Get the scoop on the KFC Zinger Burger in this KFC chicken burger review and copycat recipe. The KFC Zinger was discontinued in the US, but it remains a best seller in the UK, Australia, and India. Learn how much is a KFC Zinger burger, get the best recipe for Zinger burger, calorie info, how to make KFC Zinger sauce, and more!
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What is a Zinger Burger?
What is in a KFC Zinger burger? Zinger burgers are a spicy KFC chicken filet burger that are breaded and fried. They’re topped with mayo and lettuce, and served on a sesame seed bun.
Does KFC have Zinger in the US?
No, there is currently no KFC Zinger burger USA. Popular in more than 120 countries worldwide, the KFC Chicken Zinger was introduced in the United States in 2017, but later discontinued (source).
The closest thing to the Zinger burger at US KFC is the spicy classic chicken sandwich. This is a fried chicken breast sandwich with spicy sauce and pickle slices. We felt it was not super spicy, and though we liked that they went heavy on the chicken, Popeye’s still has our favorite chicken sandwich.
Luckily, it’s so easy to make a homemade Zinger burger copycat recipe! This KFC Zinger sandwich involves no time-consuming marinade, drippy all purpose flour batter, or messy vegetable oil clean up from deep frying. You can whip these up in less time than it takes to order fast food!
KFC Zinger Burger Recipe
You only need four ingredients for a delicious crispy Zinger burger:
- Spicy chicken patties or tenders
- Toasted sesame seed buns (brioche buns)
- Iceberg lettuce
- Mayonnaise
Kentucky Fried Chicken makes chicken the main feature of their sandwiches. To make your Zingers more chicken-heavy, use a few spicy chicken tenders per sandwich in place of chicken patties. I used Tyson spicy chicken patties in the photos.
Here’s how to make a copycat KFC Zinger burger:
- Cook the frozen chicken patties or tenders according to the package directions. Oven: Tyson spicy chicken patties get cooked for 17-20 minutes on a baking sheet at 400F (200C). Air fryer: Use my directions for frozen chicken patties in air fryer.
- Toast the burger buns (if desired). Oven: Lightly spread cut sides of buns with butter. Broil in oven for a couple of minutes (cut sides up) until golden brown. Air fryer: Place buns in a single layer in air fryer, cut sides up. Air fry for 2-4 minutes at 400F (200C).
- Assemble the chicken sandwiches. Use about 1.5 tablespoons of mayo and one chicken patty or 2-3 chicken tenders per sandwich. Add a lettuce leaf, the top bun, and enjoy your crispy chicken sandwich!
We actually liked this version better than the KFC original because it was less oily. The bottom bun of their sandwich was a bit soggy with grease from the fried chicken. I liked that the copycat had a less oily taste overall.
At home, there are many ways you can customize your Zinger burger. Add a slice of cheese (cheddar or pepper jack are good choices), tomato, pickle, onion, pickled jalapeno, hot sauce, ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger toppings.
How to Make KFC Zinger Sauce
The original KFC Zinger burger uses regular mayo. However, you’re welcome to substitute with spicy mayonnaise (such as sriracha mayo) for more kick. Simply mix 2 parts mayo with 1 part sriracha until uniform in color. This spicy mayo burger sauce is so good on a fried chicken sandwich!
Another idea is to whisk spices into the mayo. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne pepper will give the hot chicken a bit of zing.
How to Reheat KFC Zinger Burger
Zinger burgers are best enjoyed freshly made, so just cook the chicken and toast the buns needed for sandwiches you'll eat right away. If you do have leftovers, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day or two. You can use my directions on how to reheat McDonalds burger for reheating chicken patties as well.
KFC Zinger Burger Calories
What are the calories in a Zinger burger? One KFC Zinger burger has 420 calories, 40.9 grams of carbohydrates, and 25.8 grams of protein (KFC UK). One KFC Zinger tower burger has 565 calories, 53.6 grams carbs, and 29.6 grams protein. Information was correct at the time of writing and is subject to change.
The most similar sandwich to the Zinger burger in the US (KFC spicy chicken sandwich) has 620 calories, 49g carbs, and 34g protein. My homemade Zinger burger has 496 calories, 36.2g carbohydrates, and 15.6g protein. The exact nutrition info for your copycat Zinger depends on the buns and chicken you use.
KFC Zinger Burger Protein
Zinger burgers contain a hearty portion of chicken, and their protein content reflects that. The UK Zinger burger offers 25.8 grams of protein per sandwich, while the tower Zinger burger contains 29.6 grams protein. None of the burgers are keto, low carb, vegetarian, vegan, or gluten free.
KFC Zinger Burger Price
Zinger burgers are sold all over the world, and the price of a KFC Zinger Burger varies by location and restaurant. At the time of writing, the UK Zinger burger costs £5.99, while the chicken Zinger price in India is ₹199.05. A similar sandwich in the US costs $5.99.
You can also purchase a KFC zinger burger meal in the UK that includes fries and a drink for £7.49. The KFC Zinger burger box meal adds a piece of fried chicken, and costs £9.49.
FAQs
The main difference between the Zinger burger and the KFC original fillet burger is that the Zinger burger uses a spicy breading on the chicken.
The Zinger tower burger is topped with a hash brown, cheese, and salsa in addition to the regular lettuce and mayo.
Are KFC Zinger burgers spicy? I can’t speak for all countries, but I’ve never found a spicy KFC burger to be overly spicy. The spiciness level depends on personal taste and tolerance for spice, so start with a small portion if you’re concerned.
The halal status of KFC Zinger Burger varies depending on the location and country. In some countries, such as Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and the UAE, KFC serves halal chicken. In the UK, KFC has a number of halal-certified restaurants where the food is prepared according to halal standards (source). US KFC chicken is not halal.
What’s in a Zinger burger? The original Zinger burger is topped with mayo and lettuce only, with no cheese. The Zinger tower burger does contain cheese, in addition to salsa and a hashbrown.
Yes, the KFC Zinger burger contains egg, as well as other major allergens such as wheat. The Zinger burger is not produced in a dedicated allergen-free facility.
Can I eat KFC Zinger burger when pregnant?
This is an interesting question, because fast food chicken burgers are not contraindicated in pregnancy in the US, and mayo is made with pasteurized eggs. However, the rules are not the same everywhere. For example, KFC India says their chicken is not recommended in pregnancy because it contains MSG. Ask your physician if you have questions about your pregnancy diet.
👩🏻🍳 Other Copycat Fast Food Recipes
Here are some other copycat recipes for fastfood favorites:
- Burger King Fish Sandwich
- Pizza Hut Cookie Dough
- Baconator
- Chick Fil A Kale Crunch Salad
- Dennys Pancake Recipe
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📖 Recipe
KFC Zinger Burger (Recipe, Calories, Price, more!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 spicy chicken patties (or 2-3 spicy chicken tenders per burger)
- 4 sesame seed buns
- 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
- 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
- butter (for toasting buns, optional)
Instructions
- Cook the frozen chicken patties or tenders according to the package directions. Oven: Tyson spicy chicken patties get cooked for 17-20 minutes on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C). Air fryer: Use my directions for frozen chicken patties in air fryer.
- Toast the burger buns (if desired). Oven: Lightly spread cut sides of buns with butter. Broil in oven for a couple of minutes (cut sides up) until golden brown. Air fryer: Place buns in a single layer in air fryer, cut sides up. Air fry for 2-4 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Assemble the chicken sandwiches. Use about 1½ tablespoons of mayo and one chicken patty or 2-3 chicken tenders per sandwich. Add a lettuce leaf, the top bun, and enjoy your crispy chicken sandwich!
Video
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from a Dietitian
This is a level 3 recipe (weight maintenance and active lifestyles). Is KFC Zinger burger healthy? My copycat burger actually isn’t significantly more nutritious than the original version. If you wanted to make a healthy Zinger burger that is lower calorie, swap the mayo for light mayo. You could also use spicy baked chicken or seasoned grilled chicken in place of the processed chicken patty. Though a whole grain bun won’t make this sandwich lower in calories, it would add more heart-healthy fiber. The real advantage of this copycat KFC burger is that it will likely save you money, particularly if you’re cooking for a family. Fast food is becoming surprisingly expensive. Luckily, you can replicate a lot of what you get at fast food restaurants with simple ingredients from Walmart and other discount grocery stores. You only need a few minutes to throw this recipe together, since it’s not entirely cooked from scratch. (And if you wanted to make it more nutritious, add a bagged salad on the side instead of fries.) Easy peasy.The Disclaimer…
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you. The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be wildly inaccurate, so please don't sweat the numbers too much. For more information on how the three recipe levels may help with a weight management goal, refer to my overnight oats no sugar post. Let's get cooking! Nutrition information is for one burger, and will vary depending on the type of chicken and buns you use.Nutrition
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