The Ultimate Crispy Fried Chicken

1 1/4 cups, kosher salt or 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons table salt

1/4 cup, granulated sugar

2 tablespoons, paprika

3 medium heads, garlic, cloves separated

3 , bay leaves, crumbled

2 quarts, buttermilk (low fat)

1 , whole chicken (about 3 1/2 pounds), giblets discarded, cut into 12 pieces (see illustrations below)

4 cups, unbleached all-purpose flour

1 , large egg

1 teaspoon, baking powder

1/2 teaspoon, baking soda

3–4 cups, refined peanut oil or vegetable shortening