Active Time

　　40 minutes

　　Total Time

　　45 minutes (plus overnight marinade)

　　These zesty chicken fingers get their flavor from a tangy buttermilk marinade and a breading spiked with smoked paprika. Be sure to plan ahead—these chicken pieces taste best when marinated for 24 hours before they are cooked.

　　

Ingredients

Serves 4

　　

For the buttermilk marinade:

3 1/2 cups buttermilk

　　3 1/2 cups whole milk

　　1 small Spanish onion, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices

　　2 medium jalapeños, sliced

　　1 tablespoon kosher salt

　　1 tablespoon Tabasco pepper sauce

　　2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into 2x4-inch strips

　　

For the seasoned flour:

3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

　　2 tablespoons granulated garlic

　　2 tablespoons onion powder

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon dried thyme

　　2 teaspoons ground sage

　　1 tablespoon smoked paprika

　　1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon kosher salt

　　1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper

　　Canola oil, for frying

　　Homemade or store bought ranch dressing, for serving

　　

Special Equipment:

deep fry/candy thermometer, two 13x18-inch rimmed baking sheets, 2 wire cooling racks

　　

Step 1

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, onion, jalapeño, salt, and Tabasco. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.

　　

Step 2

Preheat oven to 250°F. Set cooling racks over rimmed baking sheets. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated garlic, onion powder, thyme, sage, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.

　　

Step 3

In a large pot, pour in enough oil to come up to 2 inches. Set over medium-high heat until oil registers 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer. Working in batches of 4 to 5 pieces, remove chicken from marinade, shaking to remove any vegetables and excess liquid, and dredge in the seasoned flour. Fry chicken pieces, turning once, until golden and cooked through, 6 to 7 minutes total per batch. Transfer chicken to wire racks and warm in oven while frying remaining batches.

　　

Step 4

Serve chicken fingers with ranch dressing, if desired.