Are you craving those delicious Zaxby’s chicken fingers but worried about your calorie intake? I’ve been there too! As someone who loves Zaxby’s but also tries to keep track of my nutrition, I wanted to share everything I’ve learned about the calories in Zaxby’s chicken fingers without sauce
Quick Answer: How Many Calories in Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers?
According to the latest nutritional information from CalorieKing, one piece of Zaxby’s chicken finger without sauce (16 oz) contains 97 calories
Let’s break down what that means for different serving sizes
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1 piece (1.6 oz) | 97 calories |
| 4 pieces | 388 calories |
| 5 pieces | 485 calories |
| 6 pieces | 582 calories |
Nutritional Breakdown of Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers
Each chicken finger (1 piece at 1.6 oz) contains:
- Total Fat: 4.4g (7% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 0.6g (3% DV)
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg (10% DV)
- Sodium: 410mg (17% DV)
- Total Carbohydrate: 4.4g (1% DV)
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2g (1% DV)
- Sugars: 0.1g
- Protein: 9.9g
What’s interesting is that each chicken finger provides a good amount of protein (9.9g) while being relatively moderate in calories and fat. This makes them a pretty decent protein source if you’re watching your diet.
How Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers Compare to Other Menu Items
According to Zaxby’s 2023 nutrition guide, chicken fingers are one of the more moderate calorie items on their menu. For comparison:
- 1 Chicken Finger (no sauce): 80 calories
- Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich Only: 690 calories
- Chicken Finger Plate (5): 1190 calories
- Boneless Wings (5 pieces, no sauce): 390 calories
Wait, did you notice the discrepancy? CalorieKing lists a chicken finger at 97 calories, while Zaxby’s own guide shows 80 calories per finger. This slight difference could be due to:
- Changes in preparation methods since 2023
- Different serving size calculations
- Rounding differences in nutritional calculations
Either way, we’re looking at approximately 80-97 calories per chicken finger without sauce.
Burning Off Those Chicken Finger Calories
According to CalorieKing, to burn off the 97 calories in one Zaxby’s chicken finger without sauce, you would need to do:
- Swimming: 8 minutes
- Jogging: 11 minutes
- Cycling: 15 minutes
- Walking: 27 minutes
These estimates are based on a 35-year-old female who is 5’7″ tall and weighs 144 lbs.
The Sauce Factor: How Sauces Add Calories
While we’re focusing on chicken fingers without sauce, it’s worth noting how adding sauces can impact your calorie intake:
- Zax Sauce: 150 calories per serving
- Ranch Sauce: 150 calories per serving
- Honey Mustard: 130 calories per serving
- Spicy Zax Sauce: 170 calories per serving
That means if you dip your 5-piece chicken fingers order in Zax Sauce, you’re adding 150 calories to your meal, bringing the total to approximately 635 calories!
Are Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers a Healthy Choice?
This is where I gotta be honest with ya. While Zaxby’s chicken fingers aren’t the worst fast food option out there, they aren’t exactly a health food either.
The good things:
- High in protein
- Moderate in calories per piece
- 0g trans fat
The not-so-good things:
- High in sodium (410mg per piece)
- Fried food
- Limited fiber content
If you’re trying to make Zaxby’s chicken fingers a healthier option:
- Skip the sauce or ask for it on the side
- Pair with a side salad instead of fries
- Drink water instead of soda
- Limit your portion to 3-4 pieces
Making Better Choices at Zaxby’s
If you’re watching your calories at Zaxby’s, consider these alternatives:
- The Grilled House Zalad: 560 calories
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich Only: 470 calories
Both options provide more fiber and nutrients while keeping calories in check compared to a large order of chicken fingers with sauce.
My Personal Experience with Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers
I love Zaxby’s chicken fingers, but I’ve learned to enjoy them in moderation. My go-to order is usually 3 chicken fingers with a side salad, and I ask for the sauce on the side so I can control how much I use.
This way, I’m getting the flavors I crave without going overboard on calories. And honestly, sometimes the chicken is so good, I don’t even need the sauce!
Allergen Information
For those with food sensitivities, it’s important to note that Zaxby’s chicken fingers contain:
- Wheat
- Soy
- Egg
They do not contain:
- Milk
- Peanuts
- Tree nuts
- Shellfish
- Fish
However, Zaxby’s menu items are prepared on shared equipment in a shared facility with items that may contain allergens, so cross-contamination is possible.
At approximately 97 calories per piece without sauce, Zaxby’s chicken fingers can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The key is being mindful of:
- Your portion size (how many pieces you eat)
- What sides you choose
- Whether you add sauce (and how much)
- How often you indulge
Remember, no single food is going to make or break your diet. It’s the overall pattern that matters most. So if you really want those Zaxby’s chicken fingers, go ahead and enjoy them! Just maybe balance it out with some extra veggies at your next meal.
Do you have a favorite way to enjoy Zaxby’s chicken fingers while keeping calories in check? I’d love to hear your tips!
FAQs About Zaxby’s Chicken Fingers Calories
Q: How many calories are in a 5-piece Zaxby’s chicken finger meal with fries?
A: A 5-piece chicken finger plate contains approximately 1190 calories, according to Zaxby’s nutrition guide.
Q: Are Zaxby’s chicken fingers gluten-free?
A: No, Zaxby’s chicken fingers contain wheat and are not gluten-free.
Q: How many carbs are in Zaxby’s chicken fingers?
A: Each chicken finger contains approximately 4.4g of carbohydrates.
Q: How much protein is in Zaxby’s chicken fingers?
A: Each chicken finger provides about 9.9g of protein.
Q: Are Zaxby’s chicken fingers keto-friendly?
A: With 4.4g of carbs per piece, Zaxby’s chicken fingers could potentially fit into a keto diet in limited quantities, but they aren’t ideal due to the breading.
Q: How many calories are in Zaxby’s buffalo chicken fingers?
A: According to Zaxby’s nutrition guide, buffalo chicken fingers contain slightly more calories than regular chicken fingers, with approximately 90 calories per piece without additional dipping sauce.
Remember, making informed choices is what matters most when enjoying your favorite foods!
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