What Healthy Chick-fil-A Options Should I Order if I have Diabetes?
Can I really eat at Chick-fil-A?
Let’s talk fast food for diabetics. Going out to eat when you have diabetes can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. With nutrition information becoming more prevalent, it can be easy to plan out diabetic-friendly options when going to eat at a restaurant, such as Chick-fil-A.
When you have diabetes, the important thing to remember is trying to keep the amount of carbs you eat throughout the day as consistent as possible (in order to prevent large spikes in your blood sugar). Sources of carbs in the diet include fruit, grains (rice, quinoa, barley), starches (bread, pasta), starchy vegetables (potatoes, peas, and corn) and dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese).
Healthy Chick-fil-A Options:
After looking at the Chick-fil-A menu, there is definitely no shortage of carbs. But, there are also some great veggie options and great sources of protein. My challenge for myself in this blog was to come up with 5 different meals, with 5 different entrees, that kept the number of carbs between 45-60g per meal total.
These are just general recommendations, and may not be appropriate for each individual. For more personalized carb counts and specific nutrition recommendations, please make an appointment with one of our registered dietitians!
Chick-fil-A Sandwich (40g) & Side Salad (6g) = 46 g Carbs Total
Chick-fil-A has a variety of sandwiches, and they all vary in carb counts (but not by much). Pair with a side salad to round out your meal with veggies. Note, the carb count of the salad will depend on which dressing you choose!
Spicy Southwest Salad (29g) & Chicken Noodle Soup (21g)= 50 g Carbs Total
If you are in the mood for a salad, the Southwest Salad is a delicious option! Pair with a Chicken Noodle Soup if desired!
8 Piece Chicken Nuggets (11 g) & Side Salad (6 g) & Small french fries (35 g) = 52 g Carbs Total
One of the most iconic meals at Chick-fil-A are the nuggets. And even though they are breaded, they are surprisingly low in carbs. That gave us a little wiggle room to add small french fries and a side salad to get in some extra veggies! Again, the final the carb count of the salad with depend on which dressing you choose!
4 Count Chicken Strips (22 g) & Kale Crunch Side Salad (8 g) = 30 g Carbs Total
Another Chick-fil-A Classic. The chicken strips are higher in carbs than the chicken nuggets, but pair the protein with a kale crunch side salad for a complete meal!
Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap (32 g) & Medium Fruit Cup (15g)= 47 g Carbs Total
Finally if a wrap is what you are in the mood for, you can go for it! Pair the wrap with a medium fruit cup to round out your meal
Tips for Eating Diabetes Friendly Chick-fil-A Meals:
- can fit into a diabetes friendly meal plan, especially for times you may be traveling
- remember to be flexible in your meal planning
- progress not perfection is key for long term diabetes management
It is ok to eat carbs when you have diabetes. These meals contain carbs, but they also have protein, fat, and fiber to help balance out the carbohydrates. Healthy Chick-fil-A options are readily available that can support your health and blood sugar goals, while also allowing freedom to eat outside the home!
If you’re looking for more fast foods ideas, check out what to order at Chipotle too!
3 Diabetes Friendly Options at Chipotle
What to order at Panera? We show you how to manage your diabetes at Panera.
3 Diabetes Friendly Options at Panera
What to order at McDonalds? We rounded up some of our favorite options to order.
12 Diabetes Friendly Options at McDonalds
What about Starbucks? We talk about how to choose drinks that are lower in sugar for more stable blood glucose.
8 Diabetes Approved Options at Starbucks
More Diabetes Resources
We also have some great online resources for blood sugar management. Here are three of my favorite blogs:
- Mastering Diabetes Nutrition: Your Ultimate Guide to Thriving!
- How Do I Test My Blood Sugar?
- 3 Tips for Picking a Diabetic-Friendly Breakfast Cereal
- Eight Tips to Manage Your Diabetes Through the Holiday Season
If you want to opt for some homemade food we got you covered! Here are some of our diabetes-friendly recipes.
Check out our books with more recipes and advice on staying satisfied and nourished!
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- Cooking with Diabetes (to purchase on Amazon)
- Nourished (to purchase on Amazon)
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Cooking with Diabetes
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Nourished
Blog reviewed and updated February 2023
Interested in a FREE gift and more resources to manage your diabetes?
Get Expert Help: Connect with Our Diabetes Dietitian
Klara Knezevic is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Maryland. She has over a decade of experience in the nutrition field and currently serves as the CEO and co-owner of Rebecca Bitzer and Associates, one of the largest nutrition private practices in the country. Klara is passionate about sharing practical nutrition tips to help you feel confident in the choices that you make. Coauthor ofCooking with Food Sensitivities Survival GuideandNourished: 10 Ingredients to Happy, Healthy Eating.
Great reminder that we can make the diet / life balance work! One of my favorites is the Chicken Scramble Bowl for breakfast. Chicken over scrambled eggs and hash browns -19g Carbs and 29g of Protein.