The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich from Zaxby's features a spicy, crispy chicken fillet topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and zesty pickles, all layered on a toasted bun for a bold and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan (for draining fried chicken)
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or grill (for bun)
- Food thermometer
- Spatula
- Plate or tray for assembly
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 8-10 slices zesty pickles
- 2 hamburger buns
- 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly pounded for consistent cooking and marinate them in buttermilk mixed with hot sauce to tenderize and infuse flavor. Use a precise blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in the flour coating to achieve the signature crispy and spicy crust. Fry the chicken at the correct oil temperature, around 350degF, using a food thermometer to maintain safety and optimal texture. Toast your hamburger buns with butter to add richness and prevent sogginess from the sandwich toppings. Your Kickin' Chicken Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu will deliver an authentic bold taste reminiscent of the original restaurant favorite.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice each chicken breast horizontally to form two fillets (total 4 fillets).
- In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add chicken fillets to buttermilk mixture; cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Remove chicken from marinade; let excess drip off.
- Dredge each fillet in seasoned flour, pressing to coat thoroughly.
- Place dredged fillets on a sheet pan.
- Fry chicken fillets in batches until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F), about 4-6 minutes per batch.
- Remove fried chicken to a clean sheet pan lined with paper towels to drain.
- Slice tomatoes and wash lettuce leaves.
- Butter hamburger buns lightly.
- Toast buns on a toaster or grill until golden brown.
- Place one fried chicken fillet on each bun bottom.
- Top with lettuce, tomato slices, and zesty pickles.
- Cap with toasted bun tops.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich from the Zaxby's copycat menu offers a spicy and crispy chicken fillet with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, and zesty pickles on a toasted bun. If you don't have buttermilk, substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve the same tenderizing effect for the chicken. Vegetable or peanut oil works well for frying, but ensure the oil temperature stays around 350degF to maintain crispiness without burning. When toasting buns, using butter on a grill or toaster adds extra flavor and helps create a golden, crunchy texture. Your food thermometer should read 165degF internally for perfectly cooked chicken to ensure safety and juiciness.
Tips
Ensure your oil temperature stays steady at 350degF to achieve a crispy coating without greasiness. Use a food thermometer to confirm each chicken fillet reaches an internal temperature of 165degF for safe consumption. Allow excess buttermilk marinade to drip off before dredging to prevent soggy breading. Toasting the buns with butter adds flavor and helps maintain sandwich structure when assembled.
Nutritions
The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich from Zaxby's contains lean protein from the boneless, skinless chicken breasts, providing essential amino acids for muscle repair and growth. The deep-frying process adds calories and fat, primarily from the oil used, so it's important to consider portion size if you're monitoring fat intake. Fresh lettuce and ripe tomato contribute dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that support immune health. Your sandwich also includes pickles, which add flavor with minimal calories but contain sodium, so balance your daily salt consumption accordingly.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken fillets in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain crispiness and prevent bacterial growth. Place fresh lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles separately in sealed containers to keep them crisp and fresh. Your toasted buns can be wrapped in foil and stored at room temperature for up to one day to ensure optimal texture before serving again.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap buttermilk marinade for Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of lemon juice to tenderize and add a tangy flavor to the chicken. Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with crushed cornflakes for an extra crispy and crunchy coating instead of just flour. Substitute jalapeno or serrano chili powder for cayenne pepper to vary the heat profile in the seasoning blend. Toast buns on a cast-iron skillet with a bit of garlic butter to infuse a rich, aromatic flavor into your sandwich.
Allergies
The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour in the crispy coating and gluten in the hamburger buns. Dairy allergens may be present due to buttermilk and butter used in marinating and toasting, which can affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Your risk of reaction may increase if you have sensitivities to spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder included in the seasoning mix.
Why this recipe?
The Kickin' Chicken Sandwich from Zaxby's restaurant is loved for its bold blend of crispy chicken, zesty spices, and tangy sauce that delivers a flavorful punch in every bite. Its perfectly balanced heat and crunch create a satisfying texture and taste experience that appeals to spice enthusiasts and comfort food lovers alike. Making a copycat version lets you customize the spice levels and ingredients to suit Your personal preferences while recreating the addictive flavors at home. This sandwich's unique combination of seasoning and fresh toppings ensures a delicious, crave-worthy meal worth trying to replicate.