In this guide:
Why Zaxby's Works for Macro Trackers
Zaxby's is a chicken chain known for tenders, wings, and salads with Southern flavors. If you are tracking macros and eating out regularly, knowing how to order here is essential — because the difference between a 350-calorie, high-protein meal and a macro-wrecking order is usually just one or two substitutions.
The menu has hidden gems once you know the protein-to-calorie math. MacroMate has mapped out 19 optimized Zaxby's builds — including the The Grilled Cobb Zalad at 500 cal / 74g protein for cutting and the The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Bulking) at 680 cal / 58g protein for bulking.
The key at Zaxby's is knowing which items carry their weight in protein and which ones front-load fat or carbs with minimal payoff. This guide breaks down the best builds in each category with exact macros straight from the MacroMate database.
Best Zaxby's Orders for Cutting
The The Grilled Cobb Zalad is the top pick when you are in a caloric deficit at Zaxby's. At 500 calories with 74g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.148 puts it among the most efficient cuts on the menu. The instructions: Choose the Grilled Cobb Zalad but skip the Texas toast, bacon and cheese. Request an extra serving of grilled chicken. The modifications remove unnecessary fat and carbs and increase protein, making this a top-tier cutting meal. This is the build to memorize for deficit days.
The Grilled Cobb Zalad
Choose the Grilled Cobb Zalad but skip the Texas toast, bacon and cheese. Request an extra serving of grilled chicken. The modifications remove unnecessary fat and carbs and increase protein, making this a top-tier cutting meal.
When cutting, the goal is maximum protein per calorie consumed. The The Grilled Cobb Zalad delivers 74g of protein for just 500 calories, leaving plenty of room in your daily budget for other meals. With only 25g of carbs and 25g of fat, the macro split is clean for a deficit.
MacroMate has 3 more Zaxby's Cutting builds — ranging from 360 to 480 calories. See all 4 Cutting builds ranked in the app.
Best Zaxby's Orders for Bulking
For a caloric surplus at Zaxby's, the The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Bulking) is the anchor build. At 680 calories with 58g protein, it delivers serious mass-building fuel in a single order. Order guidance: Packed with grilled chicken, bacon and cheese. It sits just below 700 calories, so order 2× or pair it with another protein to satisfy bulking caloric requirements.
The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Bulking)
Packed with grilled chicken, bacon and cheese. It sits just below 700 calories, so order 2× or pair it with another protein to satisfy bulking caloric requirements.
Bulking at Zaxby's is about hitting high calories with enough protein to support muscle growth. The The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Bulking) at 680 cal / 58g protein achieves both. The 35g of fat content means calorie density is high — exactly what you need when eating for size.
MacroMate has 4 more Zaxby's Bulking builds — ranging from 390 to 560 calories. See all 5 Bulking builds ranked in the app.
Best Zaxby's Orders for Maintenance
Maintenance is about consistency, and the Grilled Chicken Sandwich Only at Zaxby's is built for it. At 470 calories with 38g protein, it hits a balanced macro profile you can order on autopilot. Enjoy this sandwich as-is for a balanced maintenance meal. To slightly boost the ratio, remove one half of the bun or request extra grilled chicken.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Only
Enjoy this sandwich as-is for a balanced maintenance meal. To slightly boost the ratio, remove one half of the bun or request extra grilled chicken.
The Grilled Chicken Sandwich Only gives you 38g of protein at 470 calories — a ratio that works whether you are maintaining weight, slowly recomping, or just trying to eat well. 35g carbs and 20g fat round out a nutritionally balanced fast food meal.
MacroMate has 4 more Zaxby's Maintenance builds — ranging from 400 to 680 calories. See all 5 Maintenance builds ranked in the app.
Zaxby's Ordering Hacks That Matter
Knowing the specific builds is only part of the equation. These ordering principles will help you stay on track at Zaxby's regardless of which build you choose.
Prioritize the The Grilled Cobb Zalad for protein efficiency. At 500 cal with 74g protein, the protein-to-calorie ratio of 0.148 is one of the best on the Zaxby's menu. Choose the Grilled Cobb Zalad but skip the Texas toast, bacon and cheese. Request an extra serving of grilled chicken. The modifications remove unnecessary fat and carbs and increase protein, making this a top-tier cutting meal.
The Traditional Wings (Tongue Torch) – 5 Pieces, Modified is your low-calorie anchor. At just 360 calories with 43g protein, this is the order when you are tight on your daily budget. Order five Tongue-Torch Traditional Wings but request them naked (no sauce) and remove the skin. Removing the skin trims fat and calories without sacrificing protein, bumping the ratio into the cutting range.
Watch the add-ons. At Zaxby's, sauces, dressings, and sides can quietly add 200-400 calories to an otherwise lean order. Ask for sauces on the side, skip cheese where you can, and opt for water over soda — those three habits alone can save you 300+ calories per visit.
Max protein play: the The Grilled Cobb Zalad. At 74g protein for 500 calories, this is the move when you need to hit a protein target in one meal. Choose the Grilled Cobb Zalad but skip the Texas toast, bacon and cheese. Request an extra serving of grilled chicken. The modifications remove unnecessary fat and carbs and increase protein, making this a top-tier cutting meal.
What to Always Avoid at Zaxby's
Not every item at Zaxby's is worth the calories. These are the orders most likely to derail your macros — high in fat or carbs relative to their protein content.
Watch out for the The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Maintenance) (680 cal). At 680 calories with 58g protein, this has a low protein-to-calorie ratio that makes it a poor choice when cutting. If you order it, make sure you are in a surplus and it fits your goal for the day.
Watch out for the The Grilled House Zalad (Maintenance) (560 cal). At 560 calories with 48g protein, this has a low protein-to-calorie ratio that makes it a poor choice when cutting. If you order it, make sure you are in a surplus and it fits your goal for the day.
Default sides and combos add up fast. At Zaxby's, the default sides — fries, chips, sugary drinks — can add 400-600 calories without meaningfully increasing your protein intake. Swap for a side salad, water, or nothing extra when cutting.
Zaxby's vs. Raising Cane's for Macros
Both Zaxby's and Raising Cane's are solid choices for macro tracking, but they have different strengths depending on your goal.
Zaxby's for cutting: The The Grilled Cobb Zalad at 500 cal / 74g protein is a strong deficit option. Compare that to what Raising Cane's offers — check the Raising Cane's macro hacks guide to see how they stack up side by side.
Zaxby's for bulking: The The Grilled Cobb Zalad (Bulking) at 680 cal / 58g protein is built for surplus. If you are choosing between the two chains on a bulk day, this is the Zaxby's anchor build.
The bottom line: both chains have macro-friendly options, but the best choice depends on your specific goal that day. MacroMate has 19 Zaxby's builds and a full Raising Cane's breakdown so you can compare directly. For more options across all chains, see our 15 best high-protein fast food orders.
MacroMate has 19 Zaxby's builds classified by goal — Cutting, Bulking, Maintenance, Keto — each ranked by protein-to-calorie ratio with exact order instructions. Looking for options at other restaurants? Check out our 15 best high-protein fast food orders, every chain ranked for cutting, and best protein per dollar at fast food.
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