Zaxby's Macros: Complete Nutrition Guide for Chicken Fingerz & Wings
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Torres, PhD
Zaxby’s built its name on bold flavors and Southern-fried chicken. For macro counters, that means high-protein options—if you order smart. With chicken fingerz, wings, salads, and customizable meals, Zaxby’s can fit virtually any diet when you know the numbers.
This complete guide breaks down every Zaxby’s menu item’s macros, the best orders for cutting and bulking, and smart strategies to hit your protein goals without blowing your calorie budget.
Why Zaxby’s Works (and Doesn’t) for Macro Tracking
Pros:
- High-protein options – Wings and chicken fingerz deliver solid protein
- Grilled alternatives – Lower-calorie chicken available
- Zalads (salads) – Customizable, macro-friendly options
- Transparent nutrition – Full information available online
- Portion control – 3pc, 5pc, 10pc options let you control intake
Cons:
- Fried = high calorie – Most items are breaded and fried
- Sides are calorie-dense – Fries, toast, and coleslaw add 200-400 calories
- Sauces add up – Some sauces pack 200+ calories per serving
- Limited lean options – Grilled chicken is available but not heavily promoted
Zaxby’s Chicken Fingerz Macros
| Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Chicken Finger | 140 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
| 3 Chicken Fingerz | 420 | 21 | 24 | 27 |
| 4 Chicken Fingerz | 560 | 28 | 32 | 36 |
| 5 Chicken Fingerz | 700 | 35 | 40 | 45 |
| 6 Chicken Fingerz | 840 | 42 | 48 | 54 |
| Chicken Finger Sandwich | 680 | 31 | 60 | 34 |
Best for cutting: 3 Chicken Fingerz (420 cal, 21g protein) with side salad instead of fries Best protein: 6 Chicken Fingerz deliver 42g protein but cost 840 calories
Zaxby’s Wings Macros
| Wings | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Wing (1 pc) | 90 | 11 | 1 | 5 |
| Boneless Wing (1 pc) | 90 | 7 | 7 | 5 |
| 5 Traditional Wings | 450 | 55 | 5 | 25 |
| 10 Traditional Wings | 900 | 110 | 10 | 50 |
| 5 Boneless Wings | 450 | 35 | 35 | 25 |
| 10 Boneless Wings | 900 | 70 | 70 | 50 |
Protein king: Traditional wings are insane—11g protein per wing, 110g protein for a 10-piece Watch out: 10 traditional wings have 900 calories and 50g fat. Split them or plan accordingly.
Zaxby’s Sandwiches & Meals
| Sandwich/Meal | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 480 | 39 | 46 | 16 |
| Fried Chicken Sandwich | 680 | 31 | 60 | 34 |
| Cajun Club Sandwich | 810 | 42 | 61 | 43 |
| Big Zax Snak Meal (3 fingerz, fries, toast, sauce) | 1,000 | 33 | 85 | 58 |
| Chicken Finger Plate (4 fingerz, fries, toast, slaw) | 1,340 | 39 | 122 | 74 |
Best sandwich: Grilled Chicken Sandwich (480 cal, 39g protein, 16g fat) Watch out: The Chicken Finger Plate has 1,340 calories—more than many people’s entire daily budget
Zaxby’s Zalads (Salads)
| Zalad | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| House Zalad (no dressing) | 200 | 17 | 11 | 10 |
| Caesar Zalad (no dressing) | 350 | 28 | 14 | 20 |
| Grilled Chicken Zalad (lite vinaigrette) | 390 | 42 | 26 | 13 |
| Fried Chicken Zalad (no dressing) | 650 | 38 | 31 | 38 |
| Cobb Zalad (no dressing) | 740 | 45 | 16 | 53 |
Best zalad: Grilled Chicken Zalad with lite vinaigrette (390 cal, 42g protein)—elite macro profile Watch out: Fried Chicken Zalad has 650 calories before dressing; Cobb Zalad has 740 calories with 53g fat
Zaxby’s Sides Macros
| Side | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crinkle Fries (Regular) | 360 | 4 | 47 | 17 |
| Texas Toast (1 piece) | 150 | 3 | 19 | 7 |
| Coleslaw | 240 | 2 | 17 | 18 |
| Fried White Cheddar Bites (5pc) | 340 | 12 | 21 | 23 |
| Side Salad | 70 | 4 | 8 | 3 |
| Celery (with ranch) | 200 | 1 | 5 | 19 |
Best low-cal side: Side Salad (70 cal) High-calorie traps: Fries (360 cal), Coleslaw (240 cal), Cheddar Bites (340 cal)
Zaxby’s Sauces & Dressings
| Sauce/Dressing | Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zax Sauce | 210 | 1 | 3 | 22 |
| Tongue Torch (hot) | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Wimpy (mild) | 35 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Nuclear (extra hot) | 10 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| BBQ Sauce | 60 | 0 | 15 | 0 |
| Hot Honey Mustard | 60 | 0 | 11 | 2 |
| Ranch Dressing | 160 | 1 | 2 | 17 |
| Lite Vinaigrette | 35 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
| Caesar Dressing | 160 | 1 | 2 | 17 |
Macro-friendly sauces: Tongue Torch (5 cal), Nuclear (10 cal), Wimpy (35 cal) Watch out: Zax Sauce (210 cal) and Ranch (160 cal) can double your meal’s fat content
Best Zaxby’s Orders by Goal
For Fat Loss (High Protein, Low Calorie)
The Grilled Zalad
- Grilled Chicken Zalad
- Lite vinaigrette (on the side, use half)
- Water
Macros: 390 calories | 42g protein | 26g carbs | 13g fat
This is one of the best fast-food macro meals period. 42g protein for under 400 calories is elite.
The Lean Fingerz
- 3 Chicken Fingerz (no meal—just fingerz)
- Side Salad (no dressing)
- Wimpy sauce for dipping
Macros: 525 calories | 25g protein | 40g carbs | 30g fat
Controlled portion, solid protein, manageable calories.
For Muscle Building (High Protein, High Carbs)
The Wing King
- 10 Traditional Wings
- Crinkle Fries (regular)
- Celery (no ranch)
- Tongue Torch sauce
Macros: 1,270 calories | 115g protein | 62g carbs | 70g fat
Insane protein (110g from wings alone). High-calorie, but perfect for post-workout or bulking.
The Fingerz Plate
- 6 Chicken Fingerz
- Crinkle Fries
- Texas Toast
- Zax Sauce
Macros: 1,560 calories | 50g protein | 124g carbs | 93g fat
High-calorie bulk meal. 50g protein, plenty of carbs, great for gaining.
For Low-Carb
The Naked Wings
- 10 Traditional Wings (no breading—order “naked” if available)
- Side Salad
- Ranch on the side (use sparingly)
- Tongue Torch sauce
Macros: ~720 calories | 114g protein | 18g carbs | 55g fat
Traditional wings are already relatively low-carb (1g per wing). Skip fries and toast to stay under 20g carbs.
The Grilled & Simple
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun)
- Side Salad
- Lite vinaigrette
Macros: ~300 calories | 43g protein | 15g carbs | 16g fat
Ask for the grilled chicken breast served over salad instead of in a bun. Ultra-lean, low-carb.
For Balanced Macros (Maintenance)
The Classic Combo
- 4 Chicken Fingerz
- Crinkle Fries (regular)
- Side Salad (no dressing)
- Wimpy sauce
Macros: 990 calories | 36g protein | 87g carbs | 56g fat
Balanced meal that fits most daily budgets. Solid protein, moderate carbs and fats.
Zaxby’s Ordering Hacks
1. Order Grilled Whenever Possible
Grilled chicken cuts calories by 200-300 compared to fried. The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is 480 calories vs. 680 for fried. Grilled Zalad is 390 calories vs. 650 for fried.
2. Skip the Meal Combos
Combos automatically add fries, toast, and coleslaw (600-800 extra calories). Order à la carte and choose your sides strategically.
3. Use Low-Calorie Sauces
Tongue Torch (5 cal), Nuclear (10 cal), and Wimpy (35 cal) add flavor without calories. Skip Zax Sauce (210 cal) and Ranch (160 cal) on a cut.
4. Substitute Side Salad for Fries
Most locations will swap fries for a side salad. You save 290 calories (360 cal fries vs. 70 cal salad).
5. Ask for Dressing on the Side
Control how much you use. Most people over-pour when dressing comes pre-applied.
6. Order Traditional Wings Over Boneless
Traditional wings have more protein per calorie (11g vs. 7g per 90 calories) and fewer carbs (1g vs. 7g).
7. Share High-Calorie Meals
The 10-piece wings or Chicken Finger Plate have 900-1,340 calories. Split with a friend or save half for later.
Common Zaxby’s Macro Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming Chicken = Healthy = Low Calorie
Fried chicken is calorie-dense. A single chicken finger has 140 calories, and 6 fingerz is 840 calories before sides, toast, or sauce.
Mistake 2: Overloading on Zax Sauce
Zax Sauce is delicious but has 210 calories and 22g fat per serving. One serving can add 20-25% more calories to your meal.
Mistake 3: Ordering Full Meals Without Checking Macros
The Big Zax Snak Meal (1,000 cal) and Chicken Finger Plate (1,340 cal) often exceed entire daily calorie budgets for people cutting.
Mistake 4: Forgetting About Texas Toast
Each piece of toast is 150 calories. Combo meals often include 1-2 pieces. That’s 150-300 calories you might not even realize you’re eating.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Grilled Options
Zaxby’s grilled chicken is legitimately good. The Grilled Chicken Zalad (390 cal, 42g protein) is one of the best macro meals in fast food.
How to Order Zaxby’s for Your Calorie Budget
| Daily Calories | Recommended Order |
|---|---|
| 1,200-1,400 | Grilled Chicken Zalad (lite vinaigrette) |
| 1,500-1,800 | 3 Chicken Fingerz + Side Salad |
| 1,800-2,200 | 5 Chicken Fingerz + Fries |
| 2,200-2,800 | 10 Traditional Wings + Fries |
| 2,800+ | Chicken Finger Plate or two meals |
Macros for Weight Loss to calculate your targets.
Zaxby’s vs. Other Chicken Chains
| Chain | Best Protein Option | Protein | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zaxby’s | 10 Traditional Wings | 110g | 900 |
| Chick-fil-A | Grilled Nuggets (12pc) | 38g | 200 |
| Wingstop | 10 Classic Wings | 100g | 810 |
| Popeyes | 3pc Chicken Tenders | 27g | 445 |
Verdict: Zaxby’s traditional wings deliver insane protein (110g for 10pc), but Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets have the best protein-to-calorie ratio. Zaxby’s is great for bulking; Chick-fil-A is better for cutting.
Building Your Perfect Zaxby’s Order
Here’s the framework:
Step 1: Choose Your Protein
- Cutting: Grilled Chicken (39g protein, 480 cal sandwich)
- Bulking: Traditional Wings (110g protein for 10pc)
- Balanced: Chicken Fingerz (28-42g protein for 4-6pc)
Step 2: Pick Your Sides
- Low-cal: Side Salad (70 cal)
- Moderate: Crinkle Fries (360 cal)
- Skip: Toast (150 cal), Coleslaw (240 cal)
Step 3: Choose Sauces Wisely
- Cutting: Tongue Torch (5 cal), Wimpy (35 cal)
- Maintaining: BBQ (60 cal), Hot Honey Mustard (60 cal)
- Avoid on a cut: Zax Sauce (210 cal), Ranch (160 cal)
Step 4: Skip or Control Add-Ons
- Skip: Texas Toast, fried white cheddar bites
- Keep: Celery (without ranch)
Step 5: Track Your Order
Use Zaxby’s online nutrition calculator or MyFitnessPal to verify exact macros.
Check our How to Track Macros guide for best practices.
The Bottom Line
Zaxby’s can work for macro tracking, but you need to be strategic. Fried chicken is calorie-dense, sides add up fast, and sauces can double your fat intake. But with grilled options, traditional wings, and zalads, you can hit your protein goals without destroying your calorie budget.
Key takeaways:
- Traditional wings are protein kings (11g per wing, 110g for 10pc)
- Grilled Chicken Zalad is 390 calories with 42g protein—elite ratio
- Zax Sauce (210 cal) and Ranch (160 cal) add massive calories
- Substitute side salad for fries to save 290 calories
- Order à la carte to control portions
Use this guide every time you visit Zaxby’s. Screenshot the tables. Know your go-to orders. Never guess your macros again.
Ready to fit Zaxby’s into your plan? Use our free Macro Calculator to calculate your daily targets.
Related Guides:
- What Are Macronutrients? — Macro basics
- Eating Out on Macros — Restaurant strategies
- How to Track Your Macros — Daily tracking
More Restaurant Guides:
- Chick-fil-A Macros — Grilled chicken guide
- Buffalo Wild Wings Macros — Wing nutrition
- All Restaurant Guides — Full directory
Note: Menu items and nutrition info may vary by location. Verify with the restaurant for current data.


