Copycat of Zaxby's Chicken Fingers

Recreate the crave-worthy magic of restaurant-quality chicken with this irresistible Copycat Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers recipe! Tender strips of boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a buttermilk and hot sauce mixture for maximum flavor and juiciness before being dredged in a perfectly seasoned flour coating featuring paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Fried to golden-brown perfection, these crispy chicken fingers are packed with flavor and have just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re serving them as a family favorite dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken fingers pair beautifully with dipping sauces like Zaxby’s signature sauce, ranch, or honey mustard. Best of all, they’re easy to make with simple ingredients right in your own kitchen!

Nutriscore Rating: 54/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Hot sauce
• 1.5 cups Self-rising flour
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 4 cups Vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1

Cut the chicken breasts into strips approximately 1 inch wide for uniform cooking.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce to create a marinade.

Step 3

Submerge the chicken strips into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 4 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 4

In a separate shallow dish, combine the self-rising flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure precise frying temperature.

Step 6

Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Dredge each strip in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to fully coat.

Step 7

Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

Step 8

Cook the chicken strips for 3–4 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 9

Once cooked, transfer the chicken fingers to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 10

Serve the chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Zaxby's signature sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1779.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	8705.8

Total Fat 867.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 130.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 540.0g
Cholesterol 542.2mg	0%
Sodium 6388.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 161.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 142.3g	0%

Vitamin D 184.1IU	0%
Calcium 650.2mg	0%
Iron 13.3mg	0%
Potassium 1606.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 86.5%

Protein: 6.3%

Carbs: 7.2%