Chick-fil-A has become a go-to fast-food restaurant for many, and their efforts to accommodate various dietary restrictions have made them popular among the gluten-free community. While the risk of cross-contamination can never be completely eliminated in a shared kitchen, Chick-fil-A provides clear guidance and specific ordering protocols to minimize risk. This allows many individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease to enjoy a meal there with confidence. Understanding the menu and how to order is key to a safe dining experience.
Gluten-Free Main Courses
When it comes to the main event, fried chicken is off the table due to the wheat-based breading. However, Chick-fil-A's grilled options are a great alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.
Grilled Chicken Nuggets
The 8- or 12-count Grilled Nuggets are a reliable, naturally gluten-free choice. They are marinated and grilled without any batter, making them a safe entrée. For a kids' meal, you can also opt for the Grilled Chick-fil-A Nuggets with a gluten-free side.
Grilled Chicken Sandwiches
For those craving a classic sandwich, you can order the Grilled Chicken Sandwich or Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich on an individually packaged gluten-free bun. The bun is made with a blend of grains, including sorghum and amaranth, and is sealed to prevent cross-contact before being opened. Guests are encouraged to assemble the sandwich themselves once the bun is out of its packaging to maintain its gluten-free status.
Navigating Salads and Sides
Salads
Chick-fil-A offers several salads that can be made gluten-free with careful ordering. All salad dressings are gluten-free, but toppings can contain gluten and often need to be omitted.
- Market Salad: Request no granola topping, which is packaged separately.
- Cobb Salad: The crispy bell peppers are not gluten-free; request for them to be omitted.
- Spicy Southwest Salad: This salad's seasoned tortilla strips and chili lime pepitas are reported to be gluten-free, but check the official allergen guide to be sure.
Sides
- Waffle Potato Fries: This beloved side is generally considered safe for those with celiac disease, as Chick-fil-A's fries are typically cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer. However, it is always recommended to confirm this with staff, as smaller or airport locations might have different procedures.
- Kale Crunch Side: A fresh, simple side salad made with kale and cabbage, mixed with an apple cider and dijon mustard vinaigrette. The almonds on top are also gluten-free.
- Fruit Cup and Apple Sauce: These naturally gluten-free sides are safe choices for anyone concerned about cross-contact.
- Waffle Potato Chips: Individually packaged to prevent cross-contact, these are a guaranteed gluten-free side option.
Comparison of Gluten-Free Options
| Menu Item | Gluten-Free Status | Precautions to Take |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Safe (with GF bun) | Request certified GF bun; assemble yourself outside packaging. |
| Grilled Nuggets | Naturally GF | Confirm preparation on a dedicated grill or with clean equipment. |
| Waffle Potato Fries | Safe | Confirm dedicated fryer with staff, especially in smaller locations. |
| Market Salad | Safe (with modifications) | Omit granola topping, confirm with staff that the chicken is grilled. |
| Cobb Salad | Safe (with modifications) | Omit crispy bell peppers, confirm with staff that the chicken is grilled. |
| Southwest Salad | Safe (check toppings) | Check official allergen guide for toppings, confirm with staff that the chicken is grilled. |
| Icedream Cup | Safe | Confirm serving procedure to avoid cross-contact from cones. |
Ordering Best Practices for the Gluten-Sensitive
For those with celiac disease or a high sensitivity, communication with the restaurant staff is critical. When ordering, it's best to inform the employee that you have a gluten allergy. Many Chick-fil-A locations have specific protocols for allergy orders, which may include flagging the order, changing gloves, and using clean preparation surfaces. Always verify the procedure with a manager if you are particularly sensitive.
Dressings, Sauces, and Drinks
Most Chick-fil-A sauces and dressings are free of gluten, with the notable exception of the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.
Gluten-Free Sauces:
- Chick-fil-A Sauce
- Honey Mustard Sauce
- Polynesian Sauce
- BBQ Sauce
- Zesty Buffalo Sauce
- Garden Herb Ranch Dressing
Desserts and Beverages
For dessert, the Icedream cup and various milkshakes (chocolate, strawberry, vanilla) are safe options. The frosted coffees and lemonades are also typically gluten-free. All standard beverages are safe. When ordering an Icedream, specify a cup to avoid any cone-related cross-contact.
Breakfast Options
If you're starting your day at Chick-fil-A, several gluten-free breakfast choices are available:
- Hash Browns: Cooked in the same dedicated fryers as the waffle fries, the hash browns are a safe bet.
- Hash Brown Scramble Bowl: Choose either the sausage or the grilled filet, and this bowl becomes a gluten-free breakfast option.
- Breakfast Sandwiches: Just like with lunch and dinner, you can order a bacon, egg, and cheese or sausage, egg, and cheese sandwich on the individually packaged gluten-free bun.
Conclusion
So, does Chick-fil-A have anything gluten-free on their menu? The answer is a resounding yes, though with important caveats for those with severe sensitivities. By choosing grilled chicken options, modifying salads, and sticking to fries from a confirmed dedicated fryer, individuals can enjoy a meal with reduced risk. Proper communication with staff and awareness of the brand's own disclaimers regarding shared kitchen space are essential. Ultimately, Chick-fil-A has made admirable strides to provide a variety of flavorful and safer options for its gluten-free customers.
