Super-Crispy Fried Chicken Sandwiches

1. Stir together 1/2 cup pickle brine, 1 tablespoon salt, paprika, 1 teaspoon black pepper, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. Place chicken thighs in a gallon-size ziplock plastic bag; pour in pickle brine mixture. Seal bag and massage until chicken is evenly coated with brine mixture. Place in refrigerator; let marinate at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours or overnight.

2. Whisk together buttermilk, 1/2 cup water, and egg in a large bowl. Remove chicken from brine; discard brine. Add chicken to buttermilk mixture. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, remaining 1 tablespoon salt, and remaining 1 tablespoon black pepper in shallow dish. Set aside.

3. Preheat oven to 200°F. Pour oil to a depth of 1/2 inch in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet; heat oil over medium to 350°F.

4. Working in batches, remove 3 or 4 chicken thighs from buttermilk mixture and place in flour mixture. Cover chicken with flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Lift from flour mixture and gently shake off excess. Carefully place chicken in hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd skillet. Cook, adjusting heat as needed to maintain oil temperature of 350°F and turning every 1 to 2 minutes using tongs, until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°F and breading is golden brown and very crispy, 6 to 8 minutes per batch. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Place in preheated oven to keep warm while repeating frying process with remaining chicken.

5. Spread 1 heaping tablespoon mayonnaise onto cut sides of each bun. Arrange 5 to 6 pickle chips on each bun bottom; top with 1 fried chicken thigh, 1/2 cup shredded lettuce, and, if desired, 1 tomato slice. Cover with bun tops.

Suggested Pairing