Ingredients
Method
- Marinate Chicken: Whisk together buttermilk, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Add chicken strips to the wet batter and marinate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare Dry Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken strips from the wet batter, letting excess drip off. Coat each strip thoroughly in the dry batter.
- Fry Chicken: Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry chicken strips in batches for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
- Make Cane’s Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika until smooth.
- Serve: Plate the crispy chicken fingers with Cane’s Sauce on the side for dipping.
Video
Notes
Tips
- For extra crunch, double-dip the chicken by repeating wet and dry batter steps before frying.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F to ensure crispy coating and fully cooked chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Let chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to keep coating crispier.
- Spice it up by adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batters for extra heat.
- Substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with milk for marination.
- Swap out chicken breasts for thighs for juicier results.
- Try baking instead of frying for a lighter option (bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway).
- Serve with crispy fries or coleslaw for a classic combo.
- Add pickles and a soft bun for a delicious chicken finger sandwich.
- Pair with a cold soda or iced tea for the perfect casual meal.
