. Serve immediately.

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