Craving fast-food chicken but wondering where to get the best bang for your buck? Zaxby’s is a Southern favorite, but how do its prices stack up against competitors like Chick-fil-A, Raising Cane’s, Popeyes, and Wendy’s? In 2025, each chain offers unique flavors and menus, but prices can make or break your choice. This guide compares Zaxby’s menu prices with its rivals across key menu categories, using the latest data from their websites, customer reviews, and online posts. We’ll help you decide which chain offers the best value for your meal. Let’s dive in!
Why Compare Prices?
Zaxby’s, with over 900 locations, is known for its Chicken Fingerz, salads, and zesty sauces. But competitors like Chick-fil-A and Raising Cane’s also serve delicious chicken at similar price points. Comparing prices helps you save money while enjoying your favorite fast-food flavors. In 2025, prices vary slightly by location due to taxes and operating costs, so we’ve used averages from urban areas like Atlanta and rural spots like Alabama. Below, we break down prices for main dishes, sides, drinks, and more, plus tips to stretch your dollar.
Main Dishes Price Comparison
Chicken Tenders/Fingers
- Zaxby’s:
- 4 Chicken Fingerz Plate (fries, coleslaw, Texas toast, drink): $9.99
- 5 Fingerz Plate: $10.99
- Chick-fil-A:
- 4 Nuggets Meal (waffle fries, drink): $9.45
- 8 Nuggets Meal: $10.65
- Raising Cane’s:
- Box Combo (4 fingers, fries, coleslaw, toast, drink): $9.99
- Caniac Combo (6 fingers): $12.99
- Popeyes:
- 4-Piece Signature Chicken Combo (fries, drink): $9.49
- 5-Piece Tenders Combo: $10.49
- Wendy’s:
- 4-Piece Nuggets Combo (fries, drink): $7.99
- 10-Piece Nuggets Combo: $9.49
- Analysis: Zaxby’s and Cane’s are neck-and-neck at $9.99 for a 4-piece combo. Chick-fil-A is slightly cheaper ($9.45), while Wendy’s is the budget winner. Popeyes offers a mix of tenders and bone-in chicken for variety.
Sandwiches
- Zaxby’s:
- Signature Chicken Sandwich Combo (fried, fries, drink): $9.49
- Fried Chicken Philly Combo (limited-time): $10.99
- Chick-fil-A:
- Deluxe Chicken Sandwich Combo (fried, lettuce, tomato, fries, drink): $9.45
- Spicy Deluxe Combo: $9.85
- Raising Cane’s:
- Chicken Sandwich Combo (fingers on bun, fries, drink): $9.99
- Popeyes:
- Classic Chicken Sandwich Combo: $9.49
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo: $9.69
- Wendy’s:
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich Combo: $8.99
- Classic Chicken Sandwich Combo: $8.79
- Analysis: Wendy’s leads for sandwich combos ($8.79–$8.99), followed by Zaxby’s, Chick-fil-A, and Popeyes (~$9.49). Cane’s is pricier, and Zaxby’s Philly is the most expensive due to its limited-time status.
Salads
- Zaxby’s:
- House Zalad (grilled): $9.29
- Cobb Zalad (grilled): $9.79
- Spicy Zensation Zalad (limited-time): $11.29
- Chick-fil-A:
- Cobb Salad (grilled): $9.49
- Market Salad: $9.69
- Raising Cane’s:
- No salads offered.
- Popeyes:
- No salads offered.
- Wendy’s:
- Apple Pecan Salad: $7.99
- Taco Salad: $7.49
- Analysis: Wendy’s salads are the cheapest ($7.49–$7.99), while Zaxby’s and Chick-fil-A are pricier but offer larger portions. Cane’s and Popeyes skip salads entirely.
Internal Link Suggestion: Check out Zaxby’s Full Menu for more meal options.
Sides Price Comparison
- Zaxby’s:
- Crinkle Fries: $2.29 (regular), $2.99 (large)
- Coleslaw: $1.99 (regular)
- Texas Toast: $0.79 (slice)
- Fried Pickles (limited-time): $3.99
- Chick-fil-A:
- Waffle Fries: $2.59 (regular)
- Mac and Cheese: $3.89
- Fruit Cup: $3.29
- Raising Cane’s:
- Crinkle Fries: $2.19
- Coleslaw: $1.99
- Texas Toast: $0.79
- Popeyes:
- Cajun Fries: $2.49
- Coleslaw: $2.29
- Mashed Potatoes: $2.79
- Wendy’s:
- Fries: $2.19
- Chili: $2.79
- Baked Potato: $2.99
- Analysis: Cane’s and Wendy’s tie for cheapest fries ($2.19), while Zaxby’s matches Cane’s on coleslaw and toast ($1.99, $0.79). Chick-fil-A’s sides are pricier, and Popeyes’ Cajun fries add unique flavor.
Desserts Price Comparison
- Zaxby’s:
- Milkshakes (Chocolate, Vanilla, Strawberry): $4.49
- Birthday Cake Milkshake (limited-time): $4.99
- Cookies: $0.99 (single), $2.49 (3-pack)
- Chick-fil-A:
- Milkshakes: $4.85
- Frosted Lemonade: $4.85
- Cookies: $1.55
- Raising Cane’s:
- No desserts offered.
- Popeyes:
- Apple Pie: $1.99
- Cinnamon Apple Pie: $2.29
- Wendy’s:
- Frosty (Chocolate, Vanilla): $2.99
- Cookie: $1.49
- Analysis: Wendy’s Frosty is the cheapest dessert ($2.99), while Zaxby’s cookies ($0.99) beat Chick-fil-A ($1.55). Zaxby’s milkshakes are slightly cheaper than Chick-fil-A’s. Cane’s and Popeyes offer limited or no desserts.
Drinks Price Comparison
- Zaxby’s:
- Soft Drinks/Sweet Tea/Lemonade: $2.29 (regular), $2.59 (large)
- Chick-fil-A:
- Soft Drinks/Sweet Tea/Lemonade: $2.39 (regular), $2.69 (large)
- Raising Cane’s:
- Soft Drinks/Sweet Tea/Lemonade: $2.19 (regular), $2.49 (large)
- Popeyes:
- Soft Drinks/Sweet Tea: $2.29 (regular), $2.59 (large)
- Wendy’s:
- Soft Drinks/Lemonade: $2.19 (regular), $2.49 (large)
- Analysis: Cane’s and Wendy’s tie for cheapest drinks ($2.19), while Zaxby’s and Popeyes match at $2.29. Chick-fil-A is slightly pricier.
Internal Link Suggestion: Save with How to Get Discounts at Zaxby’s.
Value for Money
- Zaxby’s: Offers large portions (e.g., Cobb Zalad serves two) and variety (salads, wings, desserts). Prices are mid-range ($9.29–$11.29 for mains).
- Chick-fil-A: Similar prices ($9.45–$10.65) with smaller portions but premium quality. Strong salad and dessert options.
- Raising Cane’s: Focused menu keeps costs consistent ($9.99–$12.99). No salads or desserts limit value for some.
- Popeyes: Competitive prices ($9.49–$10.49) with bold flavors. Fewer sides and no salads.
- Wendy’s: Cheapest mains ($7.99–$9.49) and desserts ($2.99). Smaller portions but great for budget diners.
Winner: Wendy’s for lowest prices, Zaxby’s for variety and portion size.
Customer Feedback
Here’s what fans say, based on Reddit, Yelp, and blogs:
- Zaxby’s: Loved for sauce variety and salads. A Reddit user said, “The $9.99 Fingerz Plate fills you up.” Some note inconsistent Philly portions.
- Chick-fil-A: Praised for quality and service. A Yelp review called their $9.45 Deluxe Combo “worth every cent.”
- Cane’s: Fans rave about Cane’s Sauce and crispy fingers. A TikTok review said, “$9.99 Box Combo is perfect.”
- Popeyes: Spicy sandwich ($9.69) gets high marks. Some complain about slow service.
- Wendy’s: Budget-friendly ($7.99 combos) but smaller portions. A Reddit user noted, “Good for a quick, cheap meal.”
People Also Ask: Common Questions Answered
Here are answers to popular questions from Google’s “People Also Ask” section:
Is Zaxby’s Cheaper Than Chick-fil-A?
Zaxby’s ($9.99 for 4 Fingerz Plate) is slightly pricier than Chick-fil-A ($9.45 for 4 Nuggets Meal). Zaxby’s salads ($9.29) are cheaper than Chick-fil-A’s ($9.49).
Which Is Cheaper, Zaxby’s or Raising Cane’s?
Prices are nearly identical ($9.99 for 4-piece combos). Cane’s drinks ($2.19) are cheaper, but Zaxby’s offers desserts.
Does Zaxby’s Have Better Value Than Popeyes?
Zaxby’s has more variety (salads, desserts), but Popeyes’ combos ($9.49) are slightly cheaper. Zaxby’s portions are larger.
What’s the Cheapest Fast-Food Chicken Chain?
Wendy’s, with combos starting at $7.99 and desserts at $2.99, is the cheapest. Zaxby’s and Chick-fil-A offer more variety for a higher price.
Tips to Save at Zaxby’s and Competitors
- Zaxby’s: Join Zax Rewardz for free items (e.g., $8.99 Big Zax Snak on signup). Use app deals like $2 off $10.
- Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A One rewards give free sandwiches after 200 points. Check app for free fries with $5 orders.
- Cane’s: Caniac Club offers birthday freebies. Look for rare app deals (e.g., free lemonade).
- Popeyes: App deals include $1 off sandwiches. Join rewards for free apple pie after $10 spent.
- Wendy’s: App offers like $3 off $15 or free nuggets with $10 orders are common.
External Link Suggestion: Visit Zaxby’s Offers for current deals.
Which Chain Wins for Price?
- Best for Budget: Wendy’s ($7.99–$9.49 combos, $2.99 Frosty).
- Best for Variety: Zaxby’s (salads, wings, desserts at $9.29–$11.29).
- Best for Consistency: Cane’s ($9.99–$12.99, simple menu).
- Best for Flavor: Popeyes ($9.49–$10.49, bold Cajun spices).
- Best for Quality: Chick-fil-A ($9.45–$10.65, premium ingredients).
Final Thoughts
In 2025, Zaxby’s prices ($9.29–$11.29 for mains, $2.29–$3.99 for sides) are competitive, offering variety with salads, wings, and desserts. Wendy’s is the cheapest ($7.99–$9.49), while Chick-fil-A and Popeyes match Zaxby’s for quality. Cane’s keeps it simple but lacks salads. For large portions and Southern flair, Zaxby’s is a strong choice. Save more with Zax Rewardz or app deals. Check out Zaxby’s Menus for the latest prices and specials.
