Zaxby's vs. Chick-fil-A, by the numbers

Zaxby's publishes nutrition for 102 items and Chick-fil-A for 156. The typical Zaxby's item is lighter (median 270 calories vs 370), Chick-fil-A has the single highest-protein item, and Chick-fil-A has the most protein-dense order. Below: the numbers side by side, then the lightest pick in each category both chains sell, all from the chains' own nutrition guides.
Menus:
Zaxby's menuLow-calorie Zaxby'sChick-fil-A menuLow-calorie Chick-fil-A
Items with published nutrition
Zaxby's: 102
Chick-fil-A: 156
Median calories per item
Zaxby's: 270
Chick-fil-A: 370
Real meals under 500 calories (15 g+ protein)
Zaxby's: 2
Chick-fil-A: 33
Lightest real meal (15 g+ protein)
Zaxby's: Kiddie Finger® with Zax Sauce (Kids) (320 calories, 19 g protein)
Chick-fil-A: 5 Ct Nuggets Kid's Meal (5 Ct) (160 calories, 17 g protein)
Most protein
Zaxby's: Buffalo Traditional Wings & Things (1450 calories, 79 g protein)
Chick-fil-A: 30 ct Chick-fil-A® Nuggets (30 ct) (950 calories, 100 g protein)
Most protein per 100 calories
Zaxby's: The Grilled House Zalad (8.6 g)
Chick-fil-A: 8 ct Grilled Nuggets (8 ct, grilled) (19.2 g)
Keto meals (under 10 g net carbs, 15 g+ protein)
Zaxby's: 0
Chick-fil-A: 5
Median sodium per item
Zaxby's: 550 mg
Chick-fil-A: 660 mg

Lightest chicken sandwich

Zaxby's ›
Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich (sandwich only)
per sandwich · 34g protein · 51g carbs · 39g fat
690 kcal
Chick-fil-A ›
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (grilled)
per serving · 28g protein · 45g carbs · 11g fat
390 kcal

Lightest fries

Zaxby's ›
Crinkle Fries (Kids)
per kids · 3g protein · 28g carbs · 8g fat
200 kcal
Chick-fil-A ›
Small Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries® (Small)
per small · 4g protein · 35g carbs · 19g fat
320 kcal

Lightest nuggets or tenders

Zaxby's ›
Kiddie Finger® with Zax Sauce (Kids)
per serving · 19g protein · 11g carbs · 23g fat
320 kcal
Chick-fil-A ›
5 Ct Nuggets Kid's Meal (5 Ct)
per 5 ct · 17g protein · 7g carbs · 7g fat
160 kcal

Lightest sub or sandwich

Zaxby's ›
Kiddie Cheese® Sandwich (Kids, sandwich only)
per sandwich · 11g protein · 39g carbs · 23g fat
410 kcal
Chick-fil-A ›
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (grilled)
per serving · 28g protein · 45g carbs · 11g fat
390 kcal

Lightest dessert

Zaxby's ›
Chocolate Chip Cookie
per serving · 2g protein · 24g carbs · 8g fat
170 kcal
Chick-fil-A ›
Berry Parfait w/ Cookie Crumbs
per serving · 12g protein · 31g carbs · 8g fat
240 kcal

Questions people ask

Which is healthier, Zaxby's or Chick-fil-A?

By the numbers, Zaxby's has the lighter typical item and Chick-fil-A the better protein per calorie, so it depends on what you order. Real meals under 500 calories (150+ calories, 15 g+ protein): 2 at Zaxby's and 33 at Chick-fil-A.

Which has more protein, Zaxby's or Chick-fil-A?

Chick-fil-A: 30 ct Chick-fil-A® Nuggets (30 ct) has 100 g. For protein without the calories, Chick-fil-A's 8 ct Grilled Nuggets (8 ct, grilled) leads at 19.2 g per 100 calories.

Which is better for keto, Zaxby's or Chick-fil-A?

Chick-fil-A has more meals under 10 g net carbs with 15 g of protein (5 vs 0). Each chain's keto page lists them.

Where do these numbers come from?

Zaxby's and Chick-fil-A's own published nutrition guides, reviewed before import. Portions differ between chains, so compare calories and protein, not just item names.

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