Decoding the Carbohydrates in Zaxby’s Addictive Chicken Tenders

It’s no secret that Zaxby’s chicken tenders are some of the best fast food in the South. They are hard to say no to because of their famous breading and variety of dipping sauces. But for people who are watching how many carbs they eat, knowing the nutrition facts is very important.

In this article, we’ll uncover the carb content in Zaxby’s chicken tenders Whether you’re on a low-carb diet like keto or simply want to make informed menu choices, use this intel as your guide

Getting to Know Zaxby’s Chicken Tenders

First, let’s cover the basics. Zaxby’s chicken tenders feature white meat chicken fillets coated in a seasoned breading and fried. They are available bone-in or boneless. The boneless tenders contain a higher percentage of meat.

Tenders are available à la carte or as part of a meal with crinkle fries and Texas toast. They can also be ordered tossed in one of Zaxby’s iconic sauces ranging from Tongue Torch to Sweet & Spicy.

Now let’s look at the numbers and find out how many carbs are in these tasty tenders.

Carb Content of Zaxby’s Chicken Tenders

According to Zaxby’s nutrition information, a single chicken tender contains approximately:

• 9 grams of total carbohydrates
• 4 grams of protein
• 12 grams of fat
• 0 grams of fiber

This nutritional data is based on average 3.2 oz tenders. The carb count may vary slightly depending on the exact size of the tenders.

Here’s how this carb count compares to other order sizes to give you an idea:

• 3-Piece Chicken Fingerz Meal: Estimated 40-50 grams of carbs total
• 5-Piece Chicken Fingerz Meal: Estimated 60-75 grams of carbs total
• Chicken Fingerz Plate: With larger portions, can exceed 80-90 grams of carbs total

After adding up the starchy sides and carb-heavy dipping sauces, you can see that the carb count goes up pretty quickly.

How Zaxby’s Tenders Compare to Other Chains

Comparing Zaxby’s tenders to similar menu items from other popular chains can provide helpful context.

Here’s how they stack up:

• Chick-fil-A Chicken Nuggets: 8 grams of carbs per 4 piece serving
• Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers: 7 grams of carbs per finger
• KFC Extra Crispy Chicken Tenders: 20 grams of carbs for 3 tenders

While the numbers vary slightly, Zaxby’s carb count lands squarely in the same range as these top competitors. Portion sizes and exact breading recipes account for small differences.

Tips to Fit Zaxby’s Tenders Into a Low-Carb Lifestyle

If you love Zaxby’s signature tenders but want to keep carbs in check, these tips can help:

• Opt for grilled chicken instead of breaded tenders to significantly reduce carbs
• Choose lower-carb sides like coleslaw or side salad instead of fries and toast
• Use Zax sauces sparingly or ask for tenders without sauce
• Order smaller tender portions or share a meal
• Build you own meal with à la carte tenders and healthier sides

You don’t have to fully give up these craveable tenders. With smart menu modifications and portion control, enjoying Zaxby’s chicken tenders can absolutely fit into a lower-carb lifestyle.

Answering Common Questions on Zaxby’s Tenders Carb Count

To wrap up, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the carb content of Zaxby’s chicken tenders:

Are the carbs in Zaxby’s tenders considered good or bad carbs?

The carbs come mainly from the white flour breading, which are simple, refined carbs with minimal nutritional value.

Does the cooking method impact the carb count?

No, the frying method itself doesn’t alter the carb content. It’s the breading that affects the carb numbers.

Are there any gluten-free tenders options?

No, the regular tenders contain wheat flour so they are not gluten-free.

How many extra carbs does the Zax sauce add?

Around 2-5 grams of carbs per serving of Zax sauce, depending on exact portion size.

Can I order tenders without breading?

No, Zaxby’s doesn’t offer breading-free tenders. Opt for grilled chicken instead.

How accurate is the nutrition info shared by Zaxby’s?

While fairly accurate, there will always be slight variations in any fast food nutrition numbers.

What’s the healthiest way to eat Zaxby’s tenders on a low-carb diet?

Order grilled chicken, skip the toast and fries, choose diet soda or unsweetened tea, and limit high-carb sauces.

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to decoding the carb count in Zaxby’s craveworthy chicken tenders. With this intel, you can enjoy your favorites while still sticking to your lower-carb diet goals.