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KFC Zinger Burger Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 121 reviews
  • Author: lilan
  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes to 12 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This KFC Zinger Burger recipe features crispy, spicy fried chicken breasts marinated in buttermilk and hot sauce, coated in a flavorful seasoned flour, deep-fried to golden perfection, then topped with melted Muenster cheese, fresh iceberg lettuce, and a tangy Zinger sauce on a sesame seed bun for a homemade take on the iconic spicy chicken sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 4 to 4½ skinless boneless chicken breasts (1 to 1½ pounds)
  • 1½ cups buttermilk, well shaken
  • 3 tablespoons hot sauce (your favorite brand, e.g. Frank’s Red Hot Original)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground white pepper

Flour Coating

  • 1 cup self-rising flour
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1½ teaspoons ground white pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Frying

  • 6 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Zinger Sauce

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (your favorite brand)
  • 1½ tablespoons ketchup (your favorite brand)
  • 1½ tablespoons sriracha

Assembling

  • 4 sesame seed buns
  • 8 slices Muenster cheese
  • Iceberg lettuce (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce, kosher salt, and ground white pepper until well combined to create the marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a sealable container or gallon-size ziplock bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken and coat completely by turning or massaging the chicken. Seal and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
  3. Make the Zinger sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, and sriracha until fully incorporated. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the burgers.
  4. Prepare the flour coating: Just before frying, combine self-rising flour, onion powder, kosher salt, white pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a shallow bowl or baking dish. Whisk to blend all the spices thoroughly.
  5. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a 4 to 5-quart heavy stock pot. Heat over medium-high to high heat. Use a deep-fry or candy thermometer to monitor and heat the oil to about 330 to 350°F, targeting 340°F as the ideal frying temperature.
  6. Coat the chicken: When the oil reaches 325°F, remove one chicken breast at a time from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece fully in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating.
  7. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil, frying two pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding. Maintain the oil temperature close to 340°F by adjusting the stove heat; oil temperature will fluctuate with the addition of chicken. Fry each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  8. Check doneness and drain: Verify that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption. Remove the cooked chicken and place on a paper towel-lined baking dish to drain excess oil. Repeat frying with remaining chicken pieces.
  9. Add cheese topping: While the chicken is still hot, immediately lay two slices of Muenster cheese over each chicken breast to allow it to melt slightly from the residual heat.
  10. Assemble the burgers: Spread the prepared Zinger sauce on the top halves of the sesame seed buns. Place the cheese-topped chicken breast on the bottom bun. Add a layer of iceberg lettuce if desired. Complete the sandwich by placing the top bun over the lettuce and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness, but at least 4 hours is sufficient.
  • Maintain steady oil temperature to ensure even cooking and crispy coating without oil absorption.
  • Use a deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor oil temperature and avoid overheating.
  • Self-rising flour provides leavening for a lighter, crispier coating.
  • Adjust the amount of cayenne and hot sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
  • For a healthier option, you can oven-bake the chicken, but frying gives the signature crispy texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes plus 4 to 12 hours marinating
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: KFC Zinger Burger, fried chicken sandwich, spicy chicken burger, homemade Zinger, crispy chicken burger, spicy fried chicken

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Find it online: https://cooklilan.com/kfc-zinger-burger-recipe/