Q’s Southern Fried Chicken Strips

*You may substitute seasoning salt for the Cajun seasoning (I use Cajun’s Choice Blackened Seasoning)

1. Heat oil in large cast iron skillet (if you don’t have a cast iron skillet use a large heavy pot) to 350 degrees F.

2. Cut chicken into strips about 1/2″ wide by 3″ long. Place chicken strips in baking dish and sprinkle with blackened seasoning or seasoning salt according to your taste. Be sure to give seasoned chicken a good rub to be sure seasoning sticks to chicken. Pour buttermilk over chicken and turn to coat.

3. While chicken is absorbing the buttermilk goodness, combine flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and paprika and mix thoroughly. Place mixture in shallow dish (I use a pie tin).

4. Dredge chicken strips in flour mixture and carefully transfer to hot oil a few at a time (do not overcrowd chicken strips) and cook until outside is golden brown and inside is thoroughly cooked.

To ensure doneness, remove the largest piece and cut strip in thickest part. If done, eat the piece of chicken without being noticed and remove remaining strips and allow to drain on paper towels.

As you will most likely be cooking in batches, you may need to do this with each batch. Once all chicken is done, serve with your choice of sides and enjoy.