Ingredients

• 2 (16-ounce) jars dill pickle chips, 1/2 cup brine reserved and about 60 pickle chips reserved, divided

• 2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided

• 2 teaspoons paprika

• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 3 pounds)

• 1 cup buttermilk or well-stirred plain whole-milk yogurt

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 large egg

• 4 cups all-purpose flour (about 17 ounces)

• 1/4 cup cornstarch

• Peanut oil, for frying

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 12 hamburger buns

• 6 cups shredded iceberg lettuce

• 12 ripe beefsteak tomato slices (optional)