Zingers Mountain Melt from Miller's Ale House features crispy, spicy chicken tenders topped with melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, smoky bacon, and tangy chipotle ranch, all served on toasted buttery bread for a bold, satisfying fusion of flavors and textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Baking sheet
- Oven
- Spatula
- Griddle or skillet
- Cheese grater
- Sauce bottle or squeeze bottle
- Serving plates
- Bread knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 4 slices thick-cut bread (Texas toast or similar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
When preparing the chicken tenders, marinate them in buttermilk to ensure tenderness and better flavor absorption. Use a combination of all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, and spices like cayenne pepper and paprika for a crispy, spicy coating. Opt for thick-cut bread such as Texas toast to hold up against the juicy chicken and melted cheeses without becoming soggy. Crisp bacon separately to add a smoky texture and layer it with shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses for a rich, melty finish. Your Zingers Mountain Melt from Miller's Ale House copycat menu will be bold and satisfying by carefully balancing these key ingredients and textures.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk.
- Preheat deep fryer and oven.
- Prepare dredging station with flour, panko breadcrumbs, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Bread chicken tenders.
- Fry chicken tenders until golden and cooked through.
- Cook bacon until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Butter both sides of bread slices.
- Toast bread on griddle or skillet until golden brown.
- Place toasted bread slices on baking sheet.
- Arrange fried chicken tenders on each bread slice.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheese on top of chicken.
- Crumble cooked bacon and add over cheeses.
- Place in oven; bake until cheese is melted.
- Drizzle chipotle ranch dressing over the hot, cheesy chicken and bacon.
- Transfer to serving plates and serve immediately.
Substitution
Zingers Mountain Melt from Miller's Ale House copycat menu achieves its signature crispy and flavorful chicken tenders by marinating the chicken in buttermilk, which tenderizes the meat and helps the coating adhere better. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs may be used as a substitute, though the texture may vary slightly. For frying, maintaining the oil temperature around 350degF ensures a crispy crust without absorbing excess oil. If a deep fryer is not available, a heavy skillet or griddle with enough oil for shallow frying can provide similar results. Your toasted buttery bread can be replaced with any thick, sturdy sandwich bread to hold the hearty fillings without becoming soggy.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature stays around 350degF (175degC) during frying to achieve a crispy yet fully cooked chicken tender without greasiness. Use separate bowls for dry dredging ingredients and buttermilk to maintain a consistent coating on each chicken piece. Butter the bread evenly on both sides and toast on medium heat to avoid burning while creating a perfect base for the sandwich. When assembling, add chipotle ranch dressing right before serving to retain its tangy flavor and prevent sogginess in your Zingers Mountain Melt.
Nutritions
Zingers Mountain Melt from Miller's Ale House offers a rich combination of protein and fats primarily from spicy fried chicken tenders, melted cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and crispy bacon. Each serving delivers a substantial amount of calories, largely due to deep frying in oil and the addition of buttery toasted bread, contributing significant fats and carbohydrates. The inclusion of buttermilk in marinating the chicken provides slight calcium and probiotics, while seasonings like cayenne and paprika add antioxidants. Your meal is indulgent and calorie-dense, making it ideal for those seeking a flavorful, satisfying option but less suited for low-fat or low-calorie diets.
Storage
Store leftover Zingers Mountain Melt in an airtight container to maintain crispiness of the chicken tenders and prevent the bread from becoming soggy. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2 days to ensure fresh flavors and safe consumption. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore the melted cheese and crispy texture without compromising quality.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap chicken tenders for spicy boneless wings for a different texture while maintaining the bold flavor profile. Use smoked gouda or monterey jack cheese to introduce a creamier, milder cheese option that complements the smoky bacon. Replace chipotle ranch with a sriracha mayo or a lime crema to add a zesty twist to the sauce layer. Instead of frying, try oven-baking the breaded chicken tenders for a lighter, less oily alternative that still delivers a crispy crust.
Allergies
Zingers Mountain Melt contains common allergens including dairy from cheddar, pepper jack cheeses, buttermilk, and chipotle ranch dressing, as well as gluten from bread, flour, and panko breadcrumbs. The presence of fried chicken tenders and bacon introduces potential cross-contamination with other proteins, which may be a concern for those with meat allergies. If you have allergies to dairy, gluten, or specific spices like cayenne or paprika, it's important to verify ingredient details and preparation methods before consumption.
Why this recipe?
Zingers Mountain Melt from Miller's Ale House offers a perfect blend of crispy chicken tenders, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty ranch dressing layered on toasted bread, delivering a satisfying burst of flavors and textures. The combination of spicy and creamy elements appeals to those who crave bold taste experiences, making each bite memorable. You can recreate this popular menu item at home to enjoy a customizable, cost-effective version that captures the same delicious essence. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to tailor the heat level and ingredients to your preference while indulging in a fan-favorite comfort food.