12 Healthy Chick-fil-A Orders, According to Dietitians

While fast food has gotten a bad reputation, 36% of Americans eat it on any given day of the week. It's easy, convenient, and oftentimes more economical than sitting at a traditional restaurant or making food at home. Although many fast food choices are incredibly high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat, Chick-fil-A has made it easier for people to find healthier fast-food options on the go.

Known for its chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and waffle fries, Chick-fil-A also offers quite a few healthier choices that taste great and can help you stay on track with your health goals. While there are still plenty of indulgent menu items, Chick-fil-A provides a variety of more health-conscious foods, setting it apart from other fast-food chains.

As a dietitian, I believe fast food can still have a place in your diet on those unplanned days—because eating something is always better than going hungry. And to help you make the best choice, we asked registered dietitians for their expert opinions on which healthy menu options to order at Chick-fil-A.

 The Best Chick-fil-A Order for Weight Loss

Is Chick-fil-A Healthy?

Keep in mind that "healthy" is a subjective term—what's healthy for one person may not be for another. Chick-fil-A has many menu items that are high in sodium and saturated fat and low in fiber and other important nutrients. That being said, you can also place multiple healthful orders at this fast-food joint.

For example, Chick-fil-A provides grilled alternatives instead of deep-fried ones, as well as menu items like fresh fruit cups, Greek yogurt, and kale salads. These healthier options can help you make choices that align with your personal health goals.

If you're on the go and need something quick to fill you up and leave you feeling energized, grab any of these 12 dietitian-approved healthy Chick-fil-A orders. Read on, then check out the #1 Unhealthiest Chick-fil-A Order.

Our Dietitians' Healthy Chick-fil-A Options

• Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with Grilled Fillet
• Berry Parfait
• Egg White Grill
• Grilled Nuggets
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich
• Cool Wrap
• Cobb Salad with Crispy Nuggets
• Market Salad with Grilled Nuggets
• Cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Fruit Cup
• Kale Crunch Side Salad
• Icedream Cup

Breakfast

Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with Grilled Fillet

There are several ways to customize the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl, but ordering it with a grilled chicken fillet* is my favorite. The extra protein from the grilled chicken and the eggs adds 31 grams of protein to this scramble while keeping the fat lower than other options.

This option is lower in carbohydrates but still includes hash browns, making it a good choice for someone who may be watching their carb intake but still wants to enjoy traditional breakfast foods like potatoes!

*Editor's Note: The image pictured is the Hash Brown Scramble Bowl with Nuggets, not the Filet.

 7 Healthiest Chick-fil-A Breakfast Items—and 3 To Skip

Berry Parfait

A Greek yogurt parfait is perfect for a light breakfast or snack that will actually keep you full. While regular yogurt only has a couple of grams of protein, this Berry Parfait has 14 grams to help keep you full and stabilize the carbs from the granola.

If you want something more decadent, get the cookie crumbs instead of the granola. While granola may seem like the healthier choice, you'll save calories, carbs, and a small amount of sugar when you choose the cookie crumb topping. Pick whichever topping will be the most satisfying!

Egg White Grill

Talk about a high-protein breakfast sandwich! The Egg White Grill from Chick-fil-A could be my favorite fast-food breakfast option. Between the grilled chicken breast, egg whites, and cheese, one sandwich has 27 grams of protein. It's also low in saturated fat, which can add up quickly in breakfast sandwiches that include sausage or bacon.  It's a great balanced breakfast choice to power through the morning.

 14 Healthiest Fast-Food Breakfasts

Sandwiches, Wraps, and Nuggets

Grilled Nuggets

"Chik-fil-A's Grilled Nuggets can be a good entrée option, especially for people with diabetes, since they are lowest in carb with only 1 gram, 25 grams of protein, are low in fat (3 grams), and only half a gram of saturated fat," says Toby Smithson, MS, RDN, CDE, registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, founder of Diabetes EveryDay and author of Diabetes Meal Planning and Nutrition for Dummies.

For a balanced meal, there's room for a fruit cup and a side of waffle fries, too, adds Smithson.

 10 Best & Worst Fast-Food Chicken Nuggets

Grilled Chicken Sandwich

"One healthy option at Chick-fil-A is their Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which provides a filling 28 grams of protein," says Kristin Draayer, MS, RDN. The lemon-marinated grilled chicken breast is so flavorful it doesn't need sauce, but you could always add some buffalo or BBQ to spice things up. It's a classic chicken sandwich that's low in fat and protein and adds 3 grams of fiber to your day.

 8 Healthiest Fast-Food Chicken Sandwiches

Cool Wrap

"I love their Cool Wrap. This healthy Chick-fil-A option feels indulgent when I am on the go or just don't want to cook, and packs a whopping 14 grams of fiber from the multi-grain wrap. Sometimes I order ranch for dipping too!" says Caroline Thomason, RD CDCES, a northern Virginia-based dietitian who helps women stop dieting and find confidence with food.

 The 6 Healthiest Fast-Food Wraps—and 5 To Avoid

Salads

Cobb Salad with Crispy Nuggets

"The warm crispy nuggets on top of a stacked salad complete with roasted corn and Charred Tomato and Crispy Red Bell Peppers, is so satisfying and flavorful," says Dani Lebovitz, MS, RDN, a kids food and body positivity expert based in Franklin, TN, and founder of Kid Food Explorers. "Plus, it packs a surprising 42 grams of protein, keeping me full for hours even when I'm running after three kids!" Lebovitz adds.

Market Salad with Grilled Nuggets

One of my all-time favorite salads is the Market Salad, loaded with protein from grilled chicken and almonds and filled with leafy greens and fresh fruit. The red and green apples, strawberries, and blueberries make this salad the perfect warm-weather meal.

You don't have to worry about this salad leaving you hungry – with almost 600 calories, plenty of protein, 6 grams of fiber, and 32 grams of mostly healthy fats, you'll end your meal full and satisfied.

 The Best & Worst Fast-Food Salads

Sides

Cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup

Shredded chicken combined with navy and black beans brings an impressive 24 grams of protein to this seasonal cup of Tortilla Soup. But even more impressive than the protein is the fiber. Thanks to the beans and blend of vegetables, one serving has 17 grams of fiber. That's 60% of the daily value for fiber in just one cup!

Fruit Cup

The Fruit Cup is a great addition to any meal or side on the Chick-fil-A menu. Only 12% of adults eat the recommended 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit daily. If you're one of them, adding this fruit cup to any meal can help you reach the goal. And this fruit cup isn't just a mixture of melons either. You'll find red and green apple pieces, mandarin orange segments, fresh strawberry slices, and blueberries in each cup.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Kale Crunch Side Salad

If a traditional side salad seems boring, try the Kale Crunch Side Salad with curly kale, green cabbage, and toasted almonds. To top it off, it's tossed with a sweet and tangy Apple Cider and Dijon Mustard vinaigrette, making it easy to get a serving of leafy greens in with any meal.

Dessert

Icedream Cup

Sure, fruit can satisfy a sweet craving, sometimes, but when you're truly craving something decadent and sweet—treat yourself!

I love the Icedream Cup since it's the perfect size to satisfy a sweet craving after a meal without being too filling.