What Items Are Gluten-Free at Chick-fil-A?

According to Chick-fil-A's own nutrition guide, several menu items are free of wheat, providing a variety of choices for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease. Navigating what items are gluten-free at Chick-fil-A is possible with the right information and a few precautions.

Quick Summary

Chick-fil-A offers a range of gluten-free options, including grilled chicken, salads without breaded toppings, waffle fries from a dedicated fryer, and individually packaged buns. Most sauces and several desserts are also safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

Key Points

• Grilled Chicken is Key: Stick to grilled chicken filets or grilled nuggets for all your chicken entrees, avoiding all breaded options which contain wheat.

• Check on the Fries: Waffle Potato Fries are typically prepared in a dedicated fryer, but always confirm with staff at your specific location due to potential variations.

• Assemble Your Own Bun: Order the grilled chicken sandwich with a sealed gluten-free bun and assemble it yourself to minimize cross-contamination risk in the kitchen.

• Sauce Caution: Most sauces are gluten-free, but always avoid the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce, which contains wheat.

• Customize Your Salad: For safe salads, ensure you order grilled chicken and leave off non-GF toppings like crispy bell peppers and granola.

• Order with Care: Always inform the staff of your gluten allergy to ensure they take proper precautions, such as changing gloves and using clean surfaces.

Navigating a fast-food menu with gluten restrictions can be challenging, but Chick-fil-A provides a surprising number of suitable options. From their signature grilled chicken to waffle fries cooked in a separate fryer, there are many ways to enjoy a meal safely. The key to a successful gluten-free experience is to know what to order and, most importantly, how to order it to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. Always communicate your allergy to staff so they can take extra precautions during preparation.

Gluten-Free Entrees and Chicken Options

When ordering a chicken entree, the grilled options are your best bet. The breaded items contain wheat and are not gluten-free.

• Grilled Nuggets: These are a fantastic gluten-free choice for both adults and kids. They are marinated and cooked on a separate grill to prevent cross-contact with breaded chicken products.
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich: To enjoy this sandwich, you must order it with a gluten-free bun. The bun arrives at the restaurant individually packaged and sealed to prevent cross-contact. You will need to assemble the sandwich yourself to maintain its gluten-free integrity once it's opened.
• Chicken Cool Wrap: Order this wrap with grilled chicken instead of the breaded chicken for a gluten-free meal.
• Hash Brown Scramble Bowl: For breakfast, you can get this bowl with a sausage patty or grilled chicken, but be sure to avoid the breaded nuggets.

Safe Side Dishes and Toppings

Chick-fil-A offers several sides that are naturally gluten-free or prepared in a way that is typically safe. However, asking staff to confirm preparation methods is always recommended.

• Waffle Potato Fries: The beloved waffle fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer separate from the breaded chicken, making them a safe choice for many. Always ask your local location to be certain, especially at smaller or non-traditional outlets.
• Kale Crunch Side: This is a mix of kale and cabbage with a tasty apple cider vinaigrette and is completely gluten-free.
• Fruit Cup: A simple and safe option with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and apple pieces.
• Waffle Potato Chips: These are individually packaged and a great choice for avoiding cross-contamination.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: The berries and yogurt are gluten-free, but be aware that the parfait with granola contains oats that may not be certified gluten-free, and the cookie crumble option is not safe. It's best to stick with just the yogurt and berries.

Gluten-Free Sauces, Desserts, and Drinks

Most of Chick-fil-A's sauces and dressings are gluten-free, offering plenty of flavor options. When it comes to treats, there are a few satisfying choices available.

Gluten-Free Sauces and Dressings

All sauces and dressings are gluten-free except for the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce.

• Barbeque Sauce
• Chick-fil-A® Sauce
• Honey Mustard Sauce
• Honey Roasted BBQ Sauce
• Polynesian Sauce
• Zesty Buffalo Sauce
• Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing
• Creamy Salsa Dressing
• Fat-Free Honey Mustard Dressing
• Garden Herb Ranch Dressing
• Light Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
• Light Italian Dressing
• Zesty Apple Cider Vinaigrette Dressing

Gluten-Free Desserts and Drinks

• Icedream® Cup: A classic, creamy treat that is gluten-free.
• Frosted Coffee & Lemonade: These are safe to order.
• Milkshakes: The base milkshake flavors (Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry) are generally gluten-free, but watch out for cross-contamination with seasonal flavors or toppings containing gluten, like the Cookies & Cream bits.

Customizing Salads for a Gluten-Free Meal

Salads are a popular gluten-free choice, but they require careful customization. Always request a grilled chicken filet or grilled nuggets as your protein instead of breaded options.

• Cobb Salad: Request this without the crispy bell peppers, which are not gluten-free.
• Market Salad: The granola topping is not gluten-free, so be sure to request it without.
• Spicy Southwest Salad: This salad's tortilla strips and chili lime pepitas are gluten-free, making it a flavorful option that doesn't require as many modifications.

Avoiding Cross-Contamination

For those with Celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity, preventing cross-contamination is paramount. Chick-fil-A takes certain precautions, but shared kitchens always present a risk.

• Communicate Clearly: Inform staff at the register that you have a gluten allergy. Your order should be marked as an allergy, alerting the kitchen staff to take extra care.
• Request Clean Prep: Ask for a glove change and request that your food be prepared on a clean surface with clean utensils.
• Assembly: Remember that the gluten-free bun is sealed upon arrival. Once you open it and start assembling your sandwich in the shared kitchen environment, it is no longer considered completely free of potential cross-contact.

Comparison of Chicken Options

Feature	Gluten-Free (Safe)	Not Gluten-Free (Unsafe)
Chicken Type	Grilled Chicken Filet and Grilled Nuggets	Breaded Chicken Nuggets, Original Chicken Sandwich
Preparation	Cooked separately on a dedicated grill	Cooked in a fryer used for other breaded items
Texture	Tender, grilled, and juicy chicken	Crispy, fried, and breaded
Gluten Status	Certified gluten-free	Contains wheat and gluten

Conclusion

Chick-fil-A has made admirable efforts to provide gluten-free options and accommodate customers with dietary needs. By choosing grilled chicken entrees, enjoying sides like waffle fries and kale crunch, and utilizing their wide array of gluten-free sauces, you can build a satisfying meal. Always remember to communicate your allergy to staff and take precautions against cross-contamination, especially with the individually packaged bun. For the most up-to-date information, it is best to consult the official Chick-fil-A Nutrition and Allergens page.

For a more detailed look at ingredients and allergens, you can visit the official Chick-fil-A website: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/nutrition-allergens.

Remember that while a fast-food restaurant can offer gluten-friendly options, the risk of cross-contact is never entirely eliminated due to shared kitchen environments. Your comfort level with this risk should guide your ordering decisions.

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, separate from breaded items. However, you should always confirm with your local restaurant that they use a dedicated fryer for the fries to be certain.

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

Yes, Chick-fil-A offers an individually packaged, certified gluten-free bun. It is recommended that you assemble your sandwich yourself to avoid potential cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients in the kitchen.

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

Yes, the grilled chicken nuggets are gluten-free. They are cooked on a dedicated grill to prevent cross-contamination from breaded chicken.

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

Most of Chick-fil-A's sauces are gluten-free, including the signature Chick-fil-A Sauce, Polynesian, BBQ, and Honey Mustard. The only sauce that is NOT gluten-free is the Sweet & Spicy Sriracha Sauce.

How can I order a gluten-free salad at Chick-fil-A?

To get a gluten-free salad, order it with grilled chicken or grilled nuggets instead of breaded chicken. You must also omit specific non-gluten-free toppings like the crispy bell peppers on the Cobb salad or the granola on the Market salad.

What breakfast items are gluten-free at Chick-fil-A?

Gluten-free breakfast options include the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with a sausage patty or grilled chicken, hash browns, and breakfast sandwiches on a gluten-free bun.

Is the Icedream dessert at Chick-fil-A gluten-free?

Yes, the Icedream cup is a gluten-free dessert option. For milkshakes, stick to basic flavors like vanilla or chocolate and be mindful of seasonal flavors that might have gluten-containing mix-ins.