• Cooking is an art, and every masterpiece starts with a clear plan. Here’s how to make Zaxby’s chicken fingers at home.

Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace

• Set up your kitchen for a smooth cooking experience. Gather all your ingredients and tools, including two shallow bowls for the egg and flour mixture, and a plate for the breadcrumb coating. A frying pan or deep fryer is essential for the next steps.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• In a bowl, soak the chicken tenderloins in cultured buttermilk. This not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the meat. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better!

Step 3: Set Up the Breading Station

• In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, garlic powder, Italian herbs, and cracked black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are frothy.

Step 4: Create the Crunch

• To make your crispy coating, mix the panko breadcrumbs and crushed cornflakes on a plate, adding in the grated Parmesan. You want every piece of chicken to be blanketed in this flavorful crunch.

Step 5: Bread the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the buttermilk. Dip each tenderloin into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mix. Make sure each piece is fully coated.

Step 6: Fry the Chicken

• Heat oil in your frying pan over medium-high heat. Place the breaded chicken fingers in the hot oil. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

• Carefully transfer the chicken fingers to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot, accompanied by your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!