Miss Ora's Fried Chicken

INGREDIENTS

• 1 3-4-pound chicken, cut into 10 pieces (breasts halved crosswise)
• 1/2 kosher salt plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 freshly ground black pepper plus more for seasoning
• 2 all-purpose flour
• 2 cornstarch
• Canola or vegetable oil (for frying; about 4 cups)
• 2 fatback, sliced 1/2-inch thick, rinsed (optional)
• A deep-fry thermometer