Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Famous Meal Dupe
Craving comfort food? Feast your eyes on this Zaxby’s-inspired spread: golden chicken fingers, crispy crinkle-cut fries, creamy coleslaw, and a side of spicy hot sauce. Perfect for sharing—or not!
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1.5 Pounds chicken tenders (about 12 pieces) (for chicken fingers)
1 Cups buttermilk (for chicken fingers)
2 Teaspoons hot sauce (optional, for a little heat) (for chicken fingers)
1.5 Cups all-purpose flour (for chicken fingers)
1 Tablespoons cornstarch (for chicken fingers)
1 Teaspoons garlic powder (for chicken fingers)
1 Teaspoons onion powder (for chicken fingers)
1 Teaspoons paprika (for chicken fingers)
1 Teaspoons salt (for chicken fingers)
.5 Teaspoons black pepper (for chicken fingers)
4 Cups vegetable oil (for frying, can be more or less depending on pan size)
.5 Cups mayonnaise (for sauce)
.5 Cups ketchup (for sauce)
1 Tablespoons worcestershire sauce (for sauce)
1 Teaspoons garlic powder (for sauce)
1 Teaspoons onion powder (for sauce)
.5 Teaspoons black pepper (for sauce)
1 Teaspoons hot sauce (optional for heat) (for sauce)
4 Cups of frozen crinkle-cut fries cooked (optional, for side)
.5 Cups coleslaw (optional, for side)
2 Ounces 4-6 pickle slices for plate (optional, for side)
Preparation notes:
1. Prep the Chicken Fingers:
In a shallow bowl, combine the buttermilk and hot sauce (if using). Add the chicken tenders and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
2.Prepare the Dredging Mixture:
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat the chicken evenly. Let the coated chicken rest for a few minutes to set the breading.
Fry the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the chicken fingers in batches for 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Drain the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Make the Zax Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and hot sauce (if desired).
Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. This sauce should have a tangy, slightly sweet, and savory flavor with a mild kick.
4. Prepare the Plate:
While the chicken fries, cook the crinkle-cut fries according to the package instructions or fry them fresh.
Optionally, serve with a side of pickles and coleslaw for the complete Zaxby's experience.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the crispy chicken fingers alongside the crinkle-cut fries, a generous drizzle of Zax sauce on the side for dipping, and pickles or coleslaw as a bonus garnish!