BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN FINGERS

Buttermilk Fried Chicken Fingers image

Provided by Daniel Humm

Yield Serves 4

Number Of Ingredients 22

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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

Steps:

In a wide, shallow bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, onion, jalapeño, salt, and Tabasco. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 24 hours.
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.
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.
Serve chicken fingers with ranch dressing, if desired.