Doesn't the saying go that you haven't lived if you haven't tried Chick-fil-A? Well, fellow gluten-free customers, we have good news for you today. You don't have to miss out, thanks to our ultimate Chick-fil-A gluten-free guide.
Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of eating gluten-free at Chick-fil-A. We include every gluten-free menu item, combinations you need to try, and what you should avoid if following a gluten-free diet.
Is Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free?
While Chick-fil-A isn't a dedicated gluten-free fast food restaurant, it does offer several gluten-free menu items for those with celiac disease. It pairs this with dedicated gluten-free fryers so you can safely enjoy their coveted waffle fries, among many other delicious dishes.
Related: Check out our guide on the best gluten-free fast food restaurants, in which Chick-fil-A features near the top.
Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Menu
Chick-fil-A has a comprehensive list of its gluten-free menu items on the official website. The company is very transparent about its menu and which items are safe to consume on a gluten-free diet.
That said, because they aren't prepared in a completely gluten-free environment, they can't definitively confirm that any of the items below are completely free of gluten.
Chick-fil-A always recommends checking the ingredients in the Nutrition Guide available in every restaurant or on the Chick-fil-A website to double-check for food allergies.
You also shouldn't hesitate to tell staff about your gluten allergy, as the cashier will add this to your ticket and notify staff of your gluten intolerance. Staff will then change gloves and clean surfaces before preparing your meal.
Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free Menu Items
Here is a comprehensive list of the gluten-free options at Chick-fil-A.
Gluten-Free Buns
If you're a frequent visitor to Chick-fil-A, you'll know it offers a gluten-free bun. Now, the naturally gluten-free bun is sealed before entering the restaurant to avoid cross-contamination with other gluten-containing ingredients in the kitchen. It's also served to you still in the packaging.
However, Chick-fil-A warns that once customers remove the bun from the packaging, it can no longer be considered gluten-free because of the increase in close contact with gluten-containing ingredients.
Therefore, it's up to the individual whether they try a gluten-free bun. If you have a severe gluten allergy, Chick-fil-A is one of several fast food restaurants where you can sub gluten-free bun or no bun at all.
The gluten-free bun is made with ancient grains like quinoa and amaranth, which are lightly sweetened with molasses and raisins. We think you'll find it's one of the tastiest GF buns available at fast-food restaurants today.
Gluten-Free Sandwiches (With a Gluten-Free Bun)
While you can't have the iconic Original Chicken Sandwich, Chick-fil-A offers a grilled chicken sandwich. You'll just need to substitute the regular bun for a gluten-free bun or no bun. The Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich includes a marinated grilled chicken breast with lettuce and tomato. We recommend pairing it with Honey Mustard Sauce.
For an elevated grilled chicken sandwich, try the Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich with a gluten-free bun. The lemon-herb marinated chicken breast is paired with the cheese of your choice, smoked bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Enjoy it with Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce.
Gluten-Free Salads
Chick-fil-A offers three salads, and they're all gluten-free.
Market Salad With Grilled Nuggets, Grilled Filet, or No Chicken
The grilled market salad includes mixed greens topped with crumbled blue cheese, apples, strawberries, and blueberries. It's served with Harvest Nut Granola and Roasted Almonds. Its recommended dressing is the gluten-free Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette.
While the granola doesn't include gluten-containing ingredients, it isn't made with gluten-free oats, so we can't confirm how safe it is for those with gluten intolerance.
Cobb Salad With Grilled Nuggets, Grilled Filet, or No Chicken
This salad includes mixed greens, roasted corn kernels, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, sliced hard-boiled egg, and grape tomatoes. Chick-fil-A recommends pairing it with Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing.
Crispy Bell Peppers are an optional extra, but these are not gluten-free.
Spicy Southwest Salad With Grilled Nuggets, Grilled Chicken Filet, or No Chicken
A fan favorite, this includes mixed greens, grape tomatoes, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, roasted corn kernels, black beans, poblano chiles, and red bell peppers. It's served with Seasoned Tortilla Strips and Chilli Lime Pepitas, which are both gluten-free and pre-packaged.
Chick-fil-A recommends enjoying it with Creamy Salsa Dressing.
Keep scrolling for more gluten-free dressings you can pair with your salad.
Gluten-Free Sides
Let's first discuss the most iconic and popular Chick-fil-A side dish: Waffle Potato Fries. Thankfully, this is a gluten-free food option as they're naturally gluten-free and deep-fried in a dedicated fryer in peanut oil. It's important to confirm with your local Chick-fil-A restaurant whether they have a separate fryer though. If they do, you're good to go!
Here are the other gluten-free sides available at Chick-fil-A:
- Fruit Cup
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: The topping options are Harvest Nut Granola and Cookie Crumbs. As mentioned, we cannot confirm whether the granola is 100% gluten-free, but we know for a fact the cookies contain wheat.
- Waffle Potato Chips: Like the gluten-free buns, Chick-fil-A's waffle chips are sealed before entering the restaurant to limit cross-contamination.
- Kale Crunch Side (kale, green cabbage, and crunchy almonds).
- Side Salad (cherry tomatoes, mixed greens, and cheese).
Related: Are your favorite fast food french fries gluten-free? Check out our gluten-free french fries guide to find out!
Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Breakfast Items
Gluten-free consumers can enjoy the bacon slice, sausage patty, and hash browns available on the Chick-fil-A breakfast menu.
The Hash Brown Scramble Bowls with Grilled Filet or Sausage are also gluten-free.
Remember to just confirm with your local restaurant if they have a dedicated gluten-free fryer for their hash browns.
Another option is to get a breakfast sandwich on a gluten-free bun. This includes either bacon or sausage with egg and cheese – all naturally gluten-free ingredients. But remember they're prepared in a shared facility.
Gluten-Free Kid's Meal
The main star of the Chick-fil-A kid's meal that's gluten-free is the Grilled Nuggets. But let me just say, this five-pack of grilled chicken nuggets is the perfect snack for all ages. Made from marinated boneless skinless chicken breasts, this gluten-free food option includes only 80 calories but 16 grams of protein. Personally, I recommend dipping them in the gluten-free Polynesian Sauce (a type of sweet and sour sauce). Game-changing!
For the Kid's Meal, pair the Grilled Nuggets with a side like Buddy Fruits Apple Sauce, Fruit Cup, or Waffle Fries, and an apple juice or chocolate milk. You just want to avoid the Mac & Cheese.
Related: Check out this recipe if you want to make delicious gluten-free chicken nuggets at home. Way better than anything you can order at a fast food chain!
Gluten-Free Sauces
There are a lot of gluten-free salad dressings, dipping sauces, and general sauces available at Chick-fil-A. These include:
- Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
- Barbeque Sauce
- Chick-fil-A Sauce
- Cinnamon Apple Sauce
- Creamy Salsa Dressing
- Fat-Free Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
- Garden Herb Ranch Dressing
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce
- Light Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Light Italian Dressing
- Polynesian Sauce
- Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette
- Zesty Buffalo Sauce
Gluten-Free Desserts
Don't worry, you can finish your meal with a Buddy Fruits Apple Sauce or a creamy Icedream Cup, as they're both gluten-free menu items. If you're unfamiliar, Icedream is simply a cup of vanilla soft-serve ice cream.
There are no gluten-free cones at Chick-fil-A, so stick to the cup.
Gluten-Free Drinks
Chick-fil-A considers all their drinks to be gluten-free. This includes their bottled drinks, chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla milkshakes, iced teas, and Frosted Coffee or Lemonade drinks.
Related: Taco Bell Gluten-Free Guide: What to Order & Avoid
Gluten-Free Chick-fil-A Combinations
Let us take the guesswork out of your next Chick-fil-A order with these gluten-free options and supreme combinations.
For breakfast, we recommend enjoying a sausage patty, hash browns, and a Greek yogurt parfait with only the fruit topping. Another option is the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with Sausage and the Fruit Cup.
For lunch or dinner, grab the Grilled Chicken Sandwich with a gluten-free bun and a side of Waffle Potato Fries, of course. Enjoy it with the beverage of your choice, like a Frosted Lemonade.
If you want something lighter, opt for the Market Salad with Grilled Chicken Nuggets, Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette, and iced tea.
Non-Gluten-Free Items to Avoid at Chick-fil-A
The Chick-fil-A menu is extensive, but here are the items those who avoid gluten want to steer clear of:
- Any breakfast item that includes a biscuit or muffin. Instead, swap these for gluten-free buns or no buns.
- Breaded Chicken Nuggets
- Caramel Crumble and Cookies & Cream Milkshakes
- Chicken Noodle Soup
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Chick-n-Strips
- Chocolate Chunk Cookie
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie
- Cool Wrap (the ingredients are gluten-free, but the wrap isn't).
- Icedream Cone
- Mac & Cheese
- Original, Deluxe, and Spicy Chicken Sandwiches (sorry). Basically, any sandwich with fried chicken is a no-go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chick-fil-A Safe For Celiacs?
Chick-fil-A cannot 100% confirm that its fast food restaurants are safe for people with celiac disease, as there is always the chance of cross-contamination. However, Chick-fil-A offers naturally gluten-free food options and has food allergy guidelines in place.
Is The Hashbrown Bowl At Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free?
Yes, the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with either a grilled chicken breast or sausage patty is considered gluten-free.
Are Chick-fil-A Hash Browns Gluten-Free?
Yes, the hash browns are gluten-free and fried in a dedicated fryer.
Are the Fries at Chick-fil-A Gluten-Free?
Yes, Chick-fil-A waffle fries are gluten-free and fried in a separate fryer.
Is Bottled Chick-fil-A Sauce Gluten-Free?
Yes, the original Chick-fil-A Sauce is gluten-free, whether you buy a bottle or enjoy it at the restaurant.
Are Chick-fil-A Nuggets Gluten-Free?
Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets are gluten-free. Ordinary fried nuggets are not.
Are Chick-fil-A Milkshakes Gluten-Free?
Yes, the strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate milkshakes at Chick-fil-A are all gluten-free. You want to avoid the Caramel Crumble and Cookies & Cream Milkshakes.
Is Chick-fil-A Polynesian Sauce Gluten-Free?
Yes, Polynesian Sauce (among many others) is gluten-free.
Keep Enjoying Chick-fil-A
With this comprehensive Chick-fil-A gluten-free guide in your back pocket, ordering gluten-free at Chick-fil-A has never been easier for those with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet.
While the company itself can't 100% confirm it's safe to eat gluten-free at its restaurants, they have strict guidelines in place to avoid cross-contamination as much as possible. Plus, many of these menu items are naturally gluten-free.
I also like to treat my friends to gluten-free fast food for game day. If you're hosting, check out Paramount+ to stream sports at home.
Enjoy some gluten-free waffle fries for us!
Read next: McDonald’s Gluten-Free Guide: What to Order
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