Fried Chicken Salad From 'Fried & True'

Ingredients (20)

• 2½ tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• 6 black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 quarts canola oil, for frying
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 large shallots, minced (about ½ cup)
• 1 celery stalk, minced (about 1/3 cup)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup chopped fresh mixed herbs, such as parsley, tarragon, and chives
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 to 2 tablespoons hot pepper vinegar or vinegar-based hot sauce, to taste
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Soft rolls, crisp lettuce, and dill pickles, for serving