No one would ever expect that KFC could make the best...well...anything, right? But somehow, KFC Thailand has managed to crack the code for the best wings, which they call "Wingz Zabb". IYKYK. It is a cult favourite. They're spicy,...
No one would ever expect that KFC could make the best...well...anything, right? But somehow, KFC Thailand has managed to crack the code for the best wings, which they call "Wingz Zabb". IYKYK. It is a cult favourite. They're spicy, zingy, and they taste uniquely Thai. Trust me when I say you've NEVER had wings like these. They're pretty intense.
What Exactly Are KFC Wingz Zabb?
Fast food chains in Thailand regularly come up with menu items that are locally unique, using ingredients and flavours that Thai people love. Most of these are one-offs and don't last, (RIP McDonald's green papaya salad), but once in a while an item really strikes a chord with the people, and it becomes part of the permanent menu.
That's the story of Wingz Zabb. They were first introduced in 2004, and 20 years later...here they still are. Because they're SO GOOD. KFC Thailand has introduced other chicken wing menu items, including their version of fish sauce wings, but they did not stick.
A Thai ad for KFC Wingz ZabbThe magic is in the spicy, zingy seasoning powder that coats the wings. They’re SO loved, in fact, that many people have tried to decode the recipe, and now you can buy bags of copycat "Wingz Zabb powder" in grocery stores in Thailand! Even Lays Thailand has made Wingz Zabb flavour chips that I am very sad I missed.
I've been wanting to make these myself for a long time, but I was waiting for one more trip to Thailand so I could refresh my memory of the original flavour before I attempted my version. That trip just happened, I ate them again, and here's the recipe. I'm confident in saying that it is even better than the original. But YOU try it and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
Here are all the ingredients you'll need, with a few important notes on some of them. For amounts, see the full recipe card below!
Magical Wingz Zabb Seasoning Powder
Uncooked jasmine rice. This is for making toasted rice powder, an MVP ingredient in many Thai dishes. Other kinds of white rice will also work, but jasmine is the most aromatic. Makrut lime leaves, aka kaffir lime leaves. These are technically optional and I don't think KFC uses them, but it is highly recommended as I think it's one of the reasons why I think mine are better! Sugar Cayenne pepper, or another spicy chili powder. I use cayenne because it's already powdery fine, which is what we need so the seasoning powder adheres well. Always taste your cayenne pepper first to see how spicy it is though, because heat level varies significantly between brands. This will help you judge how much you should be adding. Paprika. You could do all cayenne for super hot wings, but because my cayenne is very hot I cut it with some paprika to make it milder, while keeping the colour and flavour. The ratio between cayenne and paprika is up to you, but keep the total volume of the combination of chili powders the same. (Do not use smoked paprika.) Lime juice powder (crystalized lime juice) If you've never used lime juice powder before, it is life changing. I have it on hand as a backup, or when I am just too lazy to deal with a fresh lime. It is especially useful for when you want the lime flavour and acidity, but not the liquid - such as in a seasoning powder! I wouldn't use it in drinks, but in dishes with enough competing flavours, the difference is hardly noticeable. In Canada I have only seen one brand, True Lime, but other brands will probably work. You can buy lime juice powder on Amazon or on iHerb.If you can't find lime juice powder, you can substitute the lemon version "True Lemon" instead, or you can try using citric acid, which is also sour but won't have any lime flavour. Note that I have not personally tried citric acid myself so you may need to taste and adjust the amounts. Table salt, or another equally fine salt so that it will measure the same.
For the Wings
Chicken wing drumettes. I'm usually a flats person, but for this, because the seasoning powder is so intense, it's better to use drumettes which are meatier. For your leftover flats, use them in this amazing Fish Sauce Wings recipe! Fish sauce. All-purpose flour Cornstarch. Cutting the flour with a bit of cornstarch reduces gluten and creates a lighter, crunchier crust. Water. A drizzle of water gets added to the wings after dredging, and this causes some for the flour to clump up and creates that craggy crust which helps the seasoning adhere and adds crunch!How to Make Wingz Zabb
Here's a bird's eye view of the process, but if it's your first time, I highly recommend you watch the video tutorial to ensure success!
Leftover Wingz Zabb are milder...but how?
I was first very surprised to learn that my day-old reheated wings tasted much milder than fresh ones. Still very good, but the initial hit of flavour is wayyyyy less aggressive.
This is because with fresh wings, all the seasoning powder is sitting on the surface, so when you take that bite, your tongue is hit with all the flavours at once.
But as the wings sit, the seasoning will slowly sink into the wings, and the flavour will be distributed across the meat. (The wings are basically marinating.)
So, I recommend eating these fresh if possible. Leftovers are still good, but aside from the loss of crunch, they will also taste a bit milder.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Now that you have the right expectations, here's how to reheat the wings. Bake them in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. I keep the temp low because there is sugar in the seasoning, and temp that's too high will burn the sugar. You can also reheat them in the airfryer, and I would keep the heat even lower at 300°F (150°C).
Advance Prep Tips
If you want to serve these at a party, it is wise to do as much advance prep as possible. Here are the things you can do:
Make the zabb powder a day in advance and keep it in a tightly sealed jar. The powder will technically last a long time since they're just dry ingredients, but the flavours of toasted rice and makrut lime leaves will fade over time so you don't want to do it too far ahead. Fry the wings up to 4 hours before serving. Leave them to sit at room temp and do not toss them in the seasoning yet. Leave the oil in the pot on the stove. When ready to eat, heat the oil to 350°F and re-fry the wings for 4-5 minutes per batch, and then toss them in the seasoning as per the recipe.Note: In terms of safety, the wings do not need to reach an internal temp of 165°F again for the second fry, but they should reach at least 135°F so they're hot enough for serving.
The double frying will have an added benefit of making the wings extra crunchy, so you can also do this anyway if you have time. When double frying though be sure to let the wings cool completely before the second fry so that you don't overcook them.
What Else Can You Use the Zabb Powder For?
Once you've made the zabb powder and experience how good it is, you'll surely wonder...what else can I put this on?
Anything deep fried is the obvious answer. Potato wedges, fries, calamari, popcorn, and roasted nuts come to mind. Whatever it is needs to be a little bit oily on the surface, otherwise the powder will not stick; so oil your nuts before roasting them and butter your popcorn before tossing them in the seasoning.
I would also try tossing roasted vegetables in these. Brussel sprouts I'm sure would benefit, as will the humble roasted carrots.
Can these wings be done in an air fryer?
Air fryers are essentially a convection oven, so they will not give you that thick, KFC-craggy crust that we want for these. So the short answer is no. But if you want to air fry the wings and toss them in the seasoning powder anyway, you can do that of course, just know that it won't be the same!
BUT if you're going to air fry the wings, do not dredge them in the flour because the flour will not "fry" and will remain floury. You'll have to air fry the wings naked, and this is why they'll end up being very different.
Spicy & Zingy Thai Wings (KFC Wingz Zabb)
Equipment
Ingredients
Magical Zabb Seasoning Powder
1 ½ tablespoon uncooked jasmine rice2 makrut lime leaves optional but highly recommended1 tablespoon sugar2 ½ teaspoon paprika (see note 1)2 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or another spicy chili powder (see note 1)1 teaspoon lime juice powder I use True Lime brand (see note 2)1 ½ teaspoon table salt or another equally fine grain saltFried Wings
1 ½ lb chicken drumettes2 tablespoon fish sauce¾ cup all-purpose flour¼ cup cornstarch2 tablespoon waterFrying oilInstructions
For the Zabb Powder
Fry the wings
Video
Notes
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