The Chicken Finger Sandwich from Zaxby's features crispy, golden-fried chicken fingers stacked on a toasted bun with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and Zaxby's signature creamy sauce, delivering a satisfying blend of crunchy, juicy, and tangy flavors.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Baking sheet or tray
- Paper towels
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill (for buns)
- Mixing bowl (for sauce, if making from scratch)
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 hamburger buns
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
When preparing the chicken fingers, soaking the chicken breast fillets in buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and ensures a juicy, flavorful bite. Make sure to evenly coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture containing paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder for a perfectly crispy and aromatic crust. Use a deep fryer or a heavy skillet with vegetable oil heated to around 350degF to achieve that golden-brown color without overcooking. For assembling the sandwich, lightly toasting the hamburger buns enhances texture and prevents sogginess from the creamy sauce. Your Chicken Finger Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu will deliver the signature satisfying crunch and tangy flavor that fans crave.
Instructions
- Slice chicken breast fillets into finger-sized strips.
- Place chicken strips in a bowl with buttermilk; marinate 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Dredge marinated chicken strips in seasoned flour, coating well.
- Fry chicken fingers in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove chicken with tongs; drain on paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, and black pepper; stir to make sauce.
- Slice tomatoes and rinse lettuce leaves.
- Toast buns with toaster or grill.
- Spread sauce on both sides of buns using spoon or spatula.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and chicken fingers on bottom half of each bun.
- Place top bun over sandwich filling.
- Serve sandwiches on serving plate.
Substitution
The Chicken Finger Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu offers a perfect combination of crispy fried chicken fingers, fresh vegetables, and tangy creamy sauce on a toasted bun. You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt or milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice to tenderize the chicken if buttermilk is unavailable. When frying, maintain oil temperature around 350degF to ensure a crispy exterior without overcooking the chicken inside. If deep frying equipment is not accessible, bake the chicken fingers on a greased baking sheet at 425degF for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For the sauce, experiment by adjusting the ketchup and pickle juice quantities to suit your preferred balance of sweetness and tanginess.
Tips
Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350degF (175degC) to ensure chicken fingers cook evenly without absorbing excess oil. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk not only tenderizes but adds moisture, so don't skip the 30-minute soak. Use tongs when frying to avoid overcrowding the oil, which can drop its temperature and lead to soggy chicken fingers. Toasting your buns right before assembling will give your sandwich a crisp texture that holds up against the juicy chicken and sauce.
Nutritions
The Chicken Finger Sandwich from Zaxby's provides a balanced combination of protein from the crispy fried chicken breast fillets and essential nutrients from fresh lettuce and ripe tomatoes. The buttermilk marinade and seasoned flour coating add flavor while the sandwich contains moderate calories mainly from frying in vegetable oil and the creamy mayonnaise-based sauce. Including fresh vegetables contributes fiber and vitamins, enhancing the sandwich's nutritional profile. You can enjoy this indulgent yet satisfying meal as part of a well-rounded diet.
Storage
Store leftover chicken fingers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain crispiness and freshness. Keep buns, lettuce, and tomato slices separate in sealed containers to prevent sogginess, and assemble the sandwich just before eating. Your homemade sauce can be stored in a small jar in the refrigerator for up to one week to retain its tangy flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice to tenderize the chicken differently. You can bake the chicken fingers on a baking sheet at 400degF for 20 minutes instead of deep frying for a healthier option. Swap hamburger buns with brioche or ciabatta rolls to enhance texture and flavor. Customize your sauce by adding a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika to give your sandwich a spicy twist.
Allergies
The Chicken Finger Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour in the breading and buns, as well as eggs and soy potentially present in mayonnaise and Worcestershire sauce. You should be cautious if you have allergies to poultry, gluten, or any spices like garlic or onion powder used in the seasoning and sauce. Cross-contamination with other allergens is possible during frying or preparation, so always inform the restaurant of your specific allergy concerns.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Finger Sandwich menu at Zaxby's restaurant is popular for its tender, crispy chicken fingers paired with signature sauces and fresh bread, delivering a perfect balance of flavor and texture. You experience a satisfying crunch followed by juicy, flavorful meat that appeals to a wide range of taste preferences. Making a copycat version allows you to replicate this iconic taste at home, saving money while customizing ingredients to suit your personal preferences. This combination of convenience, authenticity, and mouth-watering appeal makes it well worth trying.