What can you get from Chick-fil-A that is gluten-free?

According to gluten-free diners, Chick-fil-A is often considered one of the safest fast-food chains for people with celiac disease due to their careful preparation procedures. Knowing what you can get from Chick-fil-A that is gluten-free can make dining out significantly easier and more enjoyable.

Quick Summary

A guide to the gluten-free options at Chick-fil-A, covering safe menu items like grilled nuggets, waffle fries, and salads, along with important cross-contamination precautions for sensitive diners.

Key Points

• Grilled Options Are Key: Always opt for grilled chicken nuggets or a grilled filet, as the breaded options contain gluten.

• Verify Dedicated Fryers: While waffle fries are typically cooked in a dedicated fryer, always confirm this with staff at your specific location to avoid cross-contamination.

• Request the GF Bun Separately: The certified gluten-free bun comes individually wrapped; ask for it packaged and assemble your sandwich yourself to minimize cross-contact.

• Communicate Your Allergy Clearly: Informing staff of your gluten allergy or celiac disease prompts them to take extra precautions like changing gloves and using clean surfaces.

• Customize Salads Carefully: For salads, choose grilled chicken and ask for a fresh prep. Always omit gluten-containing toppings like crispy bell peppers and granola.

• Sauce and Dressing Smarts: Most Chick-fil-A sauces are gluten-free, but double-check the ingredient list. The Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce contains wheat.

• Consider Cross-Contamination Risk: Remember that Chick-fil-A kitchens are not certified gluten-free, so a minimal risk of cross-contact always exists, especially for highly sensitive individuals.

Chick-fil-A has earned a strong reputation among the gluten-free and celiac communities for offering a variety of safe and satisfying options. From dedicated fryers for their famous waffle fries to individually packaged buns and thorough allergy protocols, the chain has made a significant effort to cater to these dietary needs. This guide breaks down the specific gluten-free menu items available, how to order them safely, and what to watch out for.

Gluten-Free Entrées: Grilled and Prepared with Care

Unlike their famous breaded chicken, Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken items are gluten-free and prepared separately to minimize the risk of cross-contamination.

• Grilled Nuggets: These are a staple for many gluten-free customers. Marinated and cooked without any batter, they are a safe and reliable protein option for kids' meals or as a main dish.
• Grilled Chicken Filet: The grilled filet is available in several sandwiches, but it's crucial to request a certified gluten-free bun and ensure staff follow proper cross-contact procedures.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: This can be ordered on a gluten-free bun, which arrives individually packaged to prevent contamination. To be extra safe, assemble the sandwich yourself.
• Grilled Chicken Club: A more deluxe sandwich featuring bacon and cheese, also available with the individually packaged gluten-free bun.

Important Ordering Instructions for Entrées

When ordering, always inform the team member that you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Ask them to flag your order, change their gloves, and use clean utensils and surfaces to prevent any accidental gluten contact.

Perfectly Safe Sides and Sauces

Finding gluten-free sides at a fast-food restaurant can be a challenge, but Chick-fil-A offers several dependable options. The sauces, a cornerstone of the Chick-fil-A experience, are almost all gluten-free as well.

Safe Sides

• Waffle Potato Fries: The beloved Chick-fil-A waffle fries are made from simple ingredients (potatoes, oil, salt) and are cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations, separate from the breaded chicken. Still, it's always best to ask your specific location to confirm their fryer policy.
• Kale Crunch Side: A fresh mix of kale and cabbage with a roasted nut blend, this is a naturally gluten-free and healthy option.
• Fruit Cup: A simple and fresh side featuring a mix of apple, orange, strawberry, and blueberry.
• Waffle Potato Chips: These are often available through catering and are individually packaged to guarantee they are free from cross-contact.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Note that the granola topping is not certified gluten-free due to the potential for cross-contamination with oats, so order it without.

Gluten-Free Sauces

Nearly all sauces are safe, with one key exception to watch out for.

• Safe sauces: Chick-fil-A Sauce, Polynesian Sauce, Honey Mustard, Barbecue Sauce, Honey Roasted BBQ, Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, Zesty Buffalo Sauce, and many others are all gluten-free.
• Avoid: The Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce contains wheat and should be avoided.

Customizing Salads for Gluten-Free Eating

Chick-fil-A salads offer a great foundation for a gluten-free meal, as long as you make careful adjustments to the toppings.

• Choose Grilled Chicken: Always opt for grilled nuggets or a grilled filet instead of the breaded chicken for your salad.
• Modify Toppings: Be aware that some toppings, like the crispy bell peppers on the Cobb Salad or the granola on the Market Salad, contain gluten. Since these are usually packaged separately, they are easy to omit.
• Dressing Options: All salad dressings at Chick-fil-A are gluten-free, so you can choose freely.

A Quick Comparison of Safe vs. Unsafe Chicken

To ensure a safe order, it's critical to understand the distinction between the available chicken options.

Feature	Grilled Chicken (Nuggets/Filet)	Breaded Chicken (Original/Spicy)
Gluten-Free	Yes	No
Ingredients	Marinated chicken, gluten-free spices	Wheat-based breading
Cooking Method	Cooked on a separate grill	Fried in a shared fryer
Cross-Contamination Risk	Very Low (staff precautions vital)	High (due to shared fryer)
Best For	Celiac disease, gluten sensitivity	Diners with no gluten concerns
Assembly	Can be paired with a GF bun	Only safe served bunless with extra precautions

Navigating Breakfast and Desserts

For those craving a gluten-free start to their day or a sweet treat, there are also a few good choices.

• Breakfast: The Hash Brown Scramble Bowl is gluten-free when ordered with grilled chicken or sausage. The hash browns are also prepared in a dedicated fryer.
• Desserts: The Icedream cup, Frosted Coffee, Frosted Lemonade, and milkshakes are typically gluten-free, though some locations may have seasonal milkshakes with gluten ingredients, so always verify. The cookie crumbs for some parfaits or shakes are not gluten-free.

Conclusion: A Reliable Choice with Proper Caution

With a bit of careful communication and menu awareness, you can enjoy a satisfying and safe meal at Chick-fil-A. Their commitment to offering a variety of grilled chicken options, dedicated fryers for fries, and individually packaged gluten-free buns makes them a trustworthy option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Remember to always inform the staff of your allergy and confirm their current procedures to ensure the best possible experience.

What to get from Chick-fil-A that is gluten-free? A quick list:

• Grilled chicken: The grilled nuggets and filets are gluten-free, providing a safe protein source.
• Waffle Potato Fries: Most locations cook their fries in a dedicated fryer, making them a safe choice.
• Gluten-Free Bun: An individually packaged bun is available for sandwiches, but self-assembly is recommended.
• Salads: Many salads, like the Market Salad or Cobb Salad, are safe with grilled chicken and modified toppings.
• Sides: Options like the Kale Crunch side, Fruit Cup, and Applesauce are naturally gluten-free.
• Sauces and Dressings: Most sauces are safe, with the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha being the main exception.
• Desserts and Drinks: The Icedream cup, Frosted Lemonade, and standard beverages are typically gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, Chick-fil-A waffle fries are naturally gluten-free as they are made from potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer at most locations to prevent cross-contamination from breaded items. However, it's always wise to ask your specific restaurant to confirm their fryer procedures.

Is Chick-fil-A sauce gluten-free?

Yes, the signature Chick-fil-A sauce is gluten-free, along with most other sauces and dressings offered, including Polynesian, Honey Mustard, and BBQ sauce. The only major exception is the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.

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

Yes, Chick-fil-A offers a certified gluten-free bun made with sorghum and amaranth. It comes individually packaged to avoid cross-contact, and it is recommended that you assemble your sandwich yourself.

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

Yes, the grilled chicken nuggets are gluten-free. They are marinated and cooked separately from the breaded chicken to ensure they are safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

How do I order safely at Chick-fil-A with celiac disease?

To order safely, inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy or celiac disease. Ask them to change their gloves, use clean utensils, and flag your order. This helps ensure your meal is handled with extra care to minimize cross-contact.

What desserts are gluten-free at Chick-fil-A?

Gluten-free dessert options include the Icedream cup, Frosted Lemonade, and most standard milkshakes. It is important to note that seasonal milkshakes may sometimes contain gluten ingredients, and the Greek Yogurt Parfait's granola is not certified gluten-free.

Which salad toppings should I avoid for a gluten-free meal?

On the Cobb Salad, you should omit the crispy bell peppers, and on the Market Salad, the granola is not gluten-free. Always request grilled chicken instead of any breaded protein.