INGREDIENTS

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced in half horizontally to form flat fillets or 6 boneless chicken thighs.
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1⅓ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt (or table salt)
• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil, for cooking
• Lemon wedges, for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Make the brine: In a medium bowl, combine the water, kosher salt, and sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Add the chicken to the brine and let sit for 30 to 45 minutes (no longer or the chicken may be too salty). Remove the chicken from the brine and pat dry with paper towels.
2. In a large shallow bowl, mix the panko, pepper, fine sea or table salt, garlic powder, paprika, and sesame seeds. Place the flour in another shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a third bowl. Set up a breading station in this order: flour, eggs, panko.
3. Dredge the chicken in the flour, coating evenly on both sides; dip in the eggs, letting any excess drip off; then dredge in the panko mixture, turning and patting to adhere. Place the breaded chicken on a plate and repeat until all the chicken is breaded.
4. Line a 13 x 18-inch baking sheet with paper towels. In a large nonstick skillet, heat about ⅛ inch of oil over medium heat until hot and shimmering. Place two pieces of chicken in the pan, and cook until the first side is golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully flip the chicken and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and cooked through. (If the chicken is browning too slowly, increase the heat to medium high.) Place the cooked chicken on the prepared baking sheet. Cook the remaining chicken in the same manner (you shouldn’t need more oil). Transfer the chicken to a serving platter or individual plates. Serve with lemon wedges, if desired.