Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Brine:

4 cups hot water

2/3 cup kosher salt

2 tablespoons brown sugar

2 dried bay leaves

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 tablespoon whole peppercorns

3-4 sprigs fresh poultry herbs (such as sage, rosemary, and thyme)

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

2 cups buttermilk

1 large egg

1 heaping tablespoon garlic powder

1 heaping tablespoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Coating:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1 heaping tablespoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying:

2 1/2 quarts frying oil (such as vegetable or peanut oil)

Instructions: