Zingers Salad from Miller's Ale House features crispy, golden-battered chicken tenders atop fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and crunchy tortilla strips, all drizzled with a zesty ranch dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner
- Tongs
- Sheet pan
- Paper towels
- Serving platter or salad bowls
- Grater (for cheese, if shredding)
- Squeeze bottle or ladle (for dressing)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 6 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup tortilla strips
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
When preparing the chicken tenders for the Zingers Salad, ensure the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs are seasoned well with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor. Use fresh chicken tenders weighing about 1 lb (450g) for a crispy, tender bite after frying in vegetable oil. Choose crisp and fresh mixed greens and cherry tomatoes to maintain the salad's freshness and texture. The shredded cheddar cheese should be finely grated to evenly distribute its rich taste throughout the salad. Your homemade copycat Zingers Salad from Miller's Ale House will deliver the same delicious crispy chicken and zesty ranch dressing experience as the original.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Set up breading station: one mixing bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in egg, then coat in seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry chicken tenders in batches until golden brown and cooked through; transfer to paper towel-lined sheet pan to drain.
- While chicken cooks, rinse and dry mixed greens using salad spinner.
- Halve cherry tomatoes with chef’s knife on cutting board.
- Shred cheddar cheese with grater if not pre-shredded.
- Arrange mixed greens on serving platter or individual bowls.
- Top greens with fried zingers, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over salad using squeeze bottle or ladle.
- Serve immediately with tongs.
Substitution
Zingers Salad from Miller's Ale House copycat menu can be easily adapted by substituting panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for extra crunch or using Greek yogurt mixed with herbs as a lighter alternative to ranch dressing. If you don't have a deep fryer, pan-frying the chicken tenders in a skillet with vegetable oil can still achieve a crispy texture. Fresh mixed greens can be replaced with spinach or arugula based on your preference or seasonal availability. When fresh cherry tomatoes aren't available, halved grape tomatoes provide a similar burst of flavor. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading to ensure the coating adheres properly and creates that signature crispy bite.
Tips
Ensure your oil reaches and maintains 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve crispy, golden chicken tenders without greasiness. Season the panko breadcrumb mixture thoroughly with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper for balanced flavor in every bite. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry mixed greens after rinsing to prevent dressing from becoming watery. When assembling, drizzle the ranch dressing just before serving to keep the tortilla strips crunchy and your salad fresh.
Nutritions
Zingers Salad from Miller's Ale House offers a balance of protein, fiber, and fats, with crispy chicken tenders providing approximately 30 grams of protein per serving. The mixed greens and cherry tomatoes contribute essential vitamins and antioxidants while adding minimal calories. Cheddar cheese and ranch dressing add calcium and fats, which increase the calorie count but enhance flavor and satiety. Your meal delivers a combination of macronutrients designed to fuel energy and support muscle repair.
Storage
Store leftover Zingers Salad components separately to maintain freshness and texture; keep fried chicken tenders in an airtight container lined with paper towels in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, and tortilla strips in separate containers to avoid sogginess, while ranch dressing should be stored in a sealed jar or squeeze bottle. When reheating, gently warm the chicken using an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness, and add your greens and dressing fresh just before serving.
Variation or Alternatives
You can switch out chicken tenders for crispy fried shrimp or grilled chicken breast for a different protein option. Try swapping ranch dressing for a chipotle mayo or avocado lime dressing to boost flavor complexity. For a healthier twist, bake the breaded chicken tenders on a sheet pan at 400degF (200degC) for 20 minutes instead of deep frying. Incorporate extra veggies like sliced cucumbers or red onions to add freshness and crunch to your salad.
Allergies
Zingers Salad contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs, dairy in the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch dressing, and eggs used in the batter. The chicken is fried in vegetable oil, which may also pose a risk for those with specific oil allergies. You should inform the restaurant about any allergies to avoid cross-contamination and ensure your safety.
Why this recipe?
Zingers Salad from Miller's Ale House restaurant combines crispy chicken tenders with fresh mixed greens, shredded cheese, cherry tomatoes, and a drizzle of honey mustard dressing, creating a flavorful balance of textures and tastes. The salad's well-seasoned ingredients make it a satisfying meal that appeals to both health-conscious diners and comfort food lovers. Trying to make a copycat version at home allows you to customize the spice level and freshness, ensuring it meets your personal preferences. Replicating the Zingers Salad re-creates the signature taste experience that highlights Miller's Ale House's commitment to quality and flavor.