Zaxby’s is a fast-food restaurant chain in the southeastern United States. This article will explore the process of making Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe.
We’ll guide you through the required ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking instructions, and tips for serving.
By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create this delectable dish in your kitchen. The chicken fingers are a favorite choice among customers for their delicious taste and crunchy texture.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
- Preparation Time: The preparation time, including cleaning and cutting the chicken, mixing the marinade, and preparing the breading mixture, can take approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Breading Time: Coating the chicken fingers in the seasoned flour mixture typically takes 10-15 minutes.
- Frying Time: Frying the chicken fingers usually takes 4-6 minutes per batch, depending on the fingers’ size and the oil’s temperature. You may need to fry them in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the frying pan.
- Total Time: If we add up all these times, it comes to roughly 40-50 minutes if you include the recommended marinating time. Remember that the marinating time can vary, and you can reduce the preparation time if you’ve already marinated the fingers in advance.
- Serving: The number of servings depends on the quantity of chicken fingers you prepare. One pound of chicken fingers typically yields 2-3 servings as an appetizer.
How Do You Make Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe?
Essential Ingredients For Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe:
For the Chicken Fingers:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk
- One teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Breading:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- One teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Essential Instructions For The Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe:
Step 1
Marinate the Chicken
Combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a bowl.
Step 2
Add the chicken tenders to the mixture, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 3
Prepare the Breading
Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika in a separate bowl. This is your breading mixture.
Step 4
Dredge the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
Step 5
Coat each chicken tender with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken for a thick and crispy coating.
Step 6
Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
Step 7
Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil. Fry them for about 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Fry in batches if needed, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Step 8
Drain and Serve
Remove the fried chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Step 9
Serve your homemade Zaxby-inspired chicken fingers hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Additional Tips For Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe:
- Double Coating: You can double-coat the chicken fingers for an extra crispy texture. After the initial coating, dip them back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the seasoned flour before frying.
- Chill Before Frying: After coating the chicken fingers with the seasoned flour, place them on a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 15-30 minutes before frying. This helps the breading adhere better and results in a crispier finish.
- Use a Thermometer: A kitchen thermometer monitors the oil temperature while frying. Maintaining the proper frying temperature is crucial for achieving crispy and evenly cooked chicken fingers.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, which can cause the chicken fingers to stick together and cook unevenly. Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure consistent results.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces alongside your chicken fingers for added flavor. Classic choices include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and Zaxby-inspired sauces like Zax Sauce or Tongue Torch.
Precautions For Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe:
- Hot Oil Safety: Be extremely cautious when working with hot oil. Use a deep fryer or skillet; never leave the hot oil unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a lid for the pan ready to smother any potential oil fires.
- Handling Raw Chicken: Follow proper food safety practices when taking raw chicken. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching poultry, and avoid cross-contamination with other ingredients or surfaces.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure that the chicken fingers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Proper Disposal of Oil: After frying, let the oil cool completely before disposing. Do not pour hot oil down the drain, as it can clog pipes. Store it in a container and dispose of it according to local regulations.
Nutrition Facts Of Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Cholesterol | 100 milligrams |
| Sodium | 600 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrates | 15 grams |
| Protein | 20 grams |
Please keep in mind that these values are general estimates for homemade fried chicken fingers and may vary based on factors such as the size of the chicken fingers, the specific ingredients used in the breading, and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.
5 Best Variations Of Zaxby’s Fried Chicken Fingers Recipe
1. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Fingers
After frying the chicken fingers, toss them in a spicy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce, melted butter, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Serve with celery sticks and ranch or blue cheese dressing.
2. Honey Mustard Chicken Fingers
Create a sweet and tangy honey mustard dipping sauce using honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and vinegar. Serve it alongside your chicken fingers for a classic pairing.
3. Parmesan Herb Chicken Fingers
Mix grated Parmesan cheese with finely chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, basil, and thyme). After frying, sprinkle the herb and cheese mixture over the chicken fingers while still hot.
4. Sesame Ginger Chicken Fingers
Marinate the chicken fingers in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic before coating and frying. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving. Pair with a soy-based dipping sauce.
5. Barbecue Ranch Chicken Fingers
Combine your favorite barbecue sauce with ranch dressing to create a creamy, tangy dip. Serve the chicken fingers with this delicious sauce for a flavor-packed experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, homemade Zaxby-inspired fried chicken fingers offer a versatile and flavorful meal option.
You can enjoy various delicious variations by following a basic recipe and experimenting with dipping sauces and seasonings.
Whether you prefer spicy buffalo, sweet honey mustard, or savory Parmesan herb flavors, these homemade chicken fingers will satisfy your cravings and taste buds.