Chick-fil-A Has a Secret Menu and We’re Obsessed
Chick-fil-A has a secret, and it’s my pleasure to share: the chain has a whole host of secret menu items! Some are so good they’ve arguably become even more popular than the regular menu items, according to Hack the Menu. There’s no “official” secret menu, but it seems the less complicated a special item is, the more likely employees will make it for you.
What’s on the Chick-fil-A Secret Menu?
Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
This is simply the Spicy Chicken Sandwich plus the signature Zesty Buffalo Sauce. You end up with a crispy buffalo chicken sandwich that’s loaded with dill pickles chips, and it’s delish!
Spicy Char
The Spicy Char, which is a grilled version of the Spicy Chicken Sandwich, is one of the most famous of Chick-fil-A’s secret menu items. In fact, this one is most likely available just by asking for it by its full name: the Spicy Char-Grilled Chicken Patty. (Not available at your local Chick-fil-A? You can make spicy char-broiled chicken at home with this Spicy Barbecue Chicken recipe.)
Fried Chicken Club
So the Spicy Char is the grilled version of a fried sandwich, and the Fried Chicken Club is the fried version of a grilled sandwich. It’s a tasty twist on the classic Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich. If it’s not available by name, ask for fried chicken instead of the grilled patty in your usual Club sandwich.
Chicken, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
The regular menu includes a Chicken, Egg & Cheese Bagel, but you can also ask for it on a biscuit to make a buttery Chicken, Egg & Cheese Biscuit.
Psst…. Biscuits calling your name? Don’t miss our most flaky biscuit recipes.
Spicy Chicken, Egg & Cheese Bagel
If your local Chick-fil-A has Spicy Chicken during the breakfast shift, you’ll be in luck! This sandwich is well-known enough that you can ask for it by name.
(Chick-fil-A isn’t the only chain with a secret menu. Here’s what to order from the secret menu at Taco Bell, Burger King and other restaurants.)
Chicken on Anything at Breakfast
We’ve heard from Chick-fil-A employees and former employees that because chicken is on the chain’s breakfast menu, you can customize pretty much any breakfast sandwich by adding chicken. For any locations that (secretly) have Spicy Chicken during the breakfast shift, make that a Spicy Chicken plus the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit!
Bacon on Anything at Breakfast
You also can customize pretty much any Chick-fil-A breakfast sandwich by adding bacon. Hello, Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Bacon!
Seeing a trend? You can pretty much ask for anything that’s on the menu to be added to anything else, and if it’s not too complicated, and your server’s not too busy, there’s a good chance you’ll get exactly what you want. Woo!
Grilled Cheese
For a no-meat meal, the bun from any sandwich can be toasted with sliced cheese. Think you might want pickle chips, lettuce and tomato, too? Order a Chick-fil-A Deluxe, hold the chicken.
Try These Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes
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Inspired By: Grilled Chicken Club
You have to try this sandwich—it's one of the best grilled chicken recipes! I threw these ingredients together on a whim and the sandwich turned out so well, I surprised myself. If you're in a rush, microwave the bacon. Just cover it with paper towel to keep it from splattering too much. —Dana York, Kennewick, Washington
Get Our Recipe: Loaded Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad
This "skinny" version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and do all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Get Our Recipe: Skinny Cobb Salad
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Nuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Get Our Recipe: Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A Sauce
This fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Get Our Recipe: Quick & Easy Honey Mustard
Inspired By: Fresh Brewed Sweet Tea
A pinch of baking soda eliminates bitterness in this smooth and easy-to-sip tea and it has just the right amount of sugar so it's not overly sweet. —kelseylouise, Taste of Home Community Member
Get Our Recipe: Smooth Sweet Tea
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A Butter Biscuit
The recipe for these four-ingredient biscuits has been handed down for many generations. —Fran Thompson, Tarboro, North Carolina
Get Our Recipe: Southern Buttermilk Biscuits
Inspired By: Chicken Noodle Soup Side
When I was sick, my mom would make me this heartwarming chicken noodle soup. It was soothing when I had a cold, but this soup is a bowlful of comfort on any chilly day. —Anthony Graham, Ottawa, lllinois
Get Our Recipe: Cold-Day Chicken Noodle Soup
Inspired By: Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap
This portable recipe is perfect for outdoor dining in the summertime. We like the fun, fresh spin on regular coleslaw using pineapple and toasted almonds. —Barb Agnew, Mahnomen, Minnesota
Get Our Recipe: Coleslaw Chicken Wraps
Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese Muffin
If you're looking for a grab-and-go breakfast for busy days, this high-protein sandwich is low in fat and keeps me full all morning. Plus, it's only about 200 calories! —Brenda Otto, Reedsburg, Wisconsin
Get Our Recipe: Microwave Egg Sandwich
Inspired By: Garlic and Herb Ranch Sauce
Ranch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the Western original with green salsa, green chilies, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas
Get Our Recipe: Jalapeno Ranch Dip
Inspired By: Chick-n-Strips
I recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Get Our Recipe: Fried Chicken Strips
Inspired By: Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade
A friend suggested I add a sprig of rosemary to lemonade. The herb makes the drink taste fresh and light, and it's a pretty garnish. —Dixie Graham, Rancho Cucamonga, California
Get Our Recipe: Rosemary Lemonade
Inspired By: Waffle Potato Fries
Make any dinner fun with my Loaded Waffle Fries, topped with a savory blend of cheese, scallions and bacon. I copied this family-favorite recipe from a local restaurant, and it's great with hot dogs, burgers or by itself. —Jeffrey Viccone, Decatur, Illinois
Get Our Recipe: Loaded Waffle Fries
Inspired By: Greek Yogurt Parfaits
The best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors.—Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Get Our Recipe: Star-Spangled Parfaits
Inspired By: Strawberry Milkshake
Cool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this strawberry shake recipe. —Kathryn Conrad, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Get Our Recipe: Thick Strawberry Shakes
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Asian Salad
I love their crunchy, citrusy salad so much that once I made my husband drive an hour to the nearest Applebee's restaurant just so I could eat it! It was time to come up with my own version. I'm completely happy with the results—and my husband is, too! Find more of my recipes at my blog, mandysrecipeboxblog.com. —Mandy Bird, Holbrook, Idaho
Get Our Recipe: Crunchy Asian Chicken Salad
Inspired By: 4 Chick-n-Minis
My 11-year-old son invented these sliders at dinner one night when he set his chicken on a biscuit. The rest of us tried it his way, and now we enjoy these sandwiches all the time. —Jodie Kolsan, Palm Coast, Florida
Get Our Recipe: Mini Chicken & Biscuit Sandwiches
Inspired By: Frosted Coffee
The winter holidays are my favorite time of year, and this spiced pumpkin drink is one reason I love the season so much. If you don't have a coffee maker, it's OK to use instant coffee—just make it stronger. —Kathie Perez, East Peoria, Illinois
Get Our Recipe: Spiced Pumpkin Coffee Shakes
Inspired By: Barbeque Sauce
I've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
Get Our Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Barbecue Sauce
Inspired By: Hash Brown Scramble Burrito
I discovered breakfast burritos at a workshop of holiday breakfasts offered at our church. It was a big hit! It works really well when you're cooking for a crowd. I like to serve salsa or hot sauce with them. —Catherine Allan, Twin Falls, Idaho
Get Our Recipe: Breakfast Burritos
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Grilled Market Salad
My family is always happy to see this fruit and veggie salad on the table. If strawberries aren’t available, substitute mandarin oranges and dried cranberries. —Irene Keller, Kalamazoo, Michigan
Get Our Recipe: Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing
Inspired By: Hash Browns
Ever since we met, my husband has made me hash browns with bacon, pepper jack and sour cream. We share it when we have guests, too. —Annie Ciszak Pazar, Anchorage, Alaska
Get Our Recipe: Stuffed Hash Browns
Strawberry Lemonade
This may be most well-known and most widely available secret menu item. In fact, you may be able to ask for it by name. If your server doesn’t know what exactly you’re talking about, simply explain you want a lemonade with a scoop of the topping they use for strawberry milkshakes.
Here’s a Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie you can make at home, too.
Root Beer Float
Another of the more well-known and widely available secret menu items, the Root Beer Float is simply a serving of vanilla ice cream added to your cup of root beer. How about some Root Beer Float-inspired cookies to go with that?
Chocolate Cookies & Cream Milkshake
So easy–ask for a couple of pumps of chocolate syrup with your Cookies & Cream milkshake.
Have you heard about the secret Chick-fil-A restaurant with a Hawaiian theme? Here’s everything you need to know about Truett’s Luau.
Get more chicken.
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Crispy Asian Chicken Salad
Asian flavor, crunchy almonds and crispy breaded chicken make this hearty salad something special. —Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado
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Thai Chicken Pasta
I try to buy fresh chicken when it’s on sale. I cook a big batch in the slow cooker, then cut it up and package it in small amounts suitable for recipes like this. When I want it, I just need to pull it out of the freezer and let it thaw. —Jeni Pittard, Canon, Georgia
Chicken with Rosemary Butter Sauce
This elegant rosemary chicken requires minimal effort but will win you major compliments. You'll love the mellow sauce! —Connie McDowell, Greenwood, Delaware
Tex-Mex Chicken Strips
I was looking for a way to amp up the flavor of regular chicken strips so I crushed up some leftover corn chips to create a crispy, flavorful coating. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Chicken with Pineapple
I'm always on the lookout for low-fat recipes that are scrumptious, too, like this pineapple chicken recipe. Quick-cooking chicken breasts get wonderful, sweet flavor from pineapple, honey and teriyaki sauce. —Jenny Reece, Lowry, Minnesota
Grilled Pepper Jack Chicken Sandwiches
Basic, yet packed with flavor, this sandwich gets a kick from zesty cheese and savory bacon. It's a great meal for summer days. —Linda Foreman, Locust Grove, Oklahoma
Gnocchi with Spinach and Chicken Sausage
Dinner is easy when I can use ingredients typically found in my fridge and pantry. —Laura Miller, Lake Ann, Michigan
Country Chicken with Gravy
Here's a lightened-up take on classic southern comfort food. This chicken gravy recipe has been a hit at our house since the first time we tried it! —Ruth Helmuth, Abbeville, South Carolina
Asian Chicken Dinner
This quick microwave dish for two is perfect for a busy day. Soy sauce and chicken broth bring out flavors of the chicken and veggies. —Carolyn Zimmerman, Fairbury, Illinois
Easy Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps
One time when making sloppy joes, I wanted mine spicy, so I doused it in hot sauce. After that, my mind went wild and I made it Buffalo chicken-style with ground chicken, diced celery and blue cheese crumbles. I've been making it this way ever since. —Jennifer Nielson, Spanish Fork, Utah
Herb Chicken with Honey Butter
When the whole family could use a heartwarming meal, this one fits the bill! You'll love how the honey's sweetness mixes perfectly with the herbs' salty flavor. It's a wonderful combination! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Cashew Chicken with Ginger
There are lots of recipes for cashew chicken, but my family thinks this one stands alone. We love the flavor from the fresh ginger and the crunch of the cashews. Another plus is it's easy to prepare. —Oma Rollison, El Cajon, California
Feta Chicken Burgers
My friends always request these tasty chicken burgers. I sometimes add olives to punch up the flavor! The burgers are exceptional with the mayonnaise-cucumber topping. —Angela Robinson, Findlay, Ohio
Chicken and Broccoli with Dill Sauce
I've had this chicken and broccoli recipe for so many years, I don't remember when I first made it. Serve it with a side of couscous or rice for a complete meal, or add some sliced mushrooms or carrots for extra veggies. —Kallee Krong-Mccreery, Escondido, California
Mango Salsa Chicken with Veggie Hash
This hash has the fresh flavors of spring. Using precooked grilled chicken strips makes the meal come together quickly. And the veggies make the dish so pretty! —Lori Mclain, Denton, Texas
Pressure-Cooker Spicy Lime Chicken
This tender chicken with light lime flavor is a natural filling for tacos, but my son Austin also loves it spooned over cooked rice and sprinkled with his favorite taco toppings. —Christine Hair, Odessa, Florida
Basil Chicken Sandwiches
"I got the inspiration for this recipe when I knew my parents and in-laws were coming to see our new home," shares Kerry Durgin Krebs of New Market, Maryland. "My mother-in-law has food allergies, my father-in-law has some very specific food preferences and my parents appreciate light meals. I created this chicken sandwich with fresh basil for our lunch."
Lemon Mushroom Chicken
There's a lot of flavor in this dish. The best part? It doesn't seem light at all! —Carrie Palmquist, Canova, South Dakota
Chicken with Couscous
My sister shared this recipe, and it’s been a hit with me, my husband and our friends ever since. After working all day, I love that this dish is fast to prepare. Plus, it's irresistibly bright and delicious. —Shari Ruffalo, Watertown, New York
Creamy Curried Chicken
This is a big hit in our house. My young son and daughter gobble it up. With its irresistible blend of curry and sweet coconut milk, it’ll become a favorite with your family, too. —Tracy Simiele, Chardon, Oh
Greek Chicken & Rice
A fresh take on comfort food, Greek chicken and rice is my go-to on busy weeknights and when unexpected company stops by. Boost the health benefits and toss in chopped spinach. —Savannah Lay, Baker City, Oregon
Chicken and Shrimp with Lemon Cream Sauce
My kids love this creamy pasta. Whenever I make it, I know that they will happily clean their plates. —Joe Milholland, Smelterville, Idaho
Quick Chicken Lo Mein
I can throw this chicken lo mein together on a weeknight when my kids are doing their homework. It uses frozen veggies, which I always have on hand, so I don't need to run to the grocery store for ingredients. —Natasha Kennedy, Orlando, Florida
Chicken Biscuit Skillet
My mother always made this when we were growing up. Now I make it for my own husband and kids. I use the small biscuits because they brown up so nicely on top. I also add mushrooms to this recipe sometimes because my family loves 'em. —Keri Boffeli, Monticello, Iowa
Angel Hair Pasta with Chicken
If you want to put something on the table that’ll give you time to spare on busy nights, give this delicious angel hair pasta with chicken a try. From start to finish, you’re only 20 minutes away from a vibrantly colored meal! —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Champion Chicken Puffs
My guests peeled rubber getting to the table to munch on my chicken puffs. The tender bites are made with hassle-free refrigerated crescent rolls and a flavorful chicken and cream cheese filling. —Amber Kimmich, Powhatan, Virginia
Everything Bagel Chicken Strips
I love the flavor profile of everything bagels, so I re-created it with traditional breaded chicken fingers. Serve them with your favorite chicken finger dip. —Cynthia Gerken, Naples, Florida
Barbecue Chicken Tostadas
Lots of my recipes (just like this one) start out as fun ways to use leftovers. My kids love tostadas, so this day-after-cookout dinner was a big hit. —Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas
Chicken Alfredo with Grilled Apples
If you've never grilled apples before, here's your excuse to start. I created this Alfredo-style chicken for a party. By the number of recipe requests, I knew it was a hit. —Richard Robinson, Park Forest, Illinois
Cherry Chicken Croissants
I had a similar chicken salad at a restaurant and created my own version. It may seem like an odd combination, but the ingredients work really well together. My children love it, and it only takes a few minutes to cut everything up—so easy!
Cheesy Bow Tie Chicken
Here's a super-simple dish that tastes like it's straight from a nice Italian restaurant. Spinach-artichoke dip is usually available in supermarket delis. It comes frozen, too. Just make sure to thaw it according to the package directions before dinnertime. —Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Air-Fryer Almond Chicken
My husband bought an air fryer about six months ago, after seeing one on television. We have used it at least twice a week and love how delicious the food has been. The chicken recipes that we have tried are especially good because of how moist the meat remains. We started a low-carb diet and did not want to use bread crumbs, so we tried the chicken with almonds. It is a favorite now. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Chicken and Dumplings
Perfect for chilly winter nights, this main course is speedy, low in fat and a delicious one-dish meal. —Nancy Tuck, Elk Falls, Kansas
Chicken Quesadillas
Leftover chicken gets Mexican flair from cumin in this fun main dish. The chicken quesadilla recipe has an impressive look and taste yet requires little preparation. —Linda Wetzel, Woodland Park, Colorado
Spinach and Mushroom Smothered Chicken
Chicken breasts stay nice and moist tucked under a blanket of melted cheese. It's extra special to serve but is not tricky to make. —Katrina Wagner, Grain Valley, Missouri
Cashew Chicken with Noodles
I tried this recipe for chicken with cashew nuts when making freezer meals with some friends. I was smitten! It's quick, easy and so delicious! —Anita Beachy, Bealeton, Virginia
Chicken Taco Pockets
We love these taco-flavored sandwiches made with crescent dough. They make a quick, easy lunch or supper with a bowl of soup or a crisp salad. I also like to cut them into smaller servings for parties. —Donna Gribbins, Shelbyville, Kentucky
Chicken Enchiladas for Four
These chicken enchiladas put a little zip into any menu. The rolled tortillas are filled with a hearty mixture of cheese, chicken and green chiles, and then topped with a creamy sauce and more cheese. I sometimes use leftover turkey instead of chicken. —Karen Bourne, Magrath, Alberta
Crispy Fried Chicken
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pizza
This recipe combines my two favorite foods—pizza and chicken cordon bleu. I've made this for my family and the teachers at my school. Now the teachers ask me to make it for them for lunch! —Justin Rippel, Colgate, Wisconsin
Salsa Verde Chicken Casserole
This is a rich and surprisingly tasty rendition of all the Tex-Mex dishes molded into one packed, beautiful casserole. Best of all, it’s ready in only half an hour! —Janet McCormick, Proctorville, Ohio
Parmesan Chicken Nuggets
My 3-year-old went through a chicken-nuggets-and-french-fries-only stage, so I made these golden nuggets for him. Even the grown-ups like them! —Amanda Livesay, Mobile, Alabama
Homemade Chicken Potpie
Why look for potpie in the frozen food aisle when this easy version tastes much better? The chicken pot pie's crust is so tender and flaky, and underneath you'll find the ultimate comfort food for kids and adults. —Amy Briggs, Gove, Kansas
Artichoke Chicken Pesto Pizza
Make pizza night an upscale affair with this fun twist on the traditional pie. A prebaked crust and prepared pesto keep things quick and easy. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Garlic Ranch Chicken
The simple ingredients in this recipe give it flavor the whole family will enjoy. A no-nonsense salad will round out the meal. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chicken Florentine Panini
Chicken Florentine Panini, from Lee Bremson of Kansas City, Missouri, brings an Italian flair to this speedy meal. The grilled sandwich combines chicken with provolone cheese, spinach and red onion.
Chicken Artichoke Skillet
My fast chicken entree featuring artichokes and olives has real Greek flair. Seasoned with lemon juice and oregano, the stovetop chicken turns out moist and tender. —Carol Latimore, Arvada, Colorado
Teriyaki Glazed Chicken
I love to experiment with food. We're able to buy sweet onions grown on Maui, so I stir-fry them with chicken and carrots for a tasty teriyaki meal. —Kelly Brenneman, Riverdale, California
Quick Cilantro Chicken
If you’re a fan of cilantro, you’ll definitely like this chicken dish. The cilantro adds herbal flavor, melding with the tangy lemon juice and caramelized onions. —Mary Pipkin, Melba, Idaho
Chicken Pizza
My fun twist on typical pizza is an excellent way to use up leftover pesto. And since it’s loaded with protein-rich chicken and black beans, it’s hearty enough to satisfy everyone! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Easy Chicken Piccata
Easy chicken recipes are my go-to dinner choice. My chicken piccata pasta dish is ready to serve in a half hour. It takes just a few minutes in the oven to bake to tender perfection. —Hannah Williams, Malibu, California
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