Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos: Delicious Recreations & Creative Twists
Zaxby’s recently launched Chicken Finger Tacos have taken the fast-food world by storm. The combination of their signature chicken fingers, tangy Zax sauce, crisp slaw, and soft tortilla has proven to be a winning formula. But what if you don’t live near a Zaxby’s, or you simply want to customize your own version? This guide provides you with a detailed recipe for recreating Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos at home, along with some creative variations to elevate your taco game. Let’s dive in!
## Recreating Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe focuses on replicating the core elements of the Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos while providing options for customization. We’ll break down each component – the chicken fingers, the Zax sauce, the slaw, and the assembly – to ensure you achieve the perfect taco experience.
### Part 1: The Chicken Fingers
The heart of the taco is, of course, the chicken finger. Zaxby’s is known for its crispy, flavorful chicken. Here’s how to achieve a similar result at home:
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1 inch thick)
* 1 cup buttermilk
* 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot, optional for added flavor)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 2 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the chicken strips, buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This marination process tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
2. **Prepare the Dredge:** In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of paprika. The cornstarch contributes to extra crispiness, while the baking powder helps create a light and airy coating.
3. **Dredge the Chicken:** Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. One at a time, dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken to help it adhere. Shake off any excess flour. For extra crispiness, you can double dredge the chicken: dip it back into the buttermilk, then back into the flour mixture.
4. **Fry the Chicken:** Pour enough vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to reach a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
5. **Cook the Chicken:** Fry the chicken for 5-7 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness.
6. **Keep Warm (Optional):** If you’re not serving the chicken immediately, you can keep it warm in a preheated oven at 200°F (95°C). Place the chicken on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet to prevent it from becoming soggy.
**Tips for Perfect Chicken Fingers:**
* **Don’t skip the marination:** The buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds flavor.
* **Use a thermometer:** Monitoring the oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
* **Don’t overcrowd the pot:** Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
* **Drain the chicken on a wire rack:** This helps prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
* **Season generously:** Don’t be afraid to season both the marinade and the flour mixture.
**Alternative Cooking Methods:**
* **Baking:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the dredged chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with a little oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. While baking won’t achieve the same level of crispiness as frying, it’s a healthier option.
* **Air Frying:** Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the dredged chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Air frying offers a good balance between crispiness and health.
### Part 2: Recreating Zaxby’s Zax Sauce
The Zax sauce is what truly sets these tacos apart. Its tangy, slightly sweet, and creamy flavor is irresistible. While the exact Zaxby’s recipe is a closely guarded secret, this copycat recipe comes incredibly close:
**Ingredients:**
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), lemon juice, and honey or sugar until smooth and well combined.
2. **Adjust to Taste:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more honey or sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more cayenne pepper for a spicier kick. A little extra lemon juice can also brighten the flavor.
3. **Chill:** Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps the sauce thicken slightly.
**Tips for Perfect Zax Sauce:**
* **Use high-quality mayonnaise:** The mayonnaise forms the base of the sauce, so using a good brand will make a difference in the overall flavor.
* **Adjust the sweetness and spice:** Customize the sauce to your liking by adjusting the amount of honey/sugar and cayenne pepper.
* **Let it chill:** Chilling the sauce allows the flavors to develop and meld together.
**Variations on Zax Sauce:**
* **Spicy Zax Sauce:** Add more cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Smoky Zax Sauce:** Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Herby Zax Sauce:** Add a teaspoon of dried herbs, such as dill or parsley, for a fresh, herby flavor.
### Part 3: The Slaw
The slaw adds a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the chicken and sauce. Zaxby’s uses a fairly simple slaw, which is easy to replicate.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)
* 1/2 cup shredded carrots
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine Vegetables:** In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
2. **Make the Dressing:** In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. **Combine and Chill:** Pour the dressing over the cabbage and carrots. Toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably an hour, to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften slightly.
**Tips for Perfect Slaw:**
* **Use fresh ingredients:** Freshly shredded cabbage and carrots will provide the best flavor and texture.
* **Don’t overdress the slaw:** Start with less dressing and add more as needed. You want the slaw to be moist but not soggy.
* **Let it chill:** Chilling the slaw allows the flavors to develop and the cabbage to soften.
**Variations on Slaw:**
* **Creamier Slaw:** Add an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise for a creamier slaw.
* **Tangier Slaw:** Add an extra tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a tangier slaw.
* **Sweeter Slaw:** Add an extra teaspoon of sugar for a sweeter slaw.
* **Spicier Slaw:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
* **Fruity Slaw:** Add 1/2 cup of chopped apple or pineapple for a fruity twist.
### Part 4: Assembling the Tacos
Now that you have all the components ready, it’s time to assemble the tacos!
**Ingredients:**
* Small flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
* Crispy chicken fingers
* Zax sauce
* Slaw
* Optional toppings: chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese
**Instructions:**
1. **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. This prevents them from tearing when you fold them.
2. **Assemble the Tacos:** Place a few crispy chicken fingers in the center of each tortilla. Top with a generous amount of Zax sauce and slaw.
3. **Add Optional Toppings:** If desired, add chopped cilantro, diced tomatoes, or shredded cheese.
4. **Serve Immediately:** Serve the tacos immediately and enjoy!
## Creative Twists on Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos
Now that you’ve mastered the classic Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos, let’s explore some creative variations to take your taco game to the next level:
### Spicy Fiesta Tacos
* **Chicken:** Use the same chicken finger recipe, but add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick. Alternatively, use pre-made spicy chicken tenders.
* **Sauce:** Instead of Zax sauce, use a spicy chipotle mayo or sriracha mayo.
* **Slaw:** Add a diced jalapeño and a squeeze of lime juice to the slaw for extra heat and tanginess.
* **Toppings:** Top with diced avocado, pickled onions, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese.
### BBQ Ranch Tacos
* **Chicken:** Use the same chicken finger recipe, but brush the cooked chicken fingers with your favorite BBQ sauce before assembling the tacos.
* **Sauce:** Use a creamy ranch dressing.
* **Slaw:** Add a tablespoon of BBQ sauce and a pinch of smoked paprika to the slaw for a smoky flavor.
* **Toppings:** Top with crispy fried onions and crumbled bacon.
### Honey Mustard Chicken Tacos
* **Chicken:** Use the same chicken finger recipe.
* **Sauce:** Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy sauce.
* **Slaw:** Add a tablespoon of honey and a pinch of celery seed to the slaw for a complementary flavor.
* **Toppings:** Top with chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
### Asian-Inspired Chicken Tacos
* **Chicken:** Marinate the chicken fingers in a mixture of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil before dredging and frying.
* **Sauce:** Use a sweet chili sauce or a teriyaki glaze.
* **Slaw:** Use a slaw made with shredded Napa cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
* **Toppings:** Top with chopped peanuts, green onions, and a drizzle of sriracha.
### Buffalo Chicken Tacos
* **Chicken:** After frying, toss the chicken fingers in your favorite buffalo wing sauce.
* **Sauce:** Use a blue cheese or ranch dressing.
* **Slaw:** Add a tablespoon of blue cheese dressing and a pinch of celery seed to the slaw.
* **Toppings:** Top with crumbled blue cheese and chopped celery.
## Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Finger Tacos
* **Experiment with different sauces:** Don’t be afraid to try different sauces to find your favorite flavor combination. Some other options include honey sriracha, teriyaki, or even a simple aioli.
* **Get creative with your slaw:** The slaw is a great opportunity to add flavor and texture. Try adding different fruits, vegetables, or herbs.
* **Use high-quality tortillas:** The tortillas are the foundation of the taco, so using good-quality ones will make a big difference. Look for soft, pliable tortillas that won’t tear easily.
* **Don’t overfill the tacos:** Overfilling the tacos will make them difficult to eat and prone to falling apart. Less is more!
* **Serve immediately:** Tacos are best served immediately while the chicken is still crispy and the tortillas are warm.
## Conclusion
Zaxby’s Chicken Finger Tacos are a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to recreate at home. By following this guide, you can not only enjoy a copycat version of the original but also experiment with creative twists to create your own signature tacos. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the fryer (or oven), and get ready to enjoy some truly amazing chicken finger tacos! Whether you stick to the classic recipe or venture into new flavor territories, these tacos are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Happy taco-making!