Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons smoked sweet paprika
• 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1 tablespoon granulated onion
• 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning
• 2 pounds chicken tenders
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds, if desired
• 1 quart safflower, canola or sunflower oil for frying
• 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Combine the smoked paprika, granulated garlic and onion, and poultry seasoning in a small bowl. Season the tenders with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 the spices to the buttermilk in a shallow dish. Combine the remaining spices with the flour and poppy seeds, in a second dish.
2. Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium to medium-high heat, about 350 degrees F.
3. Using tongs dip chicken in the buttermilk, then the flour and repeat. Add the breaded tenders to the hot oil; do not crowd the pan. Cook the fingers in batches to a deep golden color, about 8 minutes per batch. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels. Serve warm or at room temperature with wedges of lemon to squeeze on top.