What Can You Eat at Chick-fil-A That Is Gluten-Free?

Approximately 1 in 133 Americans has celiac disease, requiring a strict gluten-free diet. For those with celiac or gluten sensitivity, finding safe options at fast-food restaurants can be challenging, which is why it's important to know what you can eat at Chick-fil-A that is gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This outlines Chick-fil-A menu items suitable for a gluten-free diet, including grilled entrees, sides, salads, sauces, and desserts, including ways to avoid cross-contact.

Key Points

• Grilled Chicken is Key: Choose grilled nuggets or a grilled chicken filet on a gluten-free bun to avoid the wheat-breaded fried chicken.

• Waffle Fries are Generally Safe: The waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer at many locations, but always confirm with staff, especially in airport or mall venues.

• Specify 'Allergy' When Ordering: For Celiac disease or high sensitivity, inform the staff using the word "allergy" to trigger cross-contact prevention protocols like glove changes.

• Customize Your Salads: Chick-fil-A salads can be made gluten-free by choosing grilled chicken and removing specific non-GF toppings, such as the granola on the Market Salad.

• Sauce and Drink Options: Most Chick-fil-A sauces and all standard beverages are gluten-free, with the exception of the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce.

• Assemble Your Own Sandwich: Request that the individually packaged gluten-free bun remains sealed, and assemble your grilled chicken sandwich yourself to minimize kitchen cross-contact.

Chick-fil-A offers accommodating options for those following a gluten-free diet, thanks to its efforts to provide alternatives and minimize cross-contact. The restaurant has a range of items, from individually packaged buns to grilled chicken and dedicated fryer use for certain products. However, vigilance is key, especially for individuals with severe gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, due to shared kitchen spaces.

Gluten-Free Lunch and Dinner Entrees

Focus on grilled chicken for the main course and specify dietary needs when ordering. Fried chicken items are breaded and should be avoided.

• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: The grilled chicken filet is gluten-friendly, and you can request a certified gluten-free bun. Chick-fil-A recommends assembling the sandwich yourself, as the bun is individually packaged to prevent cross-contact.
• Grilled Nuggets: The grilled nuggets are marinated in gluten-free seasoning and are not breaded. These are a staple for many gluten-free customers.
• Cool Wrap: The standard wrap is not gluten-free, but you can order the ingredients (grilled chicken, lettuce, cabbage) as a bowl or on a side salad to create a safe meal.

Safe Sides and Snacks

Chick-fil-A provides several naturally gluten-free sides, many of which come individually packaged.

• Waffle Potato Fries: The waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, which minimizes cross-contact with breaded items. They are generally considered a safe option, but some locations might share fryers, so always ask.
• Kale Crunch Side: This side salad, featuring kale, cabbage, and a roasted nut blend, is naturally gluten-free.
• Waffle Potato Chips: These chips come in a sealed, pre-packaged bag, ensuring no cross-contamination occurs before opening.
• Fruit Cup and Applesauce: The fruit cup and Buddy Fruits® Apple Sauce are both sealed and entirely gluten-free options.

Customizing Gluten-Free Salads

All Chick-fil-A salads can be made gluten-free with modifications and the right protein choice. All dressings are also gluten-free.

• Cobb Salad: Order with a grilled filet or grilled nuggets and omit the crispy bell peppers, as they are not gluten-free.
• Market Salad: Request with grilled chicken and without the Harvest Nut Granola, which is individually packaged and contains gluten.
• Spicy Southwest Salad: This salad is safe with grilled chicken and features gluten-free seasoned tortilla strips and chili lime pepitas.

Ordering Gluten-Free Breakfast

Even at breakfast, you have safe choices beyond coffee.

• Hash Brown Scramble Bowl: This can be ordered safely with either sausage or a grilled chicken filet. Specify your allergy for separate preparation.
• Hash Browns: Similar to the waffle fries, hash browns are generally made in a dedicated fryer and are naturally gluten-free.
• Breakfast Sandwich: A bacon or sausage patty and egg can be served with the certified gluten-free bun. Always request the bun be kept in its packaging for you to assemble.

Comparing Gluten-Free Menu Items

Here is a comparison of some gluten-free and gluten-containing items.

Item Category	Gluten-Free Options	Items to Avoid (Contain Gluten)
Entrees	Grilled Chicken Filet (with GF bun), Grilled Nuggets	Original Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Chick-n-Strips, Breaded Nuggets
Sides	Waffle Potato Fries (dedicated fryer), Fruit Cup, Kale Crunch Side, Waffle Potato Chips	Mac & Cheese, Chicken Tortilla Soup (seasonal)
Salads	Cobb Salad (modifications), Market Salad (modifications), Spicy Southwest Salad (with grilled chicken)	Standard salads with breaded chicken or certain toppings (e.g., crispy bell peppers on Cobb)
Sauces	Chick-fil-A Sauce, Barbeque, Polynesian, Honey Mustard, Ranch, Zesty Buffalo	Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce
Desserts	Icedream® Cup, Milkshakes (ask for clean blender)	Cookies & Cream Milkshake (due to cookies)
Breakfast	Hash Browns, Sausage/Bacon Patty, Hash Brown Scramble Bowl (grilled)	Chicken Biscuits, Chick-n-Minis

Steps to Minimize Cross-Contact

For individuals with celiac disease or high sensitivity, extra precautions are necessary to ensure a safe meal.

1. Always Inform the Staff: State your dietary needs clearly at the counter. Using the phrase "severe gluten allergy" is often recommended to ensure the staff takes precautions.
2. Request Safety Protocols: Ask for your order to be handled with a fresh glove change and clean utensils and surfaces.
3. Confirm Dedicated Fryer: While many locations use a dedicated fryer for the waffle fries, this can vary, especially in non-standard locations like malls. Always confirm.
4. Assemble Sealed Items Yourself: The certified gluten-free bun and waffle potato chips arrive in sealed packaging. Open and assemble these yourself to eliminate any risk of kitchen cross-contact.

Conclusion

Chick-fil-A offers safe gluten-free options, from customizable salads and grilled chicken entrees to waffle fries and various sauces. The key is clear communication with the staff and understanding which menu items and preparation methods to request and which to avoid. By following these steps, those with gluten sensitivities can confidently enjoy a meal. Always check the official Chick-fil-A Nutrition and Allergens Guide for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Chick-fil-A's Waffle Fries gluten-free?

Yes, Chick-fil-A's waffle fries are made from potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer at most standard locations, making them a naturally gluten-free option. However, always double-check with the staff at your specific location, especially if it is in an airport or mall, to confirm the fryer is not shared.

Can I get a gluten-free bun at Chick-fil-A?

Yes, Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun that arrives individually packaged to prevent cross-contact. To ensure maximum safety, request the bun be left in its packaging so you can assemble your sandwich yourself.

Which Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free?

Most Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, including the signature Chick-fil-A Sauce, Barbeque, Polynesian, Honey Mustard, Garden Herb Ranch, and Zesty Buffalo. The only sauce to avoid is the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha, which contains wheat.

What should I say when ordering to ensure my meal is gluten-free?

When ordering, inform the staff that you have a "severe gluten allergy". Additionally, request that they change their gloves and use clean utensils to prepare your order to minimize any risk of cross-contact.

Are Chick-fil-A's salads gluten-free?

Yes, but with customizations. You must choose a grilled chicken option instead of breaded chicken and remember to remove specific toppings that contain gluten, like the crispy bell peppers on the Cobb salad or the granola on the Market Salad. All dressings are gluten-free.

Are Chick-fil-A's milkshakes and desserts gluten-free?

The Icedream® cup and many of the standard milkshakes (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry) are considered gluten-free. However, those with high sensitivity should be cautious and ask for a clean blender due to potential cross-contact with items like the Cookies & Cream milkshake.

What breakfast items are available for a gluten-free diet?

For a gluten-free breakfast, you can order the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with either sausage or a grilled filet. The hash browns themselves are also naturally gluten-free. You can also get a breakfast sandwich on the certified gluten-free bun.