If there’s one thing that makes a basket of crispy chicken and fries even better, it’s a generous cup of Zaxby’s Zax Sauce on the side.
Creamy, tangy, slightly sweet and loaded with peppery flavor, Zax Sauce is one of those dipping sauces that’s surprisingly easy to recreate at home.
Our Zaxby’s Zax Sauce recipe uses just a handful of everyday ingredients and takes about 5 minutes to mix together. The hardest part is actually waiting for it to chill before dipping into it!
We love making a batch when chicken tenders or fries are on the menu, but it’s also surprisingly good spread over burgers and chicken sandwiches.
The Secret Is in the Peppery Finish
At first glance, Zax Sauce looks like a simple mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup, but that doesn’t quite explain why it works so well with Zaxby’s chicken.
The part we wanted to capture was the contrast between the cool, creamy base and that peppery, savory finish. Worcestershire sauce brings a little depth, while garlic, paprika and plenty of black pepper keep the sauce from tasting like ordinary fry sauce.
We found that the black pepper is especially important here. You should actually be able to see those tiny pepper flecks throughout the finished sauce.
And although it’s tempting to start dipping as soon as everything is mixed together, the flavor is noticeably better after chilling. An hour in the refrigerator gives those seasonings time to settle into the creamy base.
Our Favorite Ways to Use a Batch
Chicken fingers and Zax Sauce are the obvious pairing, but that’s rarely where a batch ends in our kitchen.
If there’s some left in the refrigerator, we’ll use it for dipping hot fries or potato wedges, spread a little onto a crispy chicken sandwich, or add it to a homemade chicken wrap. It’s also surprisingly good with fried pickles, which makes it particularly useful if you’re putting together a full Zaxby’s-inspired meal at home.
For a quick dinner, crispy chicken, fries and a small bowl of this sauce in the middle of the table is really all you need.
Just make a little more than you think you’ll use. A ¾-cup batch disappears remarkably quickly once the fries start getting dipped.
Zaxby’s Zax Sauce Ingredients
You will need:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – This creates the creamy base.
- ¼ cup ketchup – Adds tomato flavor, sweetness and acidity.
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Gives the sauce its savory depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
For the closest texture, use regular full-fat mayonnaise rather than a thin salad dressing.
Equipment Needed
You don’t need anything special for this recipe:
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Airtight container or small jar
How to Make Zaxby’s Zax Sauce
Step 1: Combine the Base
Add the mayonnaise and ketchup to a small mixing bowl.
Stir until completely combined and the mixture has an even pale pink-orange color.
Step 2: Add the Seasonings
Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika and onion powder.
Whisk everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Step 3: Taste and Adjust
Give the sauce a quick taste.
If you enjoy the noticeable peppery kick associated with this style of dipping sauce, add another small pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Transfer the sauce to a covered container and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving.
For even better flavor, make it several hours ahead or leave it in the refrigerator overnight.
This resting period gives the seasonings time to blend into the mayonnaise and ketchup base, creating a much more rounded flavor.
Don’t Skip the Chilling Time
You can eat homemade Zax Sauce immediately after mixing it, but we wouldn’t recommend judging the finished sauce straight from the bowl.
When it’s freshly mixed, the individual flavors can taste quite separate.
After an hour or two in the refrigerator, the garlic, pepper, Worcestershire sauce and paprika have had time to blend into the creamy base.
It’s a tiny bit of extra planning that makes a surprisingly big difference.
What to Serve With Zax Sauce
Chicken fingers are the obvious choice, but once there’s a container of this sauce in our fridge, it tends to end up on much more than chicken.
Try it with:
- Crispy chicken tenders
- French fries
- Waffle fries
- Chicken sandwiches
- Burgers
- Fried shrimp
- Onion rings
- Potato wedges
- Grilled chicken
- Roasted potatoes
It also makes a tasty spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Homemade Zax Sauce
Use freshly ground pepper. Black pepper is an important part of the flavor rather than just a background seasoning.
Let it rest. Give the sauce at least an hour in the refrigerator whenever possible.
Measure the Worcestershire carefully. It has a strong flavor, so a little goes a long way.
Make it ahead. This is a perfect sauce to prepare the night before a meal.
Adjust after chilling. If you want more pepper, garlic or paprika, taste the sauce again once it has rested rather than immediately after mixing.
How to Store Zax Sauce
Place your homemade Zax Sauce in an airtight container or sealed jar and keep it refrigerated.
For best quality, we like to use homemade sauces such as this within about 5 days.
Don’t leave mayonnaise-based sauce sitting at room temperature for extended periods, particularly after it has been served alongside other food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Zaxby’s Zax Sauce taste like?
Zax Sauce is creamy, tangy and savory with a slightly sweet tomato flavor and a noticeable black pepper finish. Worcestershire sauce adds extra depth without making the sauce taste strongly of Worcestershire.
Is Zax Sauce spicy?
Not particularly. Black pepper and paprika give it a little warmth, but this isn’t intended to be a hot dipping sauce.
Can I make Zax Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, this is one recipe that’s better made ahead. Preparing it the night before gives all of the flavors plenty of time to combine.
Can I use light mayonnaise?
You can, although the flavor and consistency may be slightly different. Regular mayonnaise produces a richer and creamier sauce.
Why doesn’t my homemade Zax Sauce taste right immediately?
Give it time. Garlic powder, pepper and the other seasonings need time to hydrate and blend into the mayonnaise base. Refrigerating the sauce for at least an hour should noticeably improve the flavor.
Zaxby’s Zax Sauce Copycat Recipe
A creamy, tangy and peppery copycat Zaxby’s Zax Sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and simple seasonings. It takes just 5 minutes to mix and is perfect for dipping crispy chicken fingers, fries, fried pickles and more.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Add the mayonnaise and ketchup to a small bowl and stir until smooth.
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, black pepper, paprika and onion powder.
- Whisk until completely combined.
- Taste and add a little extra black pepper if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Stir once more before serving with chicken fingers, fries or your favorite dipping foods.
Notes
The chilling time is important. For the best flavor, prepare the sauce several hours ahead or refrigerate it overnight.
Freshly ground black pepper gives the sauce a stronger peppery flavor than finely pre-ground pepper.
Store leftover sauce covered in the refrigerator and use within about 5 days.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 2 tablespoonsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 137 kcalTotal Fat: 13 ggSaturated Fat: 2 ggTrans Fat: 0 ggUnsaturated Fat: 10 ggCholesterol: 8 mgmgSodium: 260 mgmgCarbohydrates: 4 ggNet Carbohydrates: 4 ggFiber: 0 ggSugar: 3 ggProtein: 0 gg
