Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich was a popular menu item for years, but in 2016 the company made the decision to remove it from menus nationwide. The disappearance of this sandwich left many customers wondering why it was discontinued and if it will ever return. Here is a comprehensive look at the history of Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich and the reasons behind its departure.
The Creation of the Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad Sandwich
Chick-fil-A first introduced their chicken salad sandwich in 1989 as part of an effort to diversify their menu beyond the original breaded chicken sandwich that put them on the map. It quickly became a customer favorite for those seeking a lighter menu option than the fried chicken sandwiches.
The Chick-fil-A chicken salad was made with chopped chicken breast, celery, mayonnaise, and seasonings. It was served on a toasted sesame seed bun with lettuce and tomato. Customers could also order the chicken salad as a wrap or with cheese and bacon. A promotional campaign advertised it as a “lighter, refreshing” alternative to standard fast food fare.
By providing a healthier chicken dish, Chick-fil-A was hoping to draw in new customers and give existing patrons more variety. The chicken salad sandwich appealed to those watching their waistlines as well as older adults and parents looking for quick meals for their kids. It was an instant success and joined Chick-fil-A’s classic chicken sandwich as a menu staple.
The Growth of the Chicken Salad Sandwich
In the 1990s and early 2000s, the chicken salad sandwich continued to gain popularity across Chick-fil-A locations. As the chain rapidly expanded, so did customers’ appreciation for the lighter chicken dish.
Chick-fil-A promoted the sandwich in a series of marketing campaigns positioning it as the healthier fast food option. Advertisements boasted its low-calorie count and lack of trans fats. The messaging appealed to health-conscious diners.
The sandwich became ingrained in Chick-fil-A’s brand identity as their lighter menu choice. Parents would order it for children’s meals to get them something other than fried nuggets. Dieters made it their go-to fast food fix. It was especially popular among women and older adults looking for lower calorie, lower fat options.
By the early 2010s, the chicken salad sandwich had developed a loyal following. Customers would specifically visit Chick-fil-A when craving the savory chicken salad on the toasted bun. It had secured its place as one of the brand’s signature menu items.
Behind the Decision to Remove the Chicken Salad Sandwich
In 2016, Chick-fil-A made the announcement that the chicken salad sandwich would be removed from menus system-wide. The news came as a shock to its many devotees. So what happened to make Chick-fil-A get rid of this beloved sandwich?
According to Chick-fil-A representatives, the decision stemmed from an initiative to streamline the menu and focus on core offerings. They conducted customer research revealing that the chicken salad sandwich was purchased far less frequently than signature items like the original chicken sandwich, nuggets, and waffle fries.
Though still loved by a subset of customers, the chicken salad sandwich was not driving significant sales. Eliminating it allowed Chick-fil-A to simplify kitchen operations and pour more resources into products with broader appeal.
The removal of the sandwich in 2016 coincided with Chick-fil-A introducing new recipes for their chicken nuggets, coleslaw, and other sides. The brand was looking to improve its core food lineup across the board. The low-selling chicken salad apparently did not make the cut.
Another potential factor was food safety concerns. As fresh chicken salad has a limited shelf life, consistently keeping enough supply across thousands of restaurants likely presented challenges. Chick-fil-A may have decided pre-made chicken salad wasn’t worth the food waste and safety risk.
Customer Response to the Chicken Salad Sandwich Removal
The disappearance of the chicken salad sandwich from menus did not go unnoticed by Chick-fil-A customers. Many fans of the sandwich were vocal about their disappointment over its removal.
On social media, customers lamented no longer having the lighter chicken salad option when visiting Chick-fil-A. Parents mentioned their kids being upset they couldn’t get it in their meals anymore. Dieters complained about losing one of their go-to fast food choices.
Some customers started petitions trying to convince Chick-fil-A to bring the sandwich back. But despite the outcry from devotees, the company stood firm in keeping it off the menu. They insisted the move was necessary to evolving their offerings and kitchen workflow.
Chick-fil-A encouraged disappointed chicken salad lovers to try their grilled chicken options instead. But many insisted it did not offer the same flavor and texture they craved from the chicken salad sandwich.
Will Chick-fil-A Ever Bring Back the Chicken Salad Sandwich?
For those who missed sinking their teeth into Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich, the big question is whether it will ever return to menus.
So far, the company has given no indication of reversing course and bringing the sandwich out of retirement. Chick-fil-A has stood by the decision as part of their broader menu strategy and commitment to keeping operations efficient.
Some speculate periodic limited-time promotions offering the chicken salad sandwich could be a possibility down the road. This could allow them to gauge ongoing customer demand while avoiding permanent complications to kitchen workflow.
But as of now, Chick-fil-A maintains that the sandwich is off the table as they put their energy behind more popular menu items. Fans will likely have to continue settling for ordering grilled chicken if they want a healthier alternative when dining at the chain.
It seems any return of the chicken salad sandwich, whether as an occasional promotional item or permanent addition, would require a substantial new wave of customer requests. So far, Chick-fil-A does not appear motivated based on past petition efforts.
The Nutritional Value of Chick-fil-A’s Chicken Salad Sandwich
Part of what made Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich so appealing to customers was its nutritional profile compared to other menu options. Here is a breakdown of its calorie, fat, and protein contents:
| Nutrition Facts | Chicken Salad Sandwich |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 19g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Sodium | 980mg |
Compared to Chick-fil-A’s fried chicken offerings, the chicken salad sandwich contained far less fat, sodium, and calories. A typical fried chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A contains 440 calories, 19g of fat, and 1460mg of sodium. The grilled chicken has fewer calories at 350 but a similar fat and sodium content.
The chicken salad’s higher protein and lower trans fat content made it ideal for those wanting a healthier meal. People restricting calories could feel good about indulging in this lighter option while getting their Chick-fil-A fix.
Potential Recipes to Recreate the Chicken Salad Sandwich
While Chick-fil-A’s original chicken salad sandwich remains off the menu, fans have tried finding ways to recreate the recipe at home. Here are some potential DIY chicken salad options that try to capture the Chick-fil-A flavor profile:
Simple Chick-fil-A Copycat Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 celery ribs, diced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions:
- Poach chicken breasts until cooked through and shred.
- In a bowl, mix together mayo, lemon juice and seasonings.
- Add shredded chicken and diced celery, stir until combined.
- Serve on toasted buns with lettuce and tomato.
Restaurant-Style Chick-fil-A Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 1⁄4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 celery ribs, chopped
- 1⁄4 sweet onion, diced
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Poach chicken, cool and chop.
- Mix mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice and seasonings.
- Fold in chicken, celery and onion until combined.
- Chill 1 hour before serving on buns.
These recipes mimic the flavors of Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad by using similar ingredients like celery, lemon juice, and spices. While not exact replicas, they may satisfy the craving for fans missing this discontinued menu staple.
Chick-fil-A’s Healthiest Menu Options
Though the chicken salad sandwich is gone, Chick-fil-A does offer some healthier alternatives for customers seeking reduced fat and calories. Here are some of the lowest calorie menu items:
| Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | 320 |
| Grilled Chicken Club | 350 |
| Grilled Chicken Cool Wrap | 340 |
| 6-piece Grilled Nuggets | 70 |
| Greek Yogurt Parfait | 140 |
Chick-fil-A also offers low-fat side options like the superfood side made with broccolini and kale. Their chicken soup and Side Salads or Side Salads with Grilled Chicken are also on the healthier end of their menu.
While fried chicken still dominates their offerings, customers seeking lighter fare can craft a meal with grilled chicken entrees and healthier sides and toppings. It requires some menu customization but provides options beyond just their salads.
The Future of Chick-fil-A’s Menu Offerings
The disappearance of Chick-fil-A’s chicken salad sandwich points to a broader shift in the company’s menu strategy and focus. Here is what we might expect from their offerings going forward:
- More focus on core fried chicken items like original chicken sandwich, nuggets and strips
- Continued growth of grilled chicken options for healthier alternatives
- Innovative new sauces, dressings and side options
- Limited-time offerings to generate buzz rather than permanent additions
- Further menu simplification with fewer permanent items
Chick-fil-A will likely keep its menu centered on fried chicken while expanding lighter grilled recipes and new flavors. Don’t expect the return of labour-intensive items like chicken salad. Limited promotions of old favorites may happen but don’t count on them sticking around.
The company wants to build hype with special dishes like the fried fish sandwiches recently. But expect core chicken items and innovative sides to remain the focus rather than complex sandwiches. Chick-fil-A will keep evolving to attract customers while sticking with operational efficiency.
The Value of Simplified Menus in Fast Food
Chick-fil-A’s decision to remove the chicken salad sandwich reflects a growing trend of fast food chains simplifying menus. Here are some benefits of having fewer permanent menu items:
- Faster order fulfillment – With fewer options, kitchens can work more efficiently
- Lower costs – Reduced inventory needs with fewer ingredients/supplies
- Better quality control – Improved oversight when cooking fewer items
- More focused marketing – Can better promote highlighted dishes
- Brand consistency – More ability to align locations on offerings
McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Subway and other major chains have all cut back menus in recent years. The optimized offerings focus on what brings in customers. For Chick-fil-A, that’s core fried chicken products rather than peripheral items like chicken salad.
Sometimes less is more in fast food. A tighter menu ensures speed and quality while allowing brands to fully back their star players. Don’t be surprised if other chains follow Chick-fil-A’s lead in dropping secondary products going forward.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s famed chicken salad sandwich won a loyal fanbase during its 28 years on menus before being discontinued in 2016. The removal disappointed devotees but allowed Chick-fil-A to streamline offerings and direct resources to more popular items. The company still offers some lighter options yet is steering their menu to highlight signature fried chicken.
While calls from chicken salad lovers may persist, a permanent return seems unlikely given Chick-fil-A’s focus elsewhere. Fans can try recreating recipes at home or choosing grilled chicken and salads when dining out. But the simplicity of core menu items is now the priority, for better or worse.
So for those craving that chicken salad goodness, your best bet is whipping up some at home to satisfy the taste you remember. Chick-fil-A has moved on, and its menu direction points toward new flavors rather than resurrecting old favorites.