If you are a fan of the delicious chicken fingers from Zaxby’s, then you know that there has to be sauce with it. Being a former restaurant chef, I have taken upon myself to review and rank all of the best and worst Zaxby’s sauces for you. There are 18 tantalizing dipping sauces to think about (I included some dressings), so it can be quite overwhelming. But don’t worry because I am here to help guide your way through this flavorful world of Zaxby’s sauces.
No matter whether you love spiciness or tanginess or want something sweet but salty at the same time, I’ve got your back. Each sauce and dressing will receive my truthful and unbiased opinion based on its taste, texture, and overall enjoyment factor. Therefore, let’s get started as we go over the top best and worst zaxbys sauces in 2024.
The Top List of Zaxby’s Sauces
Zaxby’s chicken fingers and nuggets are known for being delicious, but their wide variety of Zaxby’s sauces adds an extra burst of flavor to every bite. With so many options available, it can be hard to decide on just one sauce. That’s why I have compiled this list based on taste and popularity, whether you are enjoing these Zaxby’s sauces for wings or for dipping with fries.
1. Zax Sauce
Sometimes referred to as “fry sauce” if you’re from Utah like me! Or at least their version!
Zax Sauce is a creamy tangy pepper flavored mayonnaise-type dipping sauce that was created specifically for chicken fingers but pairs well with other things too! It is made with mayonnaise & ketchup mixed together plus garlic powder Worcestershire white vinegar salt black pepper. This results in a flavorful rich dip perfect for fried chicken fries onion rings or even spreading on burgers sandwiches etcetera.
When I tried zax sauce – the first thing I noticed was its smoothness followed by the combination between sourness (coming from ketchup vinegar) & savory flavors at last coming from worcestershire garlic powder mixture then finishing off with slight kick of peppery taste buds satisfaction after swallowing mouthfuls these crispy goodies… yum! especially those crinkle cut potatoes they serve with!!!!
It’s also good as a salad dressing or sandwich spread at home too – I experimented once or twice 🙂 . It gives salads creamy tanginess along with some more flavor boost for sandwiches making them tastier than ever before; moreover, such dips can stay fresh longer in refrigerators without losing their original tastes thus enabling us use different recipes whenever need arises. This is my number one on my Zaxby’s sauces list.
2. Spicy Zax Sauce
Zaxby’s Sweet N’ Spicy Sauce was an instant winner for me. This sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and heat, which makes it a mouthwatering combination every time you take a bite. The honey gives off a natural sweetness while the red chili peppers add that needed zing, all brought together by hints of sesame oil that provide an umami dimension to this dip.
I love fry sauce… and I love heat! So when these two things were put together – it was like winner winner chicken dinner!
Once I dunked my chicken fingers into Zaxby’s Sweet N’ Spicy Sauce, I knew that there would be no turning back. It had such a comforting start with its initial sweet notes but just as you are about to get used to this feeling BAM here comes some spiciness for your taste buds! Also, let us not forget about the glaze-like texture which made everything even more delicious than ever before; therefore, do not limit yourself only with fries because trust me on this one – grilled chicken glazed with spicy zax sauce is something from heaven!
3. Ranch Sauce
Zaxby’s Ranch is a classic, cool, and creamy sauce that pairs well with almost everything on their menu. It’s made from a base of buttermilk, garlic, onion, herbs, and spices, creating a versatile sauce that’s perfect for dipping, spreading, and dressing.
I enjoyed Zaxby’s Ranch with their chicken wings and salads, finding it to be a refreshing complement to the spicy and savory flavors. The creamy texture and mild, herby flavor make it a crowd-pleaser and a safe choice for those who prefer a milder sauce. It’s also excellent for dipping fries and onion rings, adding a cool, smooth contrast to the crispy, salty bites
4. Honey Mustard
Honey mustard at Zaxby’s is a fair combination of sugary honey and biting mustard. It has both sweet and tangy taste thus making it a flexible choice that can be enjoyed with many dishes on the menu. The sweetness of the honey whereas zing comes from mustard hence forming a well-rounded flavor profile which is difficult to turn down.
When I tried the Honey Mustard with Zaxby’s chicken fingers, I enjoyed it but it’s not my favorite. I’d rather go for the Ranch which isn’t much less healthier!
5. Wimpy Sauce
Despite its name, Wimpy sauce is a gentle and tasty choice for people who like lighter flavors. This might be one of the mildest options at Zaxby’s which is good for children who can’t handle much heat! It has a smooth consistency with tangy undertones and a little kick of spice. So it is perfect to dip chicken fingers in or put on sandwiches.
The Wimpy Sauce was mild when I tasted it but had a nice tang that didn’t cover up the taste of the chicken. If you want something with less flavor this would work well for kids or anyone. My impression is it’s like a mild Buffalo sauce.
6. Tongue Torch Sauce
For those who like a medium level of spiciness, you can’t pass up Tongue Torch Sauce. This is one of the spicier sauces at Zaxby’s, but it’s got that kick offset by a tang and slight sweetness so it’s not just hot for heat’s sake—it’s actually delicious too! It doesn’t have nearly as much fire as their Nuclear options either which means people with lower heat tolerance can still enjoy some zest without blowing out their taste buds.
I first had Tongue Torch on boneless wings from Zaxby’s and I loved how the sauce stuck on the chicken so every bite was full of flavor. The heat was immediate in a mild way that didn’t overpower anything, and then there was this tangy freshness to it that made me want more and more. It’s like the sauce brings out what’s already there in terms of taste but also adds its own little punch.
But it wasn’t just fries—Tongue Torch worked wonders as a dipping sauce for them! And honestly? I think this could be great on sandwiches too.
7. Nuclear Sauce
The name Nuclear Sauce is well-deserved because it guarantees a burning sensation that will scare away the weak-hearted. This sauce is for people who love hot food with passion. It has cayenne, habanero and jalapeno peppers mixed together which makes it strong in taste thus being able to give a powerful heat kick while also maintaining its richness in flavor. Although it may be the hottest sauce on this menu, but not unbearable.
When I tasted the Nuclear Sauce, I loved how spicy it was. The spice hits at once and increases as one chews; nevertheless unlike many very hot sauces which are all about burning without any other taste, Nuclear Sauce provides both intense pepperiness and richness that goes hand in hand with spiciness. So if you want your tongue twisted but still enjoy well-rounded flavors then go for it!.
8. Hot Honey Mustard
Hot Honey Mustard is a spicier take on the classic honey mustard, with a bit of heat added to the sweet and tangy mix. This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice but still want the sweetness of honey and the tang of mustard.
I found the Hot Honey Mustard to be an exciting addition to Zaxby’s menu. The heat is noticeable but not overwhelming, making it a great option for those who like a bit of spice.
9. Sweet and Spicy
Zaxby’s Sweet and Spicy Sauce is made from sweet honey and hot chili peppers. The sauce strikes a perfect balance between the two tastes, which means it can be used with many dishes on their menu.
I loved this sauce because all the flavors were mixed together so well. First you get that initial sweet taste from the honey then bam! It hits you with some heat coming off those chilis; talk about having your tongue jumping around like frog legs – this stuff is wild! Try it on chicken wings or fingers as well as dipping fries in them too – yummers!!.
10. Teriyaki Sauce
The Teriyaki Sauce at Zaxby’s is an option that is sweet and sour with a taste of Asia. It contains soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic which gives it a rich umami flavor that goes well with chicken or vegetables.
I absolutely loved the teriyaki sauce on their wings! I also had it on grilled chicken once and it was amazing. It was so sweet from honey but then you could taste all these different flavors coming together like soy sauce and garlic making every bite super flavorful. This also works as a glaze for any grilled meats or veggies – adds so much Asian yum to any dish; my only complaint would be that it’s kind of salty..
11. BBQ Sauce
Zaxby’s BBQ Sauce is a very sweet sauce that is also smoky and has a bit of hickory to it. It’s a classic barbecue sauce that pairs perfectly with their chicken wings and fingers, hard to distinguish from other BBQ sauces . You know what I mean?
When I tried the BBQ Sauce with Zaxby’s chicken, I was impressed by its rich, smoky flavor. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy traditional barbecue flavors even if on the sweeter end. The sauce also works well as a dip for fries and onion rings, adding a smoky sweetness to each bite, if I had one complaint is it’s a little too sweet.
Zaxby’s Dressings
In addition to their sauces, Zaxby’s also has a variety of dressings for their salads. These dressings are designed to add the perfect touch of flavor that elevates your salad experience. Here are some popular Zaxby’s dressings:
12. Lite Vinaigrette
Lite Vinaigrette is a lighter dressing option available at Zaxby’s that is just perfect for their salads. It is made with vinegar, oil and spices which give it tangy yet light taste that suits people who want healthier choices.
To complement fresh vegetables and grilled chicken I had with my meal from Zaxby’s; I must say this vinaigrette was very refreshing as well as mild in nature..
13. Lite Ranch
Lite ranch has all the same creamy herb flavors as traditional ranch but without so many calories. This dressing will be great for people who want something lite but still loves ranch dressing.
When I tasted Lite Ranch, it amazed me how close they got to classic ranch flavor. It is smooth and cold with different herbs mixed together including spice
14. Caesar
Caesar dressing at Zaxby is very heavy on the cream, hence giving it such richness in texture and taste too. Obviously goes best on it’s name sake Caesar salad.
15. Mediterranean
Mediterranean dressing at Zaxby’s is a great option that combines herbs, vinegar, and olive oil to create a light, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for those looking to add a Mediterranean flair to their salads.
I enjoyed the Mediterranean dressing on Zaxby’s salads, finding it to be a refreshing and flavorful option. The blend of herbs and vinegar adds a nice tangy kick to the fresh vegetables, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a lighter, herby dressing
16. Blue Cheese
Zaxbys Blue Cheese dressing is creamy rich blue cheese flavored option for those who really love strong flavors. You can use it as a dip or have along with any other dish that requires sauces like wings.
The moment I tasted their Blue Cheese, I realized what they meant by saying “strong” – because indeed; its taste was overpowering but still deliciou . For me personally though when eating chicken strips; there’s no better way than slathering these babies in some zesty blue cheese .
17. 1000 Island
Zaxby’s 1000 Island dressing is a popular salad and sandwich sauce which is sour and has a creamy foundation. This can be used to add zest to salads and sandwiches as it combines sourness with creaminess.
According to my experience, Zaxby’s 1000 Island dressing is best when used on their salads. The smooth consistency combined with its tangy taste provides a cool refreshing contrast against their grilled chicken and fresh greens served there. It also makes for an interesting spread on sandwiches where it brings out different layers of flavors.
Zaxby’s Sauces Nutrition
While enjoying the delicious flavors of Zaxby’s sauces, it’s important to be mindful of their nutritional content.
Here is some nutrition information for the popular Zaxby’s sauces:
- Zax Sauce:
- Calories: 160
- Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Tomato Paste, Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Salt, Garlic, Natural Flavor
- Spicy Zax Sauce:
- Calories: 140
- Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Tomato Paste, Distilled Vinegar, Corn Syrup, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Salt, Garlic Powder, Chili Pepper, Natural Flavor, Xanthan Gum
- Ranch:
- Calories: 150
- Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Buttermilk, Distilled Vinegar, Egg Yolk, Sugar, Salt, Garlic, Onion, Mustard Flour, Natural Flavor
- Honey Mustard:
- Calories: 150
- Ingredients: Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Water, Sugar, Honey, Dijon Mustard, Egg Yolk, Salt, Mustard Flour, Natural Flavor
Conclusion
To summarize, Zaxby’s has a variety of tasty sauces and dressings to go with your chicken fingers or salads. Whether you like zesty and salty or sugary and hot there is a sauce for everyone.
Some of the most popular ones include Zax Sauce and Spicy Zax Sauce which are known for being flavorful as well as versatile! They give any dish that extra little punch that keeps people coming back for seconds!. As a proud Utahn I maybe a bit biased as they are basically the Utah staple of Fry Sauce! But these sauces add a perfect kick to your chicken and fries, leaving you wanting more.