Craving Zaxby’s? Master the Ultimate Copycat Zaxby’s Chicken & Hot Honey Mustard Sauce at Home
There’s an undeniable allure to Zaxby’s chicken fingers and their famous buffalo wings. The perfect blend of crispy texture, juicy chicken, and those iconic wing flavors and sauces makes them a go-to for countless fans. If you’ve ever craved that specific Zaxby’s taste right in your own kitchen, you’re in for a treat! This homemade fried chicken recipe is designed to be a spot-on copycat, particularly for their beloved boneless wings, generously coated in a decadent, homemade hot honey mustard sauce that will have you convinced it came straight from the restaurant.
Whether you’re planning a casual dinner, a game-day feast, or just satisfying a craving, this Zaxby’s copycat recipe brings the restaurant experience directly to your table. Imagine succulent, perfectly fried chicken, each piece lovingly coated in a sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy hot honey mustard sauce. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming simple ingredients into a truly unforgettable dish.
Beyond being delicious on its own, this versatile chicken can be the star of many other dishes. Easily transform your hand-breaded chicken into a vibrant Buffalo Chicken Salad for a lighter meal, or craft a Restaurant-Quality Chicken Sandwich for lunch or dinner that rivals your favorite fast-food joints. And if you’re a connoisseur of excellent chicken sauces, be sure to explore other popular options like this Chick-fil-A Sauce or Subway Southwest Chipotle Sauce.
Watch How to Make Zaxby’s Chicken at Home:
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers or Wings? Making the Best Choice for Your Homemade Meal
Zaxby’s has built its reputation on fantastic chicken, offering both traditional bone-in wings and their ever-popular boneless wings and chicken fingers. Each variety serves as a perfect canvas for Zaxby’s signature sauces. For this particular copycat Zaxby’s recipe, we’re focusing on the boneless wing style, specifically drenching them in a rich honey mustard wing sauce. Why boneless? They offer a less messy eating experience compared to bone-in chicken, making them ideal for family meals or a quick bite. Plus, their versatility is unmatched—easily enjoyed with a fork, transformed into a delicious sandwich, or served as an appetizer.
This fried chicken recipe yields irresistibly tender and crispy results, thanks to a few key techniques. The bite-sized boneless chicken pieces are first tenderized in a quick baking soda marinade, which breaks down the proteins and ensures a supremely tender interior. Following this, each piece is hand-breaded with a perfectly seasoned coating, creating that satisfying crunch you expect from the best homemade fried chicken. The breading technique used here was adapted from my highly acclaimed Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe, which many consider the gold standard for fried chicken. For those eager to explore more delicious fried chicken options, be sure to check out my Country Fried Chicken with Gravy (99 Copycat), Crispy Chicken Tenders, Boneless Chicken Wings, and Easy Orange Chicken Recipe.
Achieving Zaxby’s Boneless Wings with Our Signature Honey Mustard Sauce
After successfully mastering the Popeyes Chicken Sandwich copycat, I’ve been committed to this particular fried chicken recipe. Its ability to consistently produce restaurant-quality fried chicken with an impeccable, golden-brown crust is truly remarkable. This foundation allowed me to simplify and perfect the Zaxby’s Chicken Copycat recipe. Through rigorous side-by-side comparisons with the real deal, I’m proud to say that my taste testers, including some avid Zaxby’s enthusiasts, declared the homemade version to be even better!
The secret lies not only in the perfectly cooked chicken but also in the outstanding sauce. This recipe captures the essence of Zaxby’s with a focus on ease and authentic flavor, ensuring that you don’t need to be a professional chef to recreate this fast-food favorite at home. The combination of crispy chicken and the iconic sauce creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that is truly addictive.
Crafting the Perfect Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
Honey Mustard Sauce vs. Hot Honey Mustard Sauce: What’s the Difference?
The primary distinction between a classic honey mustard sauce and its “hot” counterpart lies in one crucial ingredient: cayenne pepper. While regular honey mustard typically boasts a brighter yellow hue and a purely sweet and tangy profile, the addition of cayenne pepper gives the hot honey mustard sauce an extra layer of warmth and a subtle kick. This isn’t an overwhelming heat, but rather a gentle spice that enhances the overall flavor without dominating it. It’s often rated on the “wimpy” side of Zaxby’s signature sauces, making it enjoyable for most palates.
For the complete story behind my Copycat Zaxby’s Honey Mustard Sauce and how it was meticulously developed, I encourage you to read my dedicated post. It’s been consistently praised by my taste-testers, including a true Zaxby’s connoisseur, for being an incredibly accurate rendition. This versatile honey mustard sauce recipe isn’t just for chicken; it excels as a dipping sauce for French Fries, a delectable chicken wing sauce, or even a flavorful salad dressing. Did you know Zaxby’s actually sells their signature sauces for a nominal fee of $.25 apiece? Now you can make a large batch at home for a fraction of the cost, whenever the craving strikes!
Frequently Asked Questions About Zaxby’s Chicken & Honey Mustard Sauce
Does Zaxby’s Sell Their Sauce?
Yes, all of Zaxby’s signature sauces and dressings are available for purchase at their restaurants for twenty-five cents apiece. Additionally, depending on your order from the Zaxby’s menu, certain sauces, like the popular Zax Sauce, may come complimentary with your meal.
What’s in Zaxby’s Honey Mustard Sauce?
This easy homemade honey mustard sauce, designed to perfectly mimic Zaxby’s, requires just four simple pantry ingredients! My carefully crafted homemade honey mustard sauce recipe combines creamy ranch dressing, classic prepared yellow mustard, sweet clover honey, and a hint of cayenne pepper for the “hot” version.
Zaxby’s Boneless Wings Ingredients:
While Zaxby’s nutrition and allergen guide may vary or no longer be readily available, their boneless wings in hot honey mustard sauce typically contain ingredients such as chicken, a breading that includes wheat, and eggs. For our homemade Zaxby’s Hot Honey Mustard Sauce, you’ll need:
- Ranch Dressing: For the most authentic flavor, I recommend using a quality bottled ranch dressing, such as Hidden Valley.
- Prepared Yellow Mustard: It’s crucial to use original yellow mustard, not the spicier or tangier Dijon variety, to achieve the classic Zaxby’s taste.
- Honey: Opt for a mild-flavored clover honey to ensure it complements the other ingredients without overpowering them.
- Cayenne Pepper: This is what gives the “hot” version its characteristic warmth. Despite being a spicy ingredient, it adds just the right amount of kick without making the honey mustard sauce overly hot.
How To Make Zaxby’s Honey Mustard Sauce?
To create a Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce that truly captures the flavor of Zaxby’s, the process is incredibly simple. You just need to whisk together all the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, consistent sauce. This versatile honey mustard dipping sauce can then be served in various ways: as a flavorful chicken sauce drizzled over crispy fried chicken (functioning as a perfect wing sauce), or as a delightful salad dressing. It’s also a guaranteed hit with kids, who adore a chicken tender meal served with this sweet and tangy dipping sauce!
- First, precisely measure the ranch dressing into a 2-cup measuring cup.
- Next, add the honey, prepared yellow mustard, and cayenne pepper to the cup.
- Using a small whisk, thoroughly combine all the ingredients until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.
- If you plan to use it as a salad dressing, pour the sauce into a squeezable bottle for easy application. For use as a wing sauce, simply pour it over your freshly fried chicken, or transfer it to a serving bowl for dipping.
Zaxby’s Wing Flavors
Zaxby’s wings and chicken offerings are renowned for their incredible variety of signature sauces. These sauces are perfect for dressing up fried chicken tenders, boneless wings, or traditional bone-in wings. Here is a comprehensive list of Zaxby’s popular wing sauce flavors:
- Zax Sauce: The iconic original, creamy and tangy.
- Spicy Zax Sauce: A fiery twist on the classic.
- Ranch: A creamy, herby favorite.
- Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, a timeless classic.
- Marinara: A savory, tomato-based option.
- Wimpy: A mild, flavorful buffalo-style sauce.
- Tongue Torch: A step up in heat for those who like it spicier.
- Nuclear: For the truly adventurous, a hot and intense flavor.
- Insane: The ultimate heat challenge.
- Original: A classic, savory flavor.
- Sweet and Spicy: A delightful balance of heat and sweetness.
- Teriyaki: A savory, slightly sweet Asian-inspired glaze.
- BBQ: A smoky, robust barbecue flavor.
- Extra Dressing: Beyond the main sauces, Zaxby’s also offers various dressings like Lite Vinaigrette, Lite Ranch, Caesar, Mediterranean, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Blue Cheese, and 1000 Island.
Tip: Elevate your next family dinner or lunch by recreating one of these sauces alongside your homemade chicken sandwich, chicken fingers plate, or salad!
How To Store Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce?
This homemade honey mustard sauce is not only delicious but also convenient to store. When kept in an airtight container or a squeezable bottle, it can maintain its freshness and flavor for up to 3 months in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or having on hand whenever you need a quick flavor boost.
What To Serve With Zaxby’s Boneless Wings?
Zaxby’s boneless wings are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, whether you opt for Ranch Dressing or a homemade Honey Mustard Sauce. To complete your meal, here’s a list of classic and creative accompaniments for fried chicken:
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp celery sticks and crunchy raw veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Breads: Serve with a warm dinner roll, a thick slice of Texas toast, or a fluffy biscuit for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
- Additional Dipping Sauces: Expand your dipping options with a Copycat Chick-fil-A Sauce, or classic Ketchup.
- Fries: No chicken meal is complete without a generous serving of crispy French fries!
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy Summer Slaw provides a cool and refreshing bite.
Tips for Making and Serving Your Zaxby’s Copycat Chicken:
- **Create a Zaxby’s-style chicken sandwich:** Elevate your meal by placing your freshly fried chicken pieces onto a toasted bun or a thick slice of Texas toast. Add pickles, a drizzle of extra sauce, and perhaps some crisp lettuce for a truly satisfying sandwich experience.
- **Kid-Friendly Serving:** For younger eaters, arrange chicken fingers on a platter and provide separate bowls of various dipping sauces. This allows kids to choose their favorite flavors and makes mealtime more interactive and fun.
- **Pair with a refreshing side:** Serve your delicious chicken alongside a light and tangy Slaw. The coolness and crunch of the slaw perfectly complement the richness of the fried chicken.
- **Craft a full Zaxby’s boneless wings meal:** Recreate the restaurant experience by serving your homemade boneless wings with classic sides like crispy fries and a hearty slice of Texas toast.
- **Perfectly coat your chicken:** For maximum flavor, generously toss your freshly fried chicken pieces in this homemade Zaxby’s Honey Mustard Sauce while they are still warm, ensuring every bite is coated in that delicious, tangy goodness.
More Restaurant-Quality Fried Chicken Recipes to Explore:
- Country Fried Chicken with Gravy (99 Copycat): A hearty, comforting classic just like you’d find at a diner.
- Popeyes Chicken Sandwich (Copycat Recipe): Recreate the viral sensation with this spot-on homemade version.
- Alice Springs Chicken (Outback Copycat): A cheesy, bacon-filled chicken dish inspired by Outback Steakhouse.
- Boneless Chicken Wings: A fundamental recipe for perfectly crispy, tender boneless wings ready for any sauce.
Delicious Sauces to Enhance Your Meals:
- Chick-fil-A Sauce: A unique blend of honey mustard and smoky BBQ flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: A homemade version of the creamy, garlic-infused favorite.
- Canned Marinara Sauce: A robust, tomato-based sauce perfect for dipping or Italian dishes.
- Subway Chipotle Southwest Sauce: Add a spicy, creamy kick to your sandwiches and wraps.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: The essential Zaxby’s copycat sauce, ready to elevate any chicken dish.
Helpful Tools To Make This Honey Mustard Sauce:
- Wire Whisk: Essential for smoothly combining your sauce ingredients.
- 2-Cup Measuring Cup: Perfect for accurately measuring your liquid ingredients.
- Measuring Spoons: For precise measurement of spices and smaller quantities.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining the breading and wet batter mixtures efficiently.
- Heavy Dutch Oven Pot: Excellent for maintaining consistent oil temperature during frying, ensuring evenly cooked chicken.
- Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing fried chicken from hot oil.
- Frying Oil: Choose a high-smoke-point oil for best frying results.
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Pin Recipe
Copycat Zaxby’s Chicken with Hot Honey Mustard Sauce
Equipment
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Dutch Oven or Large Deep Pot
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Sheet Pan and Cooling Rack
Ingredients
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3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch strips or chunks for boneless wings)
Dry Breading Mixture:
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3 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
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1 Tbsp seasoned salt (such as Lawry’s)
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1 Tbsp kosher salt
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1 tsp Adobo seasoning
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1 Tbsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp onion powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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2 Tbsp granulated sugar
Wet Batter:
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4 large eggs
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/4 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1/2 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
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Frying oil (enough for 2-inches deep in your pot)
Instructions
Preparation & Frying:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the wet batter until smooth. Set aside.
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In a large, shallow bowl or dish, combine all the dry breading ingredients, whisking well to ensure they are thoroughly mixed.
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Working in batches, dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the chicken to the dry breading mixture, pressing the coating firmly into the meat to ensure it’s fully covered. Shake off any excess flour.
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Heat 2 inches of frying oil in a heavy Dutch oven or large deep pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Once cooked, remove the fried chicken pieces with a slotted spoon and place them onto a sheet pan lined with a cooling rack to drain excess oil. Keep warm in an oven set to a low temperature (around 200°F / 95°C) while you fry the remaining chicken.
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Once all chicken is fried, toss the warm pieces generously in your homemade Zaxby’s Honey Mustard Sauce. Serve immediately with crunchy celery sticks or your favorite sides.
Recipe Notes
For an extra layer of flavor and a slight peppery bite, I personally like to add 2 teaspoons of white pepper and 1 teaspoon of black pepper to the dry breading mixture.