The Chicken Finger Plate from Zaxby's features golden, crispy chicken tenders served with crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and Zaxby's signature Zesty Zax Sauce, offering a satisfying blend of crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Tongs
- Baking sheet
- Oven (for Texas toast)
- Bread knife
- Cutting board
- Sauce cups
- Serving plate/tray
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 lb (450g) frozen crinkle-cut fries
- 4 slices thick Texas toast bread
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toast)
- For Zesty Zax Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Using buttermilk to marinate the chicken tenderloins helps tenderize the meat and enhances flavor while combining all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the breading mixture ensures a crispier coating. Make sure to use vegetable oil with a high smoke point for frying to achieve perfectly golden, crunchy chicken fingers. Frozen crinkle-cut fries are convenient and maintain consistent texture when cooked properly, and thick Texas toast requires buttering before baking to get a rich, toasted finish. The Zesty Zax Sauce blends mayonnaise, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce with spices, creating the signature tangy, savory dip essential to this dish. Your Chicken Finger Plate from Zaxby's copycat menu will deliver the classic satisfying combination of crunchy chicken tenders, crispy fries, buttery toast, and zesty sauce.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for 30–60 minutes.
- Preheat deep fryer oil to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Drain chicken and coat thoroughly in flour mixture.
- Fry chicken tenders in hot oil (in batches) for 4–5 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
- Drain fried chicken on a baking sheet lined with paper towels.
- Place frozen crinkle-cut fries in the fryer and cook according to package instructions until crispy.
- Butter both sides of Texas toast slices.
- Toast bread in oven at 375°F (190°C) or on a skillet until golden brown.
- For Zesty Zax Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika, and lemon juice.
- Mix sauce ingredients until well blended; portion into sauce cups.
- Arrange chicken fingers, fries, and Texas toast on serving plate.
- Serve immediately with Zesty Zax Sauce.
Substitution
The Chicken Finger Plate from Zaxby's copycat menu closely replicates the original's crispy chicken tenders, crinkle-cut fries, Texas toast, and tangy Zesty Zax Sauce. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute it by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. Vegetable oil can be replaced with canola or peanut oil for frying, ensuring a high smoke point and crisp texture. When preparing Texas toast, if you lack an oven, toasting the bread in a skillet with butter over medium heat works as a great alternative. Your Zesty Zax Sauce can be adjusted by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier option without sacrificing creaminess.
Tips
Make sure to marinate the chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender. Use a deep fryer preheated to 350degF (175degC), frying the chicken in small batches to maintain oil temperature and achieve a crispy coating. When preparing the Texas toast, butter both sides evenly before toasting to get a golden, flavorful crust. Your Zesty Zax Sauce should be mixed thoroughly to balance the tanginess and spice, enhancing the overall dish perfectly.
Nutritions
The Chicken Finger Plate from Zaxby's delivers a substantial amount of protein from the 1 lb of chicken tenderloins, essential for muscle repair and energy. The crinkle-cut fries and Texas toast contribute carbohydrates, providing a quick energy source, though they also increase calorie and fat intake due to deep frying and butter. Zesty Zax Sauce adds flavor but contains mayonnaise and ketchup, which contribute fats and sugars, so moderation is key. Your meal offers a flavorful balance of macronutrients but should be enjoyed as part of a varied diet to maintain nutritional balance.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fingers and fries in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and reduce bacterial growth. Reheat chicken tenders and fries in an oven or air fryer at 350degF (175degC) for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken. Keep the Zesty Zax Sauce separate in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to preserve its tangy flavor and texture for your next meal.
Variation or Alternatives
Try substituting chicken tenderloins with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful fingers. You can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400degF (200degC) for 20-25 minutes to reduce oil use while maintaining crispiness. Swap out crinkle-cut fries for sweet potato fries to add a subtle sweetness and boost vitamin A content. Enhance Your Zesty Zax Sauce by adding a teaspoon of hot sauce for an extra kick that complements the tangy flavors.
Allergies
The Chicken Finger Plate from Zaxby's contains common allergens such as wheat in the all-purpose flour and Texas toast, eggs in mayonnaise, and dairy in buttermilk and butter. Cross-contamination with other allergens may occur during frying or preparation. If you have allergies to gluten, dairy, eggs, or soy (found in Worcestershire sauce), carefully review ingredients to protect your health.
Why this recipe?
Zaxby's Chicken Finger Plate is celebrated for its tender, hand-breaded chicken fingers, perfectly seasoned and fried to a crispy golden brown, offering a satisfying combination of texture and flavor. The plate comes with choice of two signature sides and Zax Sauce, a tangy blend that enhances the overall taste experience. You'll appreciate how replicating this dish at home allows customization of flavors and freshness, making it a rewarding culinary project. Copycat recipes bring the iconic taste of Zaxby's directly to your kitchen, saving time and delivering comfort food that hits every crave-worthy note.