Name: Brined Fried Chicken
Yield: Makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 chickens, 3 pounds each, cut into 8 pieces each; Brine (recipe follows); 3 cups buttermilk; 2 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 3 cups of flour; 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika; 1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper; 3 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper; Oil for frying (I cook 4 pieces of chicken at a time in 8 cups of oil in a 5-quart pot.); 1/2 cup of sugar; 1/4 cup salt; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon black peppercorns; 1 teaspoon coriander seeds

Image may contain Food and Fried Chicken

Brined Fried ChickenSteven Torres

This recipe, from my old sous chef Mitch SuDock, makes the best fried chicken ever. We used to make brined pork at JUdson Grill, and he started using the brine to make fried chicken for our nightly staff meal. The benefit of brine is that the batter keeps the seasoning from penetrating the meat, but the brine works its way in. Keep a close eye on the thermometer when frying; try to maintain a temperature of 300°F, which will cook the chicken through without burning the exterior.

Cooks' note:

Chicken skin should be clean with no drying and no odor. It shouldn't look of feel slimy. Do not use a wooden cutting board for chicken; I have a plastic board at home that I use only for meat and poultry, and I recommend that you do the same. Be sure to wash your cutting board thoroughly after cutting chicken.

Recipe notes

Chocolate Guinness Cake

A generous glug of stout gives this snackable loaf a malty depth.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Hot Honey–Glazed Salmon

This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Super Seedy Power Cookies

As energizing as an energy bar, with a much simpler ingredient list.

Classic French Vinaigrette

Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Apple-Walnut Charoset

A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.