Zaxby’s Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich Recipe

Hey, Welcome to the Zaxby’s Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich Recipe. Zaxby’s Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich is a crispy fried chicken sandwich loaded with bold spices and creamy, tangy sauce.

I still remember the first time I bit into this sandwich. That crunchy chicken. That spicy kick. It instantly hooked me.

If you love bold, fast-food flavors as I do, you are going to enjoy making this right at home. Let me walk you through it step by step.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Category: Main Dish

History and Origin

The Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich became popular through Zaxby’s, known for its Southern-style chicken and signature sauces.

This sandwich was created to satisfy spice lovers who wanted more heat and crunch in every bite.

What Does It Taste Like?

This sandwich tastes crispy, spicy, creamy, and savory all at once. You get juicy chicken with bold seasoning, followed by a smooth ranch-style sauce with a peppery kick. Every bite feels balanced and satisfying.

By the way, you can also try the Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe.

Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to start making it:

Ingredient	Quantity
Boneless chicken breasts	4
Buttermilk	1 cup
All-purpose flour	1 cup
Cornstarch	2 tablespoons
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Cayenne pepper	½ teaspoon
Salt	1 teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Oil for frying	As needed
Sandwich buns	4
Lettuce	As needed
Pickles	As needed

Equipments

Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:

• Mixing bowls
• Frying pan or deep fryer
• Tongs
• Paper towels
• Meat thermometer

How to make Zaxby’s Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

I soak the chicken breasts in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

In a bowl, I mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

I remove the chicken from the buttermilk and coat it well in the seasoned flour mixture. I press gently so the coating sticks.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

I heat oil to 350°F and fry the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. It usually takes about 6 to 7 minutes per side.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwich

I place the crispy chicken on a bun, add lettuce, pickles, and my favorite spicy ranch-style sauce. Then I close it up and serve it hot.

Recipe Card

Nutritional Information

Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the recipe:

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	520 kcal
Protein	32 g
Carbohydrates	45 g
Fat	24 g
Saturated Fat	5 g
Sodium	980 mg

Serving Suggestions

I love serving this sandwich with crispy fries or coleslaw. You can also pair it with onion rings or a simple side salad. A cold soda or iced tea works perfectly with the spicy flavors.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, store the fried chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays good for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep it crispy.

Tips to Make the Chicken Extra Crispy

When I want that restaurant-style crunch, I always focus on the coating. Using cornstarch with flour makes a big difference. Also, pressing the coating firmly helps it stick better while frying.

Best Oil for Frying Chicken Sandwiches

Choosing the right oil matters more than most people think. I prefer oils with a high smoke point, like peanut or vegetable oil. They fry the chicken evenly and keep the flavor clean.

How to Control the Spice Level

Not everyone likes the same level of heat, and that is totally fine. I adjust the cayenne pepper based on my mood. You can reduce it for mild flavor or add more if you love a strong kick.

Homemade Sauce Ideas for This Sandwich

The sauce is what brings everything together for me. A spicy ranch works great, but you can also try chipotle mayo or honey mustard. Mixing sauces at home lets you customize every bite.

Bun Choices That Work Best

The bun plays a big role in texture and taste. I usually go with soft brioche buns because they balance the spicy chicken well. Toasting them lightly also keeps them from getting soggy.

Can You Make This Sandwich Ahead of Time?

I get this question a lot, especially on busy days. While the chicken tastes best fresh, you can prep the coating and marinate the chicken ahead. Frying just before serving gives the best result.

Air Fryer Version of Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich

If you prefer a lighter option, the air fryer is a great choice. I spray the coated chicken with oil and cook it until crispy. It still gives a nice crunch with less oil.

Making It a Complete Meal

Sometimes I turn this sandwich into a full dinner spread. Adding fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad makes it more filling. It also feels perfect for family meals or game nights.

Why This Homemade Version Tastes Better

Making this sandwich at home lets you control every ingredient. I love knowing how fresh everything is. Plus, you can tweak flavors exactly to your liking, which makes it even more enjoyable.

Conclusion

This homemade Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich brings that bold restaurant flavor straight to your kitchen. I love how easy it is and how satisfying each bite feels.

With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!

Happy Cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You will also like the Zaxby’s Grilled Chicken Recipe.