Is Chick-fil-A grilled chicken still gluten-free?: What the 2025 Nutrition Diet Reveals

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2024 survey, over 30% of US adults are actively trying to limit or avoid gluten, a trend that makes clear allergen information vital for consumers. So, is Chick-fil-A grilled chicken still gluten-free for those managing celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, especially with potential risks like cross-contamination in mind?

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken filet and nuggets contain no gluten ingredients, but the brand acknowledges a risk of cross-contamination in its shared kitchens. Special precautions are necessary to ensure a safe, celiac-friendly meal when ordering.

Key Points

Grilled Chicken is Naturally GF: Both the grilled chicken fillet and grilled nuggets are made without gluten-containing ingredients.
Cross-Contamination is the Risk: Due to shared kitchen spaces, there is a risk of gluten cross-contact, especially for sensitive individuals.
Order Carefully to Reduce Risk: Inform staff of your allergy and ask for fresh gloves and clean surfaces to handle your food.
Use the Sealed GF Bun: The gluten-free bun arrives individually packaged; request it sealed and assemble your sandwich yourself to avoid contamination.
Waffle Fries are Generally Safe: Most locations use a dedicated fryer for their fries, but confirm this with your local restaurant.
Customize Salads and Sauces: Choose salads with grilled chicken and avoid gluten-containing toppings; most Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, except for Sweet and Spicy Sriracha.

The Gluten-Free Status of Chick-fil-A's Grilled Chicken

For individuals following a gluten-free diet, Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken remains a valuable option, but it comes with an important disclaimer. The chicken itself—the grilled filet and grilled nuggets—is prepared without gluten-containing ingredients. However, since all food is prepared in shared kitchen spaces, Chick-fil-A clearly states that they cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment. This means that while the core ingredient is safe, the risk of cross-contact exists and must be managed, particularly for those with celiac disease or severe sensitivities.

The Grilled Fillets and Marinade

The grilled chicken filet is a boneless chicken breast marinated in a simple lemon-herb blend. The ingredients in this marinade are naturally gluten-free. Similarly, the grilled nuggets are marinated pieces of boneless chicken breast without any breading. For the most up-to-date and location-specific ingredient details, always check Chick-fil-A's official website by searching for your local store.

Navigating Cross-Contamination: Key to a Safe Meal

Cross-contamination is the primary concern for any gluten-sensitive individual eating at a fast-food restaurant. At Chick-fil-A, steps can be taken to mitigate this risk, but it requires diligent communication and awareness from the customer.

Safe Ordering Practices

Communicate Clearly: Inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy. This flags the order for the kitchen staff, increasing their mindfulness during preparation.
Request Cleanliness: Ask the employee to change their gloves before handling your order. This prevents gluten particles from gloves used for breaded items from contaminating your meal.
Handle Your Own Bun: If ordering a grilled chicken sandwich with a gluten-free bun, it is best to request the bun on the side, in its sealed packaging. Chick-fil-A's policy is that once the bun is opened in the kitchen, it is no longer considered gluten-free due to potential cross-contact.
Consider "Protein Style": For the lowest risk, order the grilled chicken filet or nuggets without a bun. Opt for a salad bowl or have it placed in a container with lettuce to build your own meal.

Other Gluten-Free Menu Items and What to Avoid

Chick-fil-A offers a variety of other naturally gluten-free or easily modifiable options that can complete a safe meal. However, some items should be avoided entirely.

Safe Options to Add to Your Order

Waffle Potato Fries: The famous waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer using canola oil, separate from the breaded chicken. However, always confirm with your specific location, especially at non-standard locations like airports or malls.
Salads: Choose a Cobb, Market, or Spicy Southwest Salad with grilled chicken or nuggets. Be sure to order without gluten-containing toppings like crispy bell peppers or granola, which are individually packaged for easy removal.
Sauces: Most sauces, including the classic Chick-fil-A sauce, are gluten-free. The notable exception is the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.
Sides: Options like the Kale Crunch Side, Fruit Cup, and Applesauce are also safe.
Beverages and Treats: Most beverages, including milkshakes in a cup, and the Icedream cup are gluten-free. Avoid the cookie crumbs topping on the parfait and the Cookies & Cream Milkshake, which contains gluten.

Comparison: Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Containing Options


Feature	Grilled Chicken Fillet	Breaded Chicken Fillet	Notes for GF Diners
Gluten-Free Ingredients	Yes	No	The breading on the breaded chicken contains gluten/wheat and must be avoided.
Cooked on Shared Surfaces	Yes	Yes	The grill is often shared, posing a risk of cross-contamination for the grilled fillet.
Cross-Contamination Risk	Moderate	High	Risk exists for grilled items, while breaded items carry inherent gluten.
Bun Option	Optional; Sealed GF Bun	Standard bun (not GF)	To ensure safety, request the sealed gluten-free bun on the side for self-assembly.
Protein Type	Lemon-herb marinated	Seasoned and breaded	The grilling process provides a different flavor profile and texture.

The Nutritional Profile of Chick-fil-A's Grilled Chicken

Beyond being a gluten-free option, the grilled chicken is also a healthier, lower-calorie choice compared to its breaded counterparts. The grilled filet, on its own (no bun, no pickles), provides 110 calories, 2g fat, 1g carbs, and 21g of protein, making it a lean, high-protein choice. The 12-count grilled nuggets offer 200 calories, 4.5g fat, 2g carbs, and 38g protein. This makes them an excellent protein source for a balanced meal on the go.

Conclusion

In 2025, Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken and grilled nuggets remain naturally gluten-free, providing a viable option for those on a gluten-free diet. However, for individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity to gluten, careful ordering is essential to prevent cross-contamination. By communicating your allergy, requesting glove changes, and self-assembling your sandwich with the individually packaged bun, you can significantly reduce the risks. Paired with dedicated-fryer waffle fries, a fresh salad, and safe sauces, it's possible to enjoy a delicious and satisfying gluten-free meal at Chick-fil-A. Always consult the official Chick-fil-A Nutrition and Allergen Guide for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the grilled chicken filet itself is prepared without any gluten-containing ingredients. However, it is cooked on a shared grill, which presents a risk of cross-contamination with other menu items that do contain gluten.

To order a gluten-free grilled chicken sandwich, request a certified gluten-free bun and ask for it to remain sealed in its packaging. Assemble the sandwich yourself to avoid potential cross-contact in the kitchen. Remember to inform the staff of your allergy when ordering.

In most Chick-fil-A locations, the waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, making them a safe option for those with celiac disease. It is always recommended to verify this with the staff at your specific restaurant, as practices can vary.

Most Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, including the classic Chick-fil-A sauce, Polynesian, BBQ, and Honey Mustard. The Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce is the main exception and contains wheat.

To minimize cross-contamination, tell the staff you have a gluten allergy, ask for a glove change, request a sealed gluten-free bun, and consider ordering the grilled chicken 'protein style' without any bun.

Yes, the grilled nuggets are a naturally gluten-free protein option and are safe to eat, provided you take precautions against cross-contamination from the shared grill and kitchen environment.

Salads with grilled chicken can be a gluten-free meal, but you must make sure to order them without any gluten-containing toppings. Ask to omit toppings like crispy bell peppers or granola and use one of the many safe dressings.