Michy’s Fried Chicken and Watermelon Salad

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 dried bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1 teaspoon fennel seeds
• Safflower, peanut, or grapeseed oil, for frying
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 3 tablespoons hot sauce, preferably Cholula brand
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• Honey, for serving
• 1 3/4 pound wedge of watermelon, rind removed and cut into medium dice (about 4 cups)
• 2 large beefsteak tomatoes (1 1/4 pounds), seeded and cut into small dice (about 2 cups)
• 1 large English hothouse cucumber (3/4 pound), peeled and cut into small dice (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons torn dill, uncut
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Pinch of garlic powder
• Pinch of onion powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste