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KFC Zinger Burger or Chicken Burger is the perfect fried chicken sandwich with an added “Zing!” for lovers of a little extra heat. Crispy chicken thighs are balanced by a creamy burger sauce, placed on a toasted brioche bun. This copycat recipe is going to be your most requested meal.
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5 from 2 votes

Homemade KFC Zinger Burger Recipe

KFC Zinger Burger or Chicken Burger is the perfect fried chicken sandwich with an added “Zing!” for lovers of a little extra heat. Crispy chicken thighs are balanced by a creamy burger sauce, placed on a toasted brioche bun. This copycat recipe is going to be your most requested meal.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Marinating Time3 hours
Total Time3 hours 35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chicken Burger, Zinger Burger
Servings: 4 zinger burgers
Author: Izzy

Ingredients

For the Chicken Fillet

  • 4 boneless chicken thighs I recommend using chicken thighs for the best result, but you can also use chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 ½ tablespoons hot sauce optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

Dredging Mix

For Frying the Chicken

  • vegetable oil

For the Burger Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 4 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons mustard sauce

For the Zinger Burger

  • 4 burger buns (sesame seed hamburger buns)
  • 1/2 bunch green leaf lettuce
  • butter optional

Instructions

  • Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, add buttermilk, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Mix well and add chicken. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
  • Make the dredging mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, oregano, white pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika and salt. Mix well and set aside.
  • Fry the chicken: When ready to cook, place a large pot or saucepan over medium-high heat and add 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350˚F (177˚C)
  • Working one at a time, remove each piece from the marinade. Shake to remove excess, and then place it in the dredging mix and coat thoroughly. Tap off the excess.
  • Slowly lower the breaded chicken pieces into the oil. You’ll notice that the temperature will drop slightly, so adjust the heat so that the temperature will stay between 300-350˚F. (Make sure not to crowd the pan).
  • Fry each piece for about 10-14 minutes, turning each piece every 2 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F
  • Remove the chicken from the oil and place on a cooling rack. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
  • Make the burger sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
  • Assemble Zinger Burger: Toast the buns on a skillet or grill until golden brown. Then spread softened butter on the cut-side of the buns.
  • Place the bottom bun on a plate. Then spread some burger sauce. Place the crispy chicken on top, add lettuce, and drizzle more burger sauce.
  • Add the top bun on top. Serve hot with French fries and salad.

Notes

  • Make sure to keep the oil temperature between 300-350˚F.
  • I suggest marinating the chicken for at least 3 hours. If you are in a rush, you can marinate for 1 hour. But don’t skip this process as it will give you more juicy and tender chicken.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcal | Carbohydrates: 63g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 122mg | Sodium: 1751mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 3959IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 5mg