What are some gluten-free options at Chick-fil-A?

Celiac disease affects approximately 1 in 100 individuals globally, requiring a strict gluten-free diet. Many restaurants, including Chick-fil-A, offer options to accommodate this. This article explores some gluten-free options at Chick-fil-A.

Quick Summary

This guide highlights Chick-fil-A's gluten-free menu items, such as grilled chicken, waffle fries, and salads, with advice on ordering to prevent cross-contamination for those with gluten sensitivities.

Key Points

• Choose Grilled Chicken: Avoid breaded and fried chicken. Opt for grilled nuggets or the grilled chicken filet.

• Dedicated Fryer for Waffle Fries: Most locations have a dedicated gluten-free fryer for Waffle Fries. Confirm with staff.

• Use Gluten-Free Buns: Chick-fil-A has a certified gluten-free bun. It's individually wrapped. Assemble your sandwich to minimize contact.

• Customize Salads: Order salads with grilled chicken. Leave out non-gluten-free toppings, which are packaged separately.

• Most Sauces Are Safe: Most Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, except for the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce.

• Communicate Your Needs: Inform staff about your gluten allergy. This ensures they take precautions like changing gloves.

Gluten-Free Main Courses and Sandwiches

Those on a gluten-free diet can find several protein options at Chick-fil-A. Focus on grilled chicken, and avoid breaded or fried chicken products.

Grilled Chicken Entrées

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: This sandwich can be made gluten-free with a certified bun. The bun is pre-packaged. Assemble the sandwich yourself to keep it safe.
• Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich: Order this with a gluten-free bun. It includes bacon and cheese.
• Grilled Chicken Nuggets: These are a safe choice. They have no coating or batter.
• Grilled Filet: Order it without a bun for a gluten-free meal.

Salads

Chick-fil-A salads can be customized. Always request grilled chicken instead of fried. Be mindful of gluten-containing toppings.

• Market Salad: Get this salad with the grilled filet or nuggets. The granola topping isn't gluten-free. It can be omitted. The granola is packaged separately.
• Cobb Salad: Order this with grilled chicken. Leave out the crispy bell peppers, as they are not gluten-free. They are also individually packaged.
• Spicy Southwest Salad: This is a safe choice with grilled chicken, as the tortilla strips and pepitas are gluten-free.

Sides, Sauces, and Treats

Many of Chick-fil-A's sides and sauces are gluten-free.

Gluten-Free Sides

• Waffle Potato Fries: These are naturally gluten-free and cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations to prevent cross-contamination. Confirm this with the staff.
• Kale Crunch Side: This is gluten-free.
• Fruit Cup: This is a gluten-free side option.
• Waffle Potato Chips: These chips are gluten-free and individually packaged.

Sauces and Desserts

• Sauces: Most sauces, such as Chick-fil-A Sauce, Barbecue, Polynesian, and Honey Mustard, are gluten-free. Avoid the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.
• Icedream® Cup: The Icedream in a cup is a safe dessert option. Avoid the Icedream cone.
• Milkshakes and Frosted Beverages: Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry milkshakes are gluten-free, along with frosted lemonade and frosted coffee. Avoid the Cookies & Cream milkshake.

Best Practices for a Gluten-Free Order

For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, clear communication is essential. Chick-fil-A has gluten-free options and protocols, but cross-contact is possible.

Ordering for Celiac Disease

1. Communicate clearly: Tell the staff about your gluten allergy.
2. Request a glove change: Ask the employee to change gloves before starting your order.
3. Confirm dedicated equipment: Inquire about preparation. For example, confirm the fryer for waffle fries and the grill for grilled chicken.
4. Self-assemble sandwiches: Use the gluten-free bun and assemble your sandwich yourself.

Gluten-Free vs. Gluten-Containing Options at Chick-fil-A

Menu Item	Gluten-Free Status	Preparation Notes
Grilled Chicken Sandwich	Gluten-Free (with substitution)	Order with a certified GF bun. Assemble yourself.
Original Chicken Sandwich	Contains Gluten	Breading contains wheat.
Grilled Nuggets	Gluten-Free	Cooked on a separate grill. Safe from cross-contact with fried items.
Nuggets/Chick-n-Strips	Contains Gluten	Breading contains wheat. Fried in shared oil.
Waffle Potato Fries	Gluten-Free	Cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations. Confirm with staff.
Market Salad	Gluten-Free (with modification)	Order with grilled chicken and omit granola topping.
Icedream Cup	Gluten-Free	Safe in a cup. Avoid cones.
Icedream Cone	Contains Gluten	Cone contains gluten.
Chick-fil-A Sauce	Gluten-Free	All sauces are GF except the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha.
Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce	Contains Gluten	This specific sauce contains wheat.

Conclusion

Chick-fil-A offers options for a gluten-free diet. Grilled chicken, salads with modifications, and gluten-free sides, such as Waffle Fries, make a good meal. Communicate your dietary needs when ordering to ensure safety, especially if you have celiac disease. Check with your local restaurant, as practices can vary slightly.

Ordering Tips

• Tell the employee about your allergy to trigger kitchen precautions.
• Request grilled chicken products and have them prepare your sandwich with the gluten-free bun.
• When ordering salads, ask for grilled chicken and omit toppings like granola.
• Verify that your restaurant uses a dedicated fryer for the Waffle Fries.
• Know which sauces are gluten-free and avoid the one with wheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Chick-fil-A have a gluten-free bun?

Yes, Chick-fil-A has a certified gluten-free bun. It is individually packaged to avoid cross-contamination. Assemble your sandwich yourself.

Are the Chick-fil-A waffle fries gluten-free?

Yes, waffle fries are gluten-free. They are typically cooked in a dedicated fryer to avoid cross-contact.

Are grilled nuggets at Chick-fil-A gluten-free?

Yes, grilled chicken nuggets are gluten-free. They are grilled without breading.

Which Chick-fil-A sauces are not gluten-free?

All Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, except for the Sweet and Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.

Can I eat a salad at Chick-fil-A if I have a gluten allergy?

Yes. Order grilled chicken and omit certain toppings like granola from the Market Salad and the crispy bell peppers from the Cobb Salad. The Spicy Southwest Salad is safe with grilled chicken.

What about breakfast options that are gluten-free?

Order the Hash Browns, a fruit cup, or the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with either sausage or grilled chicken filet instead of the nuggets. The grilled breakfast filet can also be served on a gluten-free bun.

How can I prevent cross-contamination when ordering at Chick-fil-A?

Tell staff about your gluten allergy. Ask for a glove change. Confirm dedicated equipment use. Assemble buns yourself from the pre-packaged wrapper.