Easy Zinger Mountain Melt Recipe
The Easy Zinger Mountain Melt Recipe is a perfect choice! This recipe is a copycat of the famous Zinger Mountain Melt from Miller’s Ale House, a dish that combines the best of crispy chicken, melted cheese, and bold flavors.
Equipment
- Large Frying Pan or Deep Fryer (for frying chicken)
- Baking Sheet (for melting cheese)
- Paper Towels (for draining excess oil)
- Medium Mixing Bowl (for preparing the sauce)
- Oven (for melting the cheese)
- Tongs or Spatula (for handling the chicken)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Chicken Tenders = 01 lb or boneless (skinless chicken breasts) (cut into strips)
- Flour = 01 cup all-purpose
- Garlic Powder = 01 teaspoon
- Onion Powder = 01 teaspoon
- Paprika = 01 teaspoon
- Salt = 01 teaspoon
- Black Pepper = 1/2 teaspoon
- Buttermilk = 01 cup or regular milk
- Breadcrumbs = 01 cup for coating
- Vegetable Oil for frying
For the Zesty Sauce
- Hot Sauce = 1/4 cup adjust based on spice preference
- Ranch Dressing = 1/4 cup
- Honey = 01 tablespoon
- lemon Juice = 01 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder = 01 teaspoon
For the Melt
- Mozzarella Cheese = 1 1/2 cups shredded
- Cheese = 1/2 cup shredded cheddar
- Green Onions chopped (for garnish) (Optional)
Instructions
- Step by Step Instructions:
Step 01: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Dip the chicken into buttermilk, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat the chicken with flour, then dip it back in the buttermilk.
- Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully covered.
Step 02: Fry the Chicken
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add the chicken to the hot oil in batches.
- Fry the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Remove the chicken and place it on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 03: Prepare the Zesty Sauce
- Mix hot sauce, ranch dressing, honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a bowl.
- Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 04: Assemble the Zinger Mountain Melt
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the fried chicken tenders on a baking sheet.
- Pour the zesty sauce over the chicken, covering each piece.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
Ste 05: Melt the Cheese
- Bake the chicken for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 06: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Preparation Times
- Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Servings: This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on portion sizes. You can easily adjust the number of chicken tenders or cheese to suit your needs.
Notes
Here are some helpful tips to make your Easy Zinger Mountain Melt turn out just right:
- Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders will ensure your dish is juicy and flavorful. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and get crispy on all sides.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like more heat, feel free to add extra hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of hot sauce.
- Melt the Cheese Properly: To get that perfect melted cheese texture, make sure to melt it on low heat in the oven. You don’t want to burn it, just enough to make it gooey and delicious.
- Add Toppings: Feel free to add extra toppings like chopped green onions, jalapenos, or even some crispy bacon for extra flavor.