Savory Southern Fried Chicken

Directions

1. 1
   NOTE: YOU CAN SINGLE-BREAD OR DOUBLE-BREAD CHICKEN WITH THIS RECIPE (SEE STEP 6).
2. 2
   WHISK 2 quarts cold water (8 cups) with 2 tablespoons fine sea salt and 2 teaspoons Accent seasoning in a large wide saucepan (with an accompanying lid) until dissolved, for the BRINE.
3. 3
   RINSE and blot chicken pieces; ADD chicken pieces to marinade; COVER and transfer to refrigerator; MARINATE chicken at least 4 hours in refrigerator (preferably overnight), turning chicken as needed.
4. 4
   INTO a large Ziploc bag, add the BREADING ingredients; BREAK up any clumps if present, by hand or using the back of a spoon; SEAL bag containing mixture; SHAKE well until combined.
5. 5
   BEAT 4 eggs in a large bowl, for the EGGWASH; REMOVE chicken from brine with tongs; BLOT pieces with paper towels.
6. 6
   TO SINGLE-BREAD CHICKEN: Dip one piece breaded chicken using tongs, into the eggwash to wet completely. Drop chicken into the breading. Roll chicken well in the breading to coat. Place breaded chicken onto platter to rest for 15-20 minutes. Repeat with remaining pieces. TO DOUBLE-BREAD CHICKEN: Add 5 teaspoons flour plus 1 teaspoon cornstarch to breading and mix well. Drop chicken into the breading and roll it well in the breading to coat. Drop chicken into the eggwash to wet completely. Quickly return chicken to the breading and roll again to coat well. Place double-breaded chicken onto platter to rest for 15-20 minutes. Repeat with remaining pieces.
7. 7
   PREHEAT manufacturer's recommended amount of peanut oil in deep-fryer between to 315°F (OR) preheat enough oil to immerse chicken completely in deep heavy stovetop pot between to 315°F (use a heat-safe thermometer to gauge).
8. 8
   PLACE breaded chicken to the elevated fry basket in deep-fryer without crowding; LOWER the basket slowly into the hot oil (or gently lower breaded chicken pieces using tongs into stovetop pot, turning once halfway through frying duration).
9. 9
   FRY chicken between 16-20 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked, depending on chicken portions/sizes (juices should run clear when chicken is done).
10. 10
    DRAIN on a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet; REPEAT the same cooking procedures until all chicken is fried. DRAIN chicken on a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet; TRANSFER rack over a baking sheet and keep chicken warmed in a preheated 170°F oven until serving; SERVE and enjoy!