Ingredients:

  • 4 cups Water
  • 1/4 cup Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 cloves Garlic, crushed
  • 1 teaspoon Black Peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 4 boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts or 8 Chicken Thighs
  • 2 cups All-Purpose Flour, divided
  • 2 large Eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
  • 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1/2 cup Reserved Cooking Oil
  • 3 tablespoons Cayenne Pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Brown Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Dill Pickle Slices
  • White Bread Slices

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Brine: Combine brine ingredients in a large container. Stir until salt and sugar are dissolved.
  2. Brine the Chicken: Submerge chicken in brine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 8 hours.
  3. Set up the Breading Station: Place 1 cup flour in one dish. Whisk eggs and milk in another. Combine remaining 1 cup flour with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a third dish.
  4. Bread the Chicken: Remove chicken from brine and pat dry. Dredge in plain flour, then egg mixture, then seasoned flour mixture.
  5. Fry the Chicken: Heat 1 inch of oil to 325°F (160°C). Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
  6. Drain and Rest: Remove chicken from oil and place on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain. Reserve 1/2 cup of the frying oil.
  7. Make the Hot Oil: Combine reserved hot oil, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a saucepan. Heat over low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Coat the Chicken: Brush or drizzle the hot oil mixture liberally over the fried chicken.
  9. Serve: Place each piece of chicken on a slice of white bread and top with dill pickle slices. Serve immediately.