The Zinger Stacker from KFC features a spicy, crispy chicken fillet layered with melted cheese, fresh lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise, all stacked inside a soft, toasted bun for a bold and satisfying flavor experience.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Chicken fillet press or meat mallet
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese slicer
- Lettuce shredder or knife
- Spatula
- Sauce bottle or ladle
- Bun toaster or grill
- Food thermometer
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 slices processed cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 soft burger buns
Your chicken breast fillets should be marinated in buttermilk to ensure they remain tender and juicy after frying. Use fresh, high-quality spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to replicate the bold flavor profile found in KFC's Zinger Stacker. Maintaining the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF during frying guarantees a crispy coating without drying out the chicken. Choose soft burger buns and toast them lightly to provide a perfect contrast to the crunchy fillet and creamy mayonnaise. This Zinger Stacker copycat menu captures the iconic combination of spicy, crispy chicken, melted cheddar, fresh lettuce, and smooth mayonnaise for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Flatten chicken fillets with chicken fillet press or meat mallet.
- Marinate fillets in buttermilk for at least 1 hour.
- Mix flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme in bowl.
- Dredge marinated fillets in flour mixture until well coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in fry baskets until golden brown and internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Remove fillets with tongs and drain on rack or paper towels.
- Slice cheddar cheese using cheese slicer.
- Shred iceberg lettuce with lettuce shredder or knife.
- Slice and toast burger buns using bun toaster or grill.
- Place fried chicken fillet on bottom half of each bun using spatula.
- Top each fillet with cheese slice while hot.
- Add shredded lettuce.
- Drizzle mayonnaise using sauce bottle or ladle.
- Place top bun over and assemble sandwich.
- Serve on tray or plate.
Substitution
The Zinger Stacker copycat offers a fiery, crispy chicken fillet paired with melted cheddar, crisp lettuce, and creamy mayo on a toasted bun. If buttermilk is unavailable, substitute with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice to tenderize the chicken. To adjust spice levels, reduce cayenne pepper or add a sweet element like honey to the mayonnaise for balance. Use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption. Toasting the buns on a grill or pan enhances texture and prevents sogginess during assembly.
Tips
Ensure that your chicken fillets are evenly flattened for consistent cooking and a tender bite. Maintain the oil temperature precisely at 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness. Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken's internal temperature has reached 165degF (74degC) to guarantee safety. Apply mayonnaise sparingly to avoid sogginess, preserving the sandwich's texture and flavor balance.
Nutritions
The Zinger Stacker delivers a protein-rich meal primarily sourced from two boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. It contains a moderate amount of saturated fat due to the deep-frying process and processed cheddar cheese, contributing to the calorie content. The shredded iceberg lettuce adds dietary fiber and vitamins such as Vitamin K and Vitamin A, enhancing the sandwich's nutritional profile. Your intake of sodium may be higher than average because of seasoning spices and mayonnaise, so consider balancing it with other low-sodium foods throughout the day.
Storage
Store leftover Zinger Stacker sandwiches in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to tightly wrap each sandwich if a container isn't available, then consume within 2-3 days for optimal taste and safety. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) before enjoying your leftover sandwich.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the processed cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile. Instead of frying, try oven-baking the chicken fillets at 400degF (200degC) for a healthier alternative that still yields a crispy texture. Swap mayonnaise with spicy sriracha mayo or garlic aioli to enhance the sandwich's creaminess and spicy kick. For added crunch, consider adding pickles or sliced red onions on top before the top bun.
Allergies
Your Zinger Stacker contains multiple common allergens, including dairy from the cheddar cheese and mayonnaise, gluten from the all-purpose flour and burger buns, and eggs which may be present in the mayonnaise. The buttermilk marinade introduces additional dairy allergens, which could cause reactions for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. People with sensitivities to spices or poultry should also be cautious due to the variety of seasonings and chicken fillets used in this sandwich.
Why this recipe?
KFC's Zinger Stacker menu is popular for its spicy, crispy chicken fillets layered with melted cheese and fresh vegetables, creating a bold and satisfying flavor profile. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy pickles, and tangy sauces delivers a balanced taste that appeals to spice lovers and fast-food enthusiasts alike. Making a copycat version allows you to customize ingredients to your preference while enjoying a cost-effective and freshly prepared alternative. Recreating the Zinger Stacker at home offers a rewarding culinary challenge that replicates the restaurant experience with added control over quality and spice level.