The Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's features tender, hand-breaded chicken breast fillets layered with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo, all nestled between a toasted, buttery bun, delivering a flavorful blend of juicy and crunchy delights.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Tongs
- Sheet tray or wire rack
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Spatula
- Butter brush (for buns)
- Toaster or flat-top grill (for buns)
- Squeeze bottle or spoon (for mayo)
- Serving tray or plate
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breast fillets
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 4 leaves crisp lettuce
- 2 ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 toasted sandwich buns
Ensure the chicken breast fillets are fresh and evenly pounded to maintain consistent cooking and juiciness in your Zaxby's Signature Sandwich. Soaking the chicken in buttermilk tenderizes the meat and enhances flavor absorption before dredging in the seasoned flour mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Use vegetable oil heated to the proper frying temperature to achieve a perfectly crispy, golden-brown crust without greasiness. Toasting the sandwich buns with unsalted butter adds a rich flavor and prevents sogginess when layering the crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayo. Your homemade copycat of Zaxby's Signature Sandwich delivers the iconic combination of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and buttery buns for an authentic taste experience.
Instructions
- Place chicken breast fillets in a mixing bowl and pour buttermilk over them; marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk; dip each fillet into the egg wash.
- Dredge fillets in seasoned flour, pressing to adhere.
- Heat vegetable oil in the deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken fillets in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Using tongs, transfer fried chicken to a sheet tray or wire rack to drain.
- Slice tomatoes with a chef's knife on a cutting board.
- Wash and pat dry lettuce leaves.
- Melt butter and brush it on the cut sides of sandwich buns.
- Toast buns on a toaster or flat-top grill until golden.
- Spread mayonnaise on the top and/or bottom buns using a spoon or squeeze bottle.
- Layer lettuce, tomato slices, and fried chicken breast on the bottom bun.
- Place the top bun over the sandwich.
- Serve immediately on a serving tray or plate.
Substitution
The Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu offers a crispy, hand-breaded chicken experience with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and creamy mayo on a buttered toasted bun. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve a similar tang and tenderness in the chicken marinade. When deep frying is not an option, pan-frying the chicken fillets in a shallow layer of oil over medium heat can provide a good alternative texture. To keep your buns warm and buttery, a toaster or flat-top grill works well, but a hot skillet with butter brushed on can also add flavor and slight crispiness. Your mayo can be enhanced by mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika if you want to mimic the sandwich's signature zing more closely.
Tips
Marinating your chicken fillets in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes ensures tenderness and enhances flavor. Always heat the oil to precisely 350degF (175degC) before frying to achieve a crispy, golden crust without greasiness. Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to drain fried chicken so it stays crisp rather than soggy. When toasting your buns, brush them with melted unsalted butter for a richer taste and better texture, enhancing the overall sandwich experience for your meal.
Nutritions
Your Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's provides a balanced combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, with the hand-breaded chicken breast fillets delivering lean protein essential for muscle maintenance. The mayonnaise adds a creamy texture while contributing healthy fats, and the fresh lettuce and tomatoes supply dietary fiber along with vitamins A and C. The toasted buttery bun serves as a source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. This sandwich offers a flavorful meal that supports satiety and nourishment when enjoyed as part of a varied diet.
Storage
To store the fried chicken breast fillets, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container; refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep your sandwich components like lettuce and tomato slices separate in sealed containers to prevent sogginess. For best results, assemble the Signature Sandwich just before serving to ensure your layers remain crisp and flavorful.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the buttermilk marinade for plain yogurt mixed with a teaspoon of lemon juice to tenderize the chicken differently. For a spicier kick, add sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bun. Consider baking the chicken fillets at 400degF for 20 minutes instead of frying for a lower-fat variation that still maintains juiciness. Using potato or brioche buns can offer a slightly sweeter, richer flavor profile that complements the spicy chicken.
Allergies
The Signature Sandwich may trigger allergies due to common allergens such as eggs, wheat (all-purpose flour in the bun and breading), dairy (buttermilk, mayonnaise, unsalted butter), and possible traces of soy or gluten in the sandwich buns or mayonnaise. Those with poultry allergies should avoid the hand-breaded chicken breast fillets. To protect your health, always check ingredient labels and inform the restaurant of any food allergies before ordering.
Why this recipe?
Zaxby's Signature Sandwich menu is popular for its bold flavors, featuring hand-breaded chicken, fresh ingredients, and unique sauces that create a satisfying and crave-worthy experience. The menu offers a variety of options catering to different tastes, including spicy and classic choices, which ensures that there is something for everyone. Your copycat version can capture the authentic taste and quality that fans love, making it a worthwhile endeavor for those who appreciate flavorful, well-crafted chicken sandwiches. Recreating these sandwiches at home allows you to customize ingredients and enjoy a delicious meal without leaving your kitchen.