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Skip the drive-thru and make Zinger Burger at home. This chicken sandwich is loaded with simple spices and then fried to perfection.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich topped with mayo, slice tomato, and lettuce with a sesame bun
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If you love making Copycat Recipes, then you will love this KFC Zinger Burger. This fried chicken sandwich has the perfect blend of spices that makes this sandwich a family favorite.

This chicken recipe is fried with a crispy texture while staying juicy in the center. Sandwiches make dinnertime a breeze and your family may also love these recipes – Shredded Beef Sandwiches, Prime Rib Sandwich and Egg Salad Sandwich Recipe.

What is a Zinger Burger?

The Zinger Burger a menu item at KFC. It is a crispy sandwich that is topped with lettuce and mayo and served on a toasted sesame seed buns. You can easily make it at home with this simple copycat recipe.

Ingredients

Hamburger Buns, Tomato, Lettuce, flour, chicken breast, buttermilk, oil and hot sauce with a cutting board of seasoning
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – You can also use chicken strips or chicken thighs

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and ingredients in the recipe card.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Buttermilk – If you are out of buttermilk, you can use regular milk but add in 1 ½ tablespoons of vinegar and lemon juice. We think using buttermilk gives the chicken the best flavor.
  • Buns – Use any type of bun that you prefer. We love the sesame buns but regular hamburger buns work great too.
  • Cheese Slices – Add a slice of cheese for added flavor. We think cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack are great options.
  • Seasoning – Feel free to change the spices or spice level to what you prefer.

How to Make Zinger Burger

Combining buttermilk and hot sauce together in a bowl

Step 1 – In a bowl, whisk the buttermilk and hot sauce.

Marinating chicken in the buttermilk mixture in a bowl

Step 2 – Place the chicken fillet in the batter mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged. Cover the bowl with the chicken and marinade. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.

Whisking together flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper

Step 3 – In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

coated chicken breast in the flour mixture in a bowl

Step 4 – Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.

  • Step 5 – In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  • Step 6 – Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the crispy chicken should reach 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
  • Step 7 – To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise on the toasted hamburger buns. Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom bun, and top with lettuce leaves and sliced tomato. Then add the top bun.
  • Step 8 – Serve the crispy chicken burger immediately.

Recipe Tips

  • Marination – For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.
  • Cooking Chicken – Cooking time will vary when frying chicken. Make sure to watch closely so the coating does not burn. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through.
  • Heat Oil – Before placing the coated chicken in the skillet, make sure to heat the oil. This creates the best crispy texture for the chicken.
Crispy Chicken Sandwich topped with mayo, slice tomato, and lettuce with a sesame bun with a side of french fries

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Chicken Sandwich is delicious served with your favorite side dishes. I love to make Air Fryer French Fries Recipe and a side of Steam Broccoli in the Microwave for a quick meal idea.

I have even made this Easy Pasta Salad with Easy Pan Fried Potatoes Recipe for another delicious meal idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Ahead of Time?

We recommend marinating chicken ahead of time but no more than 24 hours ahead of time.

How to Store Leftover Chicken Sandwich

Store the leftover sandwich in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. We recommend storing the chicken from the bun and toppings for best results.

Can I Freeze Chicken Sandwich?

Yes, you can freeze the crispy chicken breast by placing in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, allow to the thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat in the oven or the air fryer.

Crispy Chicken Sandwich topped with mayo, slice tomato, and lettuce with a sesame bun with a side of french fries and a glass of coca cola in the background

More Easy Chicken Sandwich Recipes

We love to hear from you. If you make this Zinger Burger Recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.

Zinger Burger

5 from 2 votes
Skip the drive-thru and make Zinger Burger at home. This chicken sandwich is loaded with simple spices and then fried to perfection.
Prep Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings 4
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 512

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce. Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are completely submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, to allow the chicken to marinate.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  • Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
  • Dredge the chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Shake off any excess flour.
  • In a large skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
  • Carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the hot oil and fry for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Drain the fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
  • To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise on the toasted hamburger buns. Place a fried chicken breast on the bottom half of each bun, and top with lettuce leaves and sliced tomato.
  • Serve the crispy buttermilk fried chicken sandwiches immediately.

Recipe Notes

– For best results, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to ensure maximum flavor and tenderness.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 512kcal, Carbohydrates 46g, Protein 56g, Fat 10g, Saturated Fat 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1g, Monounsaturated Fat 2g, Trans Fat 0.03g, Cholesterol 151mg, Sodium 1082mg, Potassium 1039mg, Fiber 3g, Sugar 6g, Vitamin A 1146IU, Vitamin C 8mg, Calcium 122mg, Iron 4mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

5 from 2 votes

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    5 stars
    We love this burger

  2. Casey says:

    5 stars
    The chicken has so much flavor and was so easy to make!