Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal features tender, juicy chicken breast bites coated in a crispy golden breading, served with signature Zaxby's sauce and seasoned fries, offering a satisfying blend of savory flavors and crunchy textures.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Sheet pans
- Food thermometer
- Sauce dispenser or bowls
- Portion scoops
- Serving trays or baskets
- Heat lamps or warming station
- Kitchen timer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 russet potatoes (for fries)
- 1 tablespoon seasoned salt (for fries)
- 1 cup Zax Sauce or copycat Zaxby's sauce
You should soak the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in buttermilk to ensure they stay tender and juicy after frying. Use a combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for the breading to achieve a crispy, golden texture. Seasoning the flour mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and optional cayenne pepper enhances the savory flavor profile of the wings. It's important to maintain the oil temperature in the deep fryer at the right level to cook the chicken evenly without overcooking. This Boneless Wings Meal from Zaxby's copycat menu delivers a satisfying blend of crunchy, flavorful chicken bites paired with seasoned fries and signature sauce that closely mimics the original.
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 1 hour (up to overnight in the refrigerator).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place coated chicken pieces into the fry basket.
- Fry chicken in batches for 4–6 minutes, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken with tongs and drain on sheet pan lined with paper towels, under heat lamps or warming station.
- Wash and cut russet potatoes into fries.
- Soak potato strips in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Fry potatoes in the deep fryer at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fries, drain, and toss with seasoned salt while hot.
- Portion boneless wings and fries onto serving trays or baskets.
- Serve with Zax Sauce or copycat Zaxby's sauce in a sauce dispenser or bowls.
Substitution
Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal copycat recipe captures the crispy exterior and tender interior of the original, delivering a deliciously crunchy chicken experience. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tenderness. When frying, ensure the oil temperature stays between 350degF and 375degF, monitored with a food thermometer, to prevent greasy or undercooked wings. Russet potatoes for fries can be swapped with sweet potatoes or regular white potatoes depending on your preference, and seasoning levels adjusted according to your taste. Your sauce dispenser or serving bowls should be ready for the iconic Zax Sauce to complement the meal perfectly.
Tips
Ensure the chicken pieces are fully submerged in buttermilk during marination to maximize tenderness and flavor absorption. Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. Soaking russet potatoes in cold water removes excess starch, which helps achieve crispier fries after frying. When frying, maintain consistent oil temperature at 350degF (175degC) to avoid greasy or undercooked wings and fries, and use tongs to handle food carefully for even cooking and safety.
Nutritions
Your meal of Zaxby's Boneless Wings provides a substantial protein source from tender chicken breast bites, essential for muscle repair and growth. The breading and frying process adds carbohydrates and fats, contributing to the overall calorie content and energy supply. Seasoned fries offer additional carbohydrates and dietary fiber from russet potatoes, while the Zaxby's sauce typically adds flavor with minimal calories but may contain sodium. Monitoring portion sizes can help balance indulgence with nutritional needs for a satisfying yet mindful meal.
Storage
To store your Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal properly, place the cooled chicken wings and fries in airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. For longer storage, freeze the portions in separate freezer-safe bags, allowing you to reheat thoroughly in the oven or air fryer until the internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC). Keep your signature Zaxby's sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator to preserve its flavor and quality.
Variation or Alternatives
You can vary the chicken coating by substituting half of the all-purpose flour with panko breadcrumbs to add extra crunch. For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or mix in a pinch of smoked paprika into the flour blend. Experiment with air frying the chicken bites at 400degF for 12-15 minutes as a healthier alternative to deep frying, ensuring crispiness while reducing oil use. To customize the fries, try seasoning them with garlic powder and dried rosemary instead of seasoned salt for a savory twist.
Allergies
Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal contains common allergens such as wheat from all-purpose flour and cornstarch, which may trigger gluten sensitivity or wheat allergies. The buttermilk introduces dairy allergens, which could affect individuals with lactose intolerance or milk protein allergies. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it's important to exercise caution when enjoying this meal.
Why this recipe?
Zaxby's Boneless Wings Meal is popular for its crispy, flavorful chicken bites paired with a variety of signature sauces that cater to diverse taste preferences. The meal offers a balanced combination of protein, sides like crinkle fries or Texas toast, and dipping sauces, making it a satisfying and convenient choice. Its distinctive seasoning and juicy texture set it apart from typical wings, encouraging food enthusiasts to recreate the experience at home. You can enjoy a customizable recipe that brings the authentic Zaxby's flavor to your kitchen, making the copycat attempt both fun and rewarding.