500ml/18fl oz sunflower or groundnut oil, for frying
1 tsp dried thyme
200g/7oz plain flour
150²µ/5Β½΄Η³ϊ plain flour
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1Β½ tsp baking powder
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Β½ tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
3 tbsp cornflour
maple syrup, to serve
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tbsp paprika
2 tsp flaked sea salt
1 tbsp golden caster or white granulated sugar
sunflower oil, for greasing
50²µ/1ΒΎ΄Η³ϊ butter
butter, to serve (optional)
250ml/9fl oz buttermilk
1 large free-range egg
225ml/8fl oz semi-skimmed milk
1.7kg/3lb 11oz oven-ready chicken, jointed into 8 pieces