By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 27, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Ah, the beloved Zaxby’s chicken finger! This popular restaurant dish is known for its incredible flavor and crunchy texture. Now you can make this delicious treat at home with only a few ingredients.
Also known as chicken tenders, this dish is a staple in many households. It’s an easy and delicious way to feed the family without having to order or cook something complicated.
In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate this classic dish in your own kitchen. We’ll cover all the basics, from what ingredients to use, to step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect Zaxby’s chicken fingers.
What is Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
Zaxby’s is an American chain of fast-food restaurants based in Athens, Georgia. Founded by Zach McLeroy and Tony Townley in 1990, the company now operates more than 800 locations across the United States.
Zaxby’s is best known for its signature chicken fingers (also known as chicken tenders), which are cooked fresh and served with a special sauce. Zaxby’s chicken finger is a popular and tasty dish that anyone can make at home.
This involves breading and deep-frying the chicken tenders, which results in succulent pieces of tender chicken wrapped in a perfectly crispy coating. The result is delicious!
What does it taste like?
Zaxby’s chicken finger is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy. The chicken tenders are juicy, tender, and flavorful thanks to the buttermilk marinade they’re soaked in before being breaded.
The coating is light and crunchy with just the right amount of herbs and spices for added flavor. When served with a side of Zaxby’s dipping sauce, these chicken fingers are simply irresistible.
The sauce is creamy and tangy with a hint of spicy zing that pairs perfectly with the crunchy coating. Whether you dip them in ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce, there’s no wrong way to enjoy Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers!
How did I first get introduced to Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
I had never heard of Zaxby’s chicken fingers until my family and I took a trip to Clarksville, Georgia. We were on a road trip across the state, exploring all the incredible sites and attractions, when we stumbled upon this popular chain restaurant.
We had heard so much about Zaxby’s famous chicken fingers, so we decided to stop in and give them a try. We were not disappointed! The chicken tenders were juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
They were served with a side of dipping sauce which added an extra layer of flavor that was just delicious. I knew right away that this was something I wanted to learn how to make at home.
After returning home, I set out to recreate the delicious chicken fingers that we had enjoyed on our trip. I scoured the internet for recipes and watched countless videos until I had a good handle on how to make Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers from scratch.
Once I was confident with my technique, I got to work in my kitchen. After a few attempts, I had finally gotten it just right. My family was absolutely amazed at how delicious the tenders were and couldn’t believe I had made them from scratch!
Since that fateful road trip to Georgia, Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers have become a staple in our home. We serve them up with all sorts of sides for an easy and delicious meal that everyone loves. Now, I can make this restaurant favorite whenever the craving strikes!
There’s nothing better than a plate of homemade Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers. If you haven’t tried it yet, give this recipe a try and get ready for an unforgettable flavor experience.
How to make Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
Making Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers at home is surprisingly easy! All you need are a few simple ingredients and this step-by-step guide. With just a bit of preparation, you can enjoy restaurant-style chicken fingers in the comfort of your own kitchen.
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Ingredients
- Buttermilk: This is a key ingredient for making your chicken fingers crispy and flavorful.
- Salt: This will bring out the flavor of the other ingredients.
- Black pepper: Adds a little bit of heat to the dish.
- Cooking spray: This helps keep the chicken tenders from sticking to the pan.
- Chicken tenderloins: Choose good quality, organic chicken tenderloins for the best flavor.
- Bread crumbs: This helps give the chicken fingers a nice crunchy texture.
- All-purpose flour: The key to making the perfect coating for your chicken tenders.
- Eggs: These act as a binding agent in the coating.
- Cornflakes, crushed: Adds a unique texture and crunch to the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A great spice blend that enhances the flavor of the chicken tenders.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Begin by adding the buttermilk, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or baking dish. Mix until combined and set aside.
Step 2
Next, lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.
Step 3
Meanwhile, in a separate shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, eggs, and Italian seasoning and mix until combined.
Step 4
Dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk mixture and then into the egg/breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are well coated with the coating ingredients.
Step 5
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6
Transfer the cooked chicken fingers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 7
To finish off the dish, sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the top of the chicken fingers for extra crunch.
Step 8
Serve the chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauce!
Tips
– Make sure to use a shallow bowl or baking dish for the buttermilk mixture. This ensures that each chicken tenderloin is adequately coated.
– If you’re short on time, you can skip the step of pre-cooking the chicken tenders and instead bake them in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
– You can also use panko bread crumbs instead of regular bread crumbs for a lighter, crunchier coating.
– For added flavor, you can add other spices such as garlic powder or paprika to the egg/breadcrumb mixture.
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers Recipe
Equipment
- large skillet
- Medium sized bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes
- 2 lb. chicken tenderloins
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup buttermilk or whole milk
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 4 beaten eggs
- Nonstick cooking spray
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tsp Dried Italian seasoning
- Salt to tatse
Instructions
- Begin by adding the buttermilk, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl or baking dish. Mix until combined and set aside.
- Next, lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat.
- Meanwhile, in a separate shallow bowl, combine the bread crumbs, flour, eggs, and Italian seasoning and mix until combined.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin into the buttermilk mixture and then into the egg/breadcrumb mixture. Make sure they are well coated with the coating ingredients.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for about 3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken fingers to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- To finish off the dish, sprinkle crushed cornflakes over the top of the chicken fingers for extra crunch.
- Serve the chicken fingers with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 197 kcal
Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 30g
What to serve with Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers is an incredibly versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy option, serve the chicken tenders with a fresh green salad and your favorite dressing.
For something more hearty, whip up a batch of macaroni and cheese or mashed potatoes to go along with the chicken fingers.
If you’re looking for a fun way to switch up the flavors, try dipping the chicken tenders in honey mustard or BBQ sauce instead of the classic Zaxby’s dipping sauce.
How to store leftover Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
Leftover Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers can easily be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, simply place the cooked chicken tenders in a sealed container and refrigerate.
When ready to reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the chicken fingers in an even layer on a baking sheet.
Can pregnant women eat this?
The ingredients in Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers are generally considered safe for pregnant women. However, it is important to note that undercooked or raw foods can be dangerous during pregnancy and should be avoided.
To ensure that your chicken tenders are cooked through, use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken before eating.
The internal temperature should be at least 165°F. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the color and texture of the chicken as well. If it appears pink or has any slimy texture, do not eat it.
FAQs
Is there an alternative to using buttermilk for the coating?
Yes, you can also use milk or Greek yogurt. Both will work just as well as buttermilk for making your chicken fingers crispy and flavorful.
What other spices can I add to the egg/breadcrumb mixture?
You can add other spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to the egg/breadcrumb mixture. This will give your chicken fingers an extra flavor boost!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the coating ingredients and bread the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance. When ready to cook, just follow the instructions as normal. This is a great way to save time when entertaining!
Wrapping Up
I hope you enjoyed this article for homemade Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can easily recreate this restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.
Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite sides and sauces and get ready to indulge in all of that deliciousness!
Thank you for reading. Please share the article with family and friends if you found it helpful!
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
