Homemade Zinger Chicken Burger

Ingredients

• 8 Chicken thigh fillets (boneless and skinless)
• 1 tbsp Kashmiri red chili powder (for marination)
• 1 tsp Paprika powder (for marination)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (for marination)
• 1 tsp Black pepper powder (for marination)
• 1 tsp Salt (for marination)
• 1 tsp Mustard paste (for marination)
• 2 tbsp Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp Oyster sauce (for marination)
• 1 cup All-purpose flour (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.5 cup Cornflour (for buttermilk batter)
• 1 tsp Salt (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.5 tsp Chili powder (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.5 tsp Paprika powder (for buttermilk batter)
• 1 tsp Garlic powder (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.5 tsp Oregano powder (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.5 tsp Baking powder (for buttermilk batter)
• 0.75 cup Buttermilk (add more if required for a thin consistency)
• 2 cup All-purpose flour (for dry coating)
• 1 tbsp Salt (for dry coating)
• 2 tbsp Paprika powder (for dry coating)
• 1 cup Mayonnaise (for Zinger sauce)
• 2 tbsp Mustard paste (for Zinger sauce)
• 4 tbsp Chili sauce (for Zinger sauce)
• 2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (for Zinger sauce)
• 8 Burger buns (toasted)
• 8 Cheddar cheese slices (one per burger)
• 0.25 cup Extra Mayonnaise (for top bun assembly)
• 2 cup Iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large mixing bowl, combine the Kashmiri red chili powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, black pepper, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp mustard paste, lemon juice, and oyster sauce. Whisk until well combined into a marinade.

2. 2

   Add the 8 chicken thigh fillets to the bowl. Use your hands or tongs to ensure every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate.

3. 3

   Prepare the buttermilk batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornflour, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp oregano powder, and 1/2 tsp baking powder. Gradually pour in 3/4 cup buttermilk, whisking constantly until the batter reaches a thin, smooth consistency. Add a splash more buttermilk if it is too thick.

4. 4

   Prepare the dry coating: In a separate shallow dish or wide plate, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tbsp salt and 2 tbsp paprika powder. Set aside.

5. 5

   Prepare the Zinger sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp mustard paste, 4 tbsp chili sauce, and 2 tbsp sriracha. Set aside for assembly.

6. 6

   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or fryer to medium-hot (approximately 350°F / 175°C).

7. 7

   Take a marinated chicken fillet and dip it into the buttermilk batter, ensuring it is fully submerged. Lift and let excess batter drip off.

8. 8

   Transfer the chicken to the seasoned dry flour dish. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken with your hands, squeezing slightly to create the signature 'crumbs' or flakes. Dust off any excess flour. For extra thick crumbing, you may repeat the batter and flour process once more.

9. 9

   Carefully place the coated chicken fillets into the hot oil. Fry for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is deep golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

10. 10

    Toast the burger buns in a dry pan or under a broiler until the cut sides are light golden brown.

11. 11

    Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous amount of the prepared Zinger sauce on the bottom bun. Place a fried chicken fillet on top, followed by a slice of cheddar cheese. Add more Zinger sauce over the chicken, then a layer of shredded iceberg lettuce. Spread a dollop of plain mayonnaise on the top bun and close the burger.

Notes

For the best results, do not skip the 2-hour marination as it tenderizes the chicken thighs. To achieve the 'KFC-style' flaky texture, make sure to firmly press and 'scrunch' the chicken in the dry flour mixture. If you prefer a milder burger, reduce the amount of Sriracha and Kashmiri chili powder.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• dinner
• fried chicken
• burger
• fast food
• spicy