The Spicy Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's features a juicy, hand-breaded chicken breast tossed in Zaxby's signature spicy sauce, topped with fresh lettuce and ripe tomato, all nestled inside a toasted, buttery bun for a bold and flavorful bite.
Equipments
- Deep fryer
- Fry baskets
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Breading station (trays or pans)
- Sauce bowls or containers
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Toaster or griddle (for buns)
- Prep table
- Sandwich assembly station
- Serving trays or plates
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Zaxby's signature spicy sauce (or substitute with your favorite spicy sauce)
- 4 leaves fresh lettuce
- 2 slices ripe tomato
- 2 toasted hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly coated with buttermilk and dredged thoroughly in the seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture for a crispy texture. Use fresh lettuce and ripe tomato slices to maintain the sandwich's signature freshness and complement the spicy flavor. Properly heating the vegetable oil to 350degF is crucial for frying the chicken to golden perfection without greasiness. Toast the buns with butter on a griddle to add a rich, buttery flavor and prevent sogginess from the sauce. Your Spicy Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu will deliver an authentic, bold taste with these ingredient tips.
Instructions
- Preheat deep fryer with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness.
- Prepare a breading station using mixing bowls and trays/pans.
- In one bowl, mix buttermilk and eggs.
- In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
- Dip chicken breasts into buttermilk and egg mixture.
- Dredge chicken in flour mixture, ensuring thorough coating.
- Carefully lower chicken breasts into heated oil using tongs and fry until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
- Remove fried chicken with tongs or spatula and let excess oil drain on a serving tray lined with paper towels.
- Toss fried chicken breasts in Zaxby’s signature spicy sauce (or chosen spicy sauce) using a sauce bowl or container.
- Slice tomato and wash lettuce using chef’s knife and cutting board.
- Butter hamburger buns.
- Toast buns on a toaster or griddle until golden.
- Set up sandwich assembly station.
- Place spicy chicken breast on the bottom bun.
- Top with lettuce leaf and tomato slice.
- Place the top bun.
- Serve assembled Spicy Signature Sandwich on serving tray or plate.
Substitution
The Spicy Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's copycat menu offers a crispy, hand-breaded chicken breast smothered in a spicy sauce, complemented by fresh lettuce and tomato on a buttery toasted bun. If buttermilk is unavailable, you can substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to achieve similar tenderness. Cornstarch and flour create the perfect crispy coating, but using rice flour or a gluten-free blend works as an alternative for gluten-sensitive diets. Fry the chicken in vegetable oil heated to 350degF (175degC) to ensure a juicy inside and crispy outside; a thermometer can help maintain accurate frying temperature. Toast buns with butter on a griddle or toaster to enhance flavor and texture when assembling your sandwich.
Tips
Ensure your chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness to promote uniform cooking and prevent dryness. Maintain the oil temperature at a consistent 350degF (175degC) to achieve a crispy, golden coating without sogginess. Thoroughly dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture after dipping in the buttermilk-egg wash for optimal breading adherence. When tossing the fried chicken in Zaxby's signature spicy sauce, use tongs to evenly coat each piece without breaking the breading.
Nutritions
The Spicy Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's delivers approximately 600-700 calories per serving, primarily from its fried chicken breast and buttered toasted buns. Protein content ranges around 35-40 grams, thanks to the boneless, skinless chicken breast, while the spicy sauce adds flavor but also increases sodium levels to about 900-1100 mg per sandwich. Lettuce and tomato contribute minimal calories but add fiber, vitamins A and C, enhancing nutritional value. Your meal provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, though it should be enjoyed in moderation due to its fried preparation and sodium content.
Storage
Store the Spicy Signature Sandwich in an airtight container to maintain moisture in the breaded chicken while preventing sogginess in the bun. Refrigerate at 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness and flavor. Your best results come from reheating gently in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness without drying out the chicken.
Variation or Alternatives
Swap boneless chicken breasts for thigh fillets to achieve a juicier, more tender texture in your Spicy Signature Sandwich. Instead of deep-frying, pan-fry the chicken in a cast-iron skillet with vegetable oil over medium heat for a crispier crust and less oil absorption. Use a mix of panko breadcrumbs and the seasoned flour for an extra crunchy coating during the breading process. Your sandwich can also benefit from a spicy mayo blend by mixing Zaxby's signature spicy sauce with mayonnaise for a creamier, tangy flavor that complements the heat.
Allergies
The Spicy Signature Sandwich contains common allergens such as wheat from the all-purpose flour and hamburger buns, and eggs used in the breading process. Buttermilk introduces dairy allergens, which could be problematic for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. If you have food allergies, be cautious of the spicy sauce ingredients, which may vary and contain additional allergens or irritants.
Why this recipe?
The Spicy Signature Sandwich from Zaxby's restaurant delights fans with its bold blend of fiery seasonings, crispy chicken, and tangy sauce that creates a balanced, flavorful bite. The sandwich features a carefully crafted spice mix that delivers heat without overpowering the natural taste of the tender chicken. You'll find recreating this sandwich at home rewarding as it allows for customization of heat levels and freshness, making every bite exactly to your liking. The unique combination of textures and spices makes the Spicy Signature Sandwich a standout menu item worth mastering in your kitchen.