Happy Birthday Stacey Fried Chicken

Ingredients

For the Brine:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 12 cloves garlic
• 4 quarts water
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2/3 cup kosher salt
• 1 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons black peppercorns
• 2 quarts ice
• 2 whole fryers, cut into 8 pieces each

For the Seasoning and Frying:

• 6 cups all-purpose flour
• 4 tablespoons dried marjoram
• 2 tablespoons dried tarragon
• 2 tablespoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons granulated garlic
• 2 tablespoons granulated onion
• 6 cups buttermilk
• 1 quart peanut or canola oil
• Salt
• Special Equipment: Large cast iron skillet or heavy skillet, for frying

Directions

To make the brine: In a large stockpot, over medium-high heat, heat oil and sweat the onions, peppers and garlic until just softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Add water, sugar, salt, wine, honey and peppercorns and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, let cool 15 minutes then add ice to cool completely. Submerge chicken pieces into brine and refrigerate for 4 to 12 hours.

Remove chicken from brine, rinse and pat dry. In a small bowl, combine the flour and spices. Divide mixture between 2 shallow bowls. Pour buttermilk in a separate bowl. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, then buttermilk, then dredge in second bowl of flour. Set pieces on a baking sheet fitted with a wire rack and let chicken rest 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet to 350 degrees F. Add the chicken carefully, cooking in batches, if necessary. Do not overcrowd pan. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 20 minutes, turning pieces as they brown. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt and serve.

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