The Nibblerz Sandwich from Zaxby's features tender, seasoned chicken fingers layered on a soft bun with crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and creamy Zax Sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying handheld meal.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet pan or tray
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Sauce bottle or squeeze bottle
- Food thermometer
- Bun toaster or griddle
- Sandwich assembly station
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 soft sandwich buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 8 dill pickle chips
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Using fresh chicken tenderloins ensures the best texture and flavor for your Nibblerz Sandwich. Properly marinate the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize the meat and help the seasoned flour coating adhere during frying. Measure spices like paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper accurately to maintain the signature balanced heat and taste. Use vegetable oil heated to the right temperature for frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasiness. Your homemade Nibblerz Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu will capture the tender, flavorful essence of the original with these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk.
- Mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a bowl.
- Dredge marinated chicken in the flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenderloins until golden brown and cooked through, using food thermometer to check doneness.
- Drain chicken on a sheet pan or tray.
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, garlic powder (for sauce), black pepper (for sauce), paprika (for sauce), and granulated sugar to make Zax Sauce.
- Toast sandwich buns on bun toaster or griddle.
- Squeeze or spread Zax Sauce onto bottom buns.
- Place fried chicken on each bun.
- Top with shredded lettuce and dill pickle chips.
- Add more Zax Sauce if desired.
- Finish with top buns.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
The Nibblerz Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu calls for buttermilk to tenderize the chicken tenderloins; if unavailable, you can substitute with a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. When deep frying, maintaining the oil temperature between 350degF and 375degF ensures a crispy, golden crust without overcooking the interior. Your sandwich assembly benefits from using fresh, soft buns, but brioche buns can be a flavorful alternative that enhances texture. If you lack a bun toaster or griddle, briefly warming the buns in a skillet or conventional oven can achieve similar results. The signature Zax Sauce can be adjusted to taste, so feel free to modify the seasoning balance or swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Tips
Ensure the vegetable oil reaches and maintains 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve crispy, golden chicken tenderloins. Use a food thermometer to confirm the chicken's internal temperature reaches 165degF (74degC) for safe consumption. When dredging, thoroughly coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture to lock in flavor and create a crispy crust. Spread the Zax Sauce evenly on the buns to balance creaminess with the tang of pickles and the crunch of lettuce, enhancing your sandwich experience.
Nutritions
The Nibblerz Sandwich offers a balanced nutritional profile, featuring protein-rich chicken tenderloins breaded and deep-fried for a crispy texture. Your meal includes essential vitamins and minerals from fresh lettuce and pickles, enhancing fiber content and digestive benefits. The creamy Zax Sauce adds flavor but also increases calories and fat, so consume in moderation if watching your intake. Overall, this sandwich provides a satisfying combination of macronutrients suitable for a hearty lunch or dinner.
Storage
Store leftover Nibblerz Sandwich components separately to maintain freshness and texture. Keep fried chicken tenderloins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating in an oven or air fryer to retain crispness. Your buns, lettuce, pickles, and prepared Zax Sauce should be stored in sealed containers or bags to prevent sogginess and maintain flavor integrity.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap vegetable oil with avocado oil for a healthier frying option that withstands high temperatures. Consider adding hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick of heat in the chicken. To enhance texture, coat the chicken fingers with panko breadcrumbs mixed into the flour mixture for an extra crispy crust. Experiment with substituting the shredded lettuce for coleslaw to add a crunchy, tangy contrast to the rich Zax Sauce.
Allergies
The Nibblerz Sandwich contains common allergens including wheat from the all-purpose flour in the breading and sandwich buns, and eggs may be present in the mayonnaise-based Zax Sauce. The sandwich also includes buttermilk, which poses a risk for individuals with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance. You should carefully check ingredient labels and consult with restaurant staff to avoid any allergic reactions.
Why this recipe?
Nibblerz Sandwich menu from Zaxby's restaurant features bite-sized chicken sandwiches packed with bold, savory flavors and a crispy texture that appeals to many. The unique combination of Zaxby's signature sauces and freshly toasted buns elevates the taste experience, making it a favorite for quick, satisfying meals. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate those crave-worthy flavors at home, customizing spice levels and ingredient freshness to your preference. Enjoying your own homemade Nibblerz gives you control over quality while capturing the essence of this popular Zaxby's item.