Zaxby's Zalad with Fried Chicken features crispy golden fried chicken strips atop a fresh bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and crunchy croutons, drizzled with your choice of signature dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Equipments
- Fryer
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Salad spinner
- Mixing bowls
- Cheese grater
- Salad serving bowls or plates
- Spoons (for dressing)
- Ladle (for dressing, if needed)
- Food storage containers
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup grape tomatoes
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese
- 1 cup croutons
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salad dressing of choice
Your choice of buttermilk is essential for marinating the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they stay moist and tender during frying. Use fresh mixed salad greens and crisp grape tomatoes to maintain the salad's refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor. Make sure the all-purpose flour is well seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful fried chicken coating. Vegetable oil should be heated to the proper frying temperature to achieve crispy golden chicken strips without excess oil absorption. The Zalad with Fried Chicken from Zaxby's copycat menu offers a satisfying blend of crispy fried chicken and fresh vegetables, all brought together with your preferred signature dressing.
Instructions
- Pour buttermilk over chicken tenderloins in a bowl; marinate for 30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dredge marinated chicken tenderloins in seasoned flour to coat evenly.
- Heat vegetable oil in fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken tenderloins in hot oil until golden brown and fully cooked (about 4-6 minutes).
- Remove chicken from fryer and drain on paper towels.
- Wash and dry mixed salad greens using salad spinner.
- Slice grape tomatoes and cucumbers.
- Grate cheddar jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
- In salad serving bowls or plates, arrange mixed greens as a base.
- Top with sliced tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded cheese, and croutons.
- Slice fried chicken strips and place on top of each salad.
- Drizzle salad dressing of choice over the Zalad.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Zaxby's Zalad with Fried Chicken boasts crispy fried chicken strips served over crisp mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheddar jack cheese, and crunchy croutons, all enhanced by your preferred signature dressing. If you can't find buttermilk, substitute with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to maintain tenderness in the chicken. For vegetable oil, any neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or sunflower oil, works well for frying. When fresh grape tomatoes or cucumbers aren't available, cherry tomatoes and peeled, thinly sliced zucchini can be used as alternatives. You can customize your salad dressing to suit your taste or dietary needs, ensuring your meal is flavorful and satisfying.
Tips
Ensure your fryer oil temperature is maintained at 350degF (175degC) for perfectly cooked, crispy chicken strips without being greasy. Marinate chicken tenderloins in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and add flavor before dredging them in the seasoned flour mixture. Use a salad spinner to thoroughly dry mixed greens, as excess moisture can dilute the salad dressing and make your greens soggy. When plating, slice chicken fresh from frying and serve immediately to maintain the ideal contrast between hot, crispy chicken and cool, fresh vegetables.
Nutritions
Zaxby's Zalad with Fried Chicken provides a balanced mix of protein, greens, and carbs for a well-rounded meal. The chicken tenderloins deliver a high-protein content crucial for muscle repair and energy. Mixed salad greens supply dietary fiber and essential vitamins like A and C to support your immune system. Croutons and shredded cheese add carbohydrates and calcium, respectively, while the choice of dressing can impact the meal's fat and calorie content depending on your selection.
Storage
Store leftover fried chicken separately in airtight containers to maintain its crispiness, ideally refrigerated within two hours of cooking. Keep mixed salad greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, shredded cheese, and croutons in separate containers to prevent sogginess and extend freshness. When ready to enjoy, combine the ingredients and add dressing to ensure your Zalad stays flavorful and crisp.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap chicken tenderloins for grilled chicken breast to lighten the dish while keeping protein content high. For a gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or cornstarch when dredging the chicken. Consider adding avocado slices or roasted corn to enhance flavor complexity and nutrient density. Using a homemade honey mustard or ranch dressing can personalize the Zalad, offering a fresh burst of taste.
Allergies
Zaxby's Zalad with Fried Chicken contains common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar jack cheese and buttermilk used in the chicken coating. The all-purpose flour and croutons present gluten, which may cause issues for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Your choice of salad dressing could also include allergens like eggs, soy, or nuts, so checking the ingredients list is recommended.
Why this recipe?
Zaxby's Zalad with Fried Chicken offers a perfect balance of crispy, flavorful fried chicken atop fresh mixed greens, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. The combination of bold seasonings, crunchy texture, and tangy dressings makes it a popular choice among customers seeking a tasty yet fulfilling salad option. You can replicate this crowd-pleaser at home using simple ingredients to enjoy an affordable, customizable meal that rivals the restaurant experience. Trying the copycat recipe allows you to tailor flavors and portion sizes to your liking, making it a versatile addition to your menu.