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KFC Zinger Burger (Copycat)
Community Rating
Current community rating (2 votes)
About
The legendary KFC Zinger — a spicy, ultra-crispy chicken fillet with lettuce and creamy mayo inside a soft sesame bun. The signature flavor comes from a spicy marinade and peppery coating that fries into a golden, crunchy crust. When done right, the chicken should be juicy inside with a fiery kick and that classic fast-food crunch.
FOR THE CHICKEN:
• 2 boneless chicken breast fillets
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
FOR THE COATING:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
FOR THE ZINGER SAUCE:
• 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tsp chili sauce
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• pinch salt
FOR ASSEMBLY:
• 2 sesame burger buns, toasted
• 1 cup (40g) iceberg lettuce, shredded
• vegetable oil, for frying
Recipe
- 1Marinate the chicken. In a bowl mix buttermilk, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, paprika, and salt. Add the chicken fillets and let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or overnight in the fridge for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- 2Prepare the spicy coating. In a shallow dish combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge heavily in the flour mixture, pressing firmly so the coating forms rough, crunchy bits.
- 3Fry the chicken. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until deep golden brown with a crunchy crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest on a rack for a minute so the crust stays crisp.
- 4Make the Zinger sauce. In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, chili sauce, garlic powder, paprika, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.
- 5Toast the buns in a dry skillet or on a griddle until lightly golden. Spread a generous layer of Zinger sauce on the bottom bun.
- 6Assemble the burger from bottom to top: bottom bun with sauce, crispy spicy chicken fillet, a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce, another light drizzle of sauce, then the toasted top bun. Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and crunchy.