FRIED CHICKEN and Fixin’s

SWEET TEA-BRINED FRIED CHICKEN

Makes 6 to 8 servings

3 cups water
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
½ cup plus 1½ tablespoons kosher salt, divided
4 regular-size black tea bags
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
4 sprigs fresh thyme
5 cloves garlic, smashed
2 cups ice cubes
1 (3-pound) whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces Vegetable oil, for frying
3 cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup whole buttermilk

1. In a large saucepan, bring 3 cups water, brown sugar, and ½ cup salt to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat; add tea bags, lemon, thyme, and garlic. Let stand for 10 minutes. Discard tea