KFC Style Crispy Chicken Burger (Zinger Burger)

July 31, 2024
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Sure thing! Here’s a recipe to make a KFC-style crispy chicken burger, also known as the Zinger Burger:

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of lemon juice)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Burger Assembly:

  • 4 burger buns (preferably sesame or plain)
  • Lettuce leaves
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles (optional)
  • Mayonnaise or any preferred burger sauce

Instructions:

Preparing the Chicken:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
  • Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
  • In a bowl, pour the buttermilk. Submerge the chicken breasts in the buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for the best flavor).
  1. Prepare the Coating:
  • In a large bowl, mix the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
  1. Bread the Chicken:
  • Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. For extra crispiness, you can double-dip: after the first coat, dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and then into the flour mixture again.
  1. Fry the Chicken:
  • Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F or 175°C).
  • Fry the chicken breasts in batches (don’t overcrowd the pan) for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Place the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Assembling the Burger:

  1. Toast the Buns:
  • Lightly butter the burger buns and toast them in a skillet or toaster until golden brown.
  1. Build the Burger:
  • Spread mayonnaise or your preferred sauce on the bottom half of each bun.
  • Add a layer of lettuce, followed by a tomato slice and pickles if using.
  • Place the crispy chicken breast on top.
  • Add more mayonnaise or sauce if desired, then top with the other half of the bun.
  1. Serve:
  • Serve the burgers hot with your favorite side dishes like fries or coleslaw.

Enjoy your homemade KFC-style crispy chicken burger!