Avoid These Mistakes When Ordering at Chick-Fil-A

By: Alec Donaldson | Published: Jun 01, 2024

Chick-fil-A is one of the biggest fast-food chain restaurants in America, specializing in Chicken sandwiches. Despite being a massively popular place, there are many mistakes you can make.

Although it may be difficult to order something not tasty at the best chicken sandwich fast-food chain, there are simple mistakes you can avoid to make your delicious food even better. 

Starting With Your Order

The most crucial part of any fast food experience is what exactly you order. Although fried chicken is the Chick-fil-A go-to, you may be missing out on something better.

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Two people holding Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken sandwiches.

Source: @TurkeyCreekCFA/X

The nuggets are also one of the most popular items. But, did you know you were missing out on a whole other menu? Grilled chicken! Juicy, lemon-herb marinade, and somewhat healthier, the grilled chicken is unbelievably flavorful. Don’t miss out on this moist, tasty choice by sticking with the same old same old. 

So Many Sauces!

There are seven different Chick-fil-A sauces, so which one do you pick for your meal? Even when the chicken is good enough on its own, a bit of the right sauce can improve it even more.

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This sign is posted at the Chick-fil-A location at the Spotsylvania Towne Centre in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

Source: Aaron F. Stone/Wikipedia

The Chick-fil-A sauce, a very Southern-tasting sauce, is the go-to for any chicken. It’s even been made into bottles for sell in stores across the country. Even if this sauce isn’t for you, you have many choices to try and try again.

The Day You Visit Matters

Unless it’s your first time visiting, then you know that any Sunday is not the day to indulge in a chicken sandwich. Chick-fil-A is a very religious brand, starting when the restaurant first opened in 1946.

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Chick-fil-A food displayed on a tray.

Source: sallysilva/Pinterest

This means that Sunday is left for free for God and worship, as many Christians visit church on Sunday. The company has always given their employees all Sundays off to have an extra day of free time. However, there are few 24-hour spots, but these are typically at airports and truck stops. 

Do You Want Sides With That?

After you’ve decided on your main meal, it’s time to pick a side to go with it. From fries to soup, Chick-fil-A has many options. Unique to the fast food chain, not only do they have a standard but famous waffle fries, but they also have semi-healthy choices.

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Chick-fil-A waffle fries

Source: devre elle/Pinterest

A fresh, crispy kale salad sounds delicious paired with a crispy chicken sandwich. And if you’re feeling down, they make a mean chicken soup. To add to the Southern charm, a staple mac and cheese is on the menu. 

Always Room for Desert

If chicken alone hasn’t left you satisfied, they also have a range of desserts on the menu. A small sweet treat is a must after a savory meal, so why treat yourself?

A scoop being inserted into a container of vanilla ice cream, with the ice cream showing a creamy texture

Source: Dovile Ramoskaite/Unsplash

Chick-fil-A has simple yet flattering dessert options. These include vanilla ice cream, classic milkshakes, and even some baked treats, cookies, and brownies. If you’d rather have something less filling, they also do a frosted lemonade and iced coffee for those hot summer days.

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Missing Out on Free Food

Did you know the second Tuesday of July is Cow Appreciation Day? On that day, anyone dressed up as a cow can get a free sandwich.

"Code Moo" logo from Chick-Fil-A for cow appreciation day

Source: codemoo.com

Unfortunately, for those with cow costumes, Chick-fil-A hasn’t done this promotion for three years, since Covid-19. However, there is a free game on their app for the chance to win a free treat.

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Not Using the App

Lots of fast food places now have apps, and if you aren’t using them when you go, then you are missing out.

American fast food restaurant Chick-fil-A in Morristown, Tennessee in 2019.

Source: Walker Kinsler/Wikipedia

With the Chick-fil-A app, you have the option to use a third lane at the drive-thru which is only for mobile orders. Therefore, you could be saving time and missing long lines. With a simple QR code, you only have to wait for your order to arrive at your car.

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Choosing Your Soda

Chick-fil-A’s sweet tea is a classic Southern treat, so why not try something other than the usual soda?  

The Chick-fil-A Inc. logo is displayed on drink cups.

Source: Isabella/Pinterest

The trademarked Sunjoy is equal parts tea and fresh lemonade, creating a contrasting light, crisp drink to pair with your meal. Even if you don’t enjoy tea, there are many different options with lots of sodas to choose from, and even homemade lemonade.

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Not Trying the Salads

Fast food salads can be a massive letdown to those who want to visit their favorite place but still remain somewhat healthy. Chick-fil-A has perfected their salads, with no sad salads here!

Chick-filA Salad

Source: Barbi/Pinterest

Although the range may be small with only three salads, this provides a chance to make them perfect. They have a classic Cobb salad, a salad with a South-west influence, and even a fresh fruit-filled salad with blue cheese and granola. These salads may seem healthy, but salad dressing makes the calories add up. However, they are delicious, refreshing, and much healthier than a chicken sandwich.

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Try the Seasonal Specials

Chick-fil-A fans know these seasonal specials and when to get them, but if you’re a newcomer, then you may miss out on the limited-time treats.

People visit Ocean City Augest, 2023, in Ocean City, New Jersey.

Source: Dough4872/Wikipedia

Christmas brings peppermint milkshakes and a chicken tortilla soup. Spring brings sweet tea and lemonade. In summer, try a refreshing peach milkshake. For Fall, indulge in a Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich. Keep an eye out so you don’t miss these temporary treats!

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Losing Rewards

A big mistake many customers make is not using the app to earn rewards and then missing out on free food. If you download the app and use it with every purchase, you can earn points, and the more points you earn, the better prizes you can get.

A nighttime image of a Chick-fil-A restaurant's exterior with a brick façade illuminated by warm lighting. The Chick-fil-A logo in red neon lights stands out against the dark sky

Source: Wikimedia Commons

One dollar is the equivalent of 10 points for free treats. These points can also upgrade the tier you’re on, letting you get better rewards. The app is free, so why not earn points while you spend?

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