A Zinger Burger is a delicious, spicy fried chicken sandwich that originated from KFC and has become popular worldwide.

A Zinger Burger is a delicious, spicy fried chicken sandwich that originated from KFC and has become popular worldwide. It’s known for its crispy fried chicken fillet paired with a zesty, spicy sauce, and fresh vegetables, all sandwiched in a soft burger bun. Below is a recipe to make a homemade Zinger Burger:

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 boneless chicken fillets (preferably chicken breasts or thighs)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp chili powder (adjust to spice preference)
• 1 tsp ginger paste (optional)

For the Coating (Breading):

• 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
• 1/2 cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp baking powder (optional, for fluffier coating)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano or mixed herbs
• 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Zinger Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard or regular mustard (optional)
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)

For the Assembly:

• 2 soft burger buns (preferably toasted)
• Fresh lettuce leaves (shredded or whole)
• Sliced tomatoes
• Pickled cucumbers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and ginger paste (optional).
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken fillets to the marinade and coat them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (for best results, marinate overnight).

2. Prepare the Breading:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Set up a breading station: One dish with the marinated chicken and another with the flour coating mixture.

3. Coat the Chicken:

1. Remove the marinated chicken fillets from the buttermilk.
2. Dredge each fillet thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing it down gently to ensure an even, thick coat.
3. Shake off any excess flour and let the coated fillet rest for a minute before frying.

4. Fry the Chicken:

1. Heat oil in a deep frying pan or a wok to around 350°F (175°C). You’ll want enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
2. Gently lower the coated chicken fillets into the hot oil and fry them for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
3. Once fried, remove the fillets and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare the Zinger Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
2. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice tolerance. You can make it as spicy as you want by adding more hot sauce or chili powder.

6. Assemble the Zinger Burger:

1. Toast the burger buns lightly on a skillet or in the oven until golden and crispy.
2. Spread a generous amount of the Zinger sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
3. Place a crispy fried chicken fillet on the bottom bun.
4. Layer with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and pickled cucumbers (optional).
5. Spread more Zinger sauce on the top half of the bun and place it on top of the chicken and veggies.

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Zinger Burger hot and crispy, alongside your favorite fries, potato wedges, or a side salad.

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Optional Add-Ons:

• Cheese: A slice of cheddar or American cheese can be melted on top of the chicken during the last minute of frying for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Pickles: If you want to add even more spice, try using spicy pickles or jalapeños.

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Tips for the Perfect Zinger Burger:

• Crispiness: The key to the perfect Zinger Burger is a crispy chicken fillet. Don’t rush the frying process; ensure the oil is at the right temperature (around 350°F), and avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Double-Coating: For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the marinated chicken fillets in the flour mixture twice before frying.
• Adjust Spices: If you like your Zinger Burger extra spicy, you can increase the amount of chili powder, hot sauce, or add some cayenne pepper to the coating.

Enjoy making your homemade Zinger Burger! It’s sure to satisfy your cravings for something crispy, spicy, and delicious.