RECIPE: Q's Southern Fried Chicken Strips

It has been a while since I've posted here, so what better way to update than with a recipe. I love to cook and as evidenced by my mid-section, I love to eat too. Recently I have begun cooking more foods from scratch, therefore I am better able to control what goes into our food. Typically, I will make out a weekly menu and this particular meal had been on the menu for some time and had been pushed back several times. It turned out pretty good and will definitely be going into the meal rotation. I would have included a picture but it did not last long enough to dig the camera out.

Q's Southern Fried Chicken Strips

4 cups vegetable oil for deep frying
4 chicken breasts
Cajun Seasoning to taste (I use Cajun's Choice Blackend Seasoning), or seasoning salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup buttermilk
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika

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.

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.

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).

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.