This new entree item looks just like the original chicken sandwich—with one key, delicious difference!
Chick-fil-A Just Added a New Sandwich to Its Lineup
Updated on Jun. 05, 2023
Who doesn’t love a fried chicken sandwich? They’re an American staple of crispy, fatty goodness and nothing beats that first juicy bite. Even the most die-hard vegetarians can find themselves craving the delectable classic. Fortunately for all the veg-heads, Chick-fil-A, the ever-popular chicken-based fast-food chain, is testing out a new plant-based sandwich now in select locations.
While Leslie Neslage, director of Menu and Packaging for Chick-fil-A, insists that chicken is still “the hero” of the franchise, the restaurant recognizes that “customers really want to find ways to increase vegetables in their diet.” Thus, they created the Cauliflower Sandwich, a new plant-based menu option that Neslage says “customers absolutely fell in love with,” in her interview with USA Today. Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Chick-fil-A’s New Cauliflower Sandwich Made of?
The sandwich shares many ingredients with the franchise’s original chicken sandwich: the same seasoned breading, the same two pickle slices, the same toasted bun. However, inside that hand-breaded shell lies a filet of cauliflower, marinated in a mild buffalo-styled sauce. The breaded cauliflower is then pressure-cooked to cook the cauliflower through and crisp up the breading.
The use of whole cauliflower really sets this sandwich apart from plant-based sandwiches provided by other fast-food chains. Both KFC’s Beyond Fried Chicken Sandwich and Burger King’s Impossible Whoppers utilize plant-based meat substitutes, which are typically highly processed. In contrast, Neslage says the team prioritized the product being “identifiable as a vegetable.”
Better yet, the team put “a fair amount of work” over the past five years to ensure it met the right texture requirements for a sandwich. The results seem well worth it; one USA Today journalist said she “ate every bite” and that the cauliflower was “perfectly pressure-cooked with a nice crunch and hearty mouthfeel.” Yum!
Is Chick-fil-A’s New Cauliflower Sandwich Vegetarian?
This depends on one’s definition of vegetarianism and their needs surrounding the diet. According to Neslage, the sandwich is “made with cauliflower, pickles, bread, milk and eggs. If that works for your definition of vegetarian, awesome.” However, it’s important to note that there is still a possibility of cross-contamination from meat. Neslage says the sandwich is “not isolated in our kitchen. We have chicken all day, every day, and that’s not going away, so we want to be very candid and honest with our customers.”
For this reason, the company is referring to the sandwich as “plant-forward” rather than “vegetarian.” However, it’s worth noting that any so-called “vegetarian” dishes at restaurants are almost always prepared in the same kitchen as meat items unless it is a strictly vegetarian or vegan restaurant. So, if you feel comfortable eating an In-n-Out Grilled Cheese or Beyond Taco at Del Taco, the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich may comfortably sit in the same category.
How Can I Try Chick-fil-A’s Cauliflower Sandwich?
As of right now, the Cauliflower Sandwich is only available in Denver, Charleston and the Greensboro-Triad area of North Carolina for a limited time, while supplies last. The company is calling this a “testing phase” and if the sandwich sells well, it may be available nationally in six months to one year. “We really want to make sure it’s the right thing for our customers, it’s the right thing for operators, it works well for our team members, it makes sense for the business,” Neslage says.
If you live in one of the aforementioned areas, expect to pay around $6.59 for the cauliflower sandwich. If the sandwich is not yet available in your area, might we suggest making your own breaded cauliflower for a Nashville-style sandwich? Or, experiment with plant-based living with these 40 ways to sneak more vegetables into your diet. From sweet potato fritters to zucchini boats to mushroom tacos, you’re sure to find a recipe to satisfy both your nutritional requirements and taste buds! Did you know Chick-fil-A has a secret menu?
Chick-fil-A Copycat Recipes to Try
Grilled Pepper Jack Chicken SandwichesBasic, 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
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Cobb SaladThis skinny version of Cobb salad has all the taste and creaminess with half the fat and calories. You can skip the coleslaw mix and use all lettuce, but I like the crunch you get with cabbage. —Taylor Kiser, Brandon, Florida
Fun fact: Did you know Chick-fil-A salad dressings are coming to their menu in 2023?
Inspired By: Chicken NuggetsI developed this recipe specifically to copycat Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. The first time I made them I knew I had a winner because the whole family fought over who got the last one! For a dipping sauce, combine equal parts barbecue sauce and Dijon mustard, then stir in honey to taste. —Jeni Pittard, Statham, Georgia
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A SauceThis 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
Inspired By: Fresh Brewed Sweet TeaA 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
Inspired By: Chick-Fil-A Butter BiscuitYou can make biscuits any day of the week with this simple 3-ingredient buttermilk biscuits recipe.
Inspired By: Chicken Noodle Soup SideWhen 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
Grilled Chicken WrapProteins marinated in a zesty citrus dressing shine when stuffed into these grilled chicken wraps. Garnish them with flavorful toppings to make them stand out even more.
Microwave Egg SandwichIf 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
Inspired By: Garlic and Herb Ranch SauceRanch dressing got its start on a real dude ranch in California. Punch up the western original with green salsa, green chiles, jalapenos and cilantro for more color and spice. Serve the dip along with your favorite wings to feed a crowd. —Lindsay Duke, Goodrich, Texas
Chicken StripsHere's how to deep-fry or bake crispy, golden chicken strips, plus tons of ideas for how to serve them.
Inspired By: Fresh-Squeezed LemonadeA 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
Loaded Waffle FriesMake 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
Star-Spangled ParfaitsThe 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
Strawberry MilkshakeGrab your spoon: this strawberry milkshake is thick, bright with strawberry flavor and infinitely customizable.
Asian Chicken SaladOur Asian chicken salad transforms the classic American chicken salad into a vibrant, Asian-inspired dish in just 25 minutes, combining familiar flavors with exciting textures and tastes.
Inspired By: 4 Chick-n-MinisMy 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
Spiced Pumpkin Coffee ShakesThe 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
Inspired By: Barbeque SauceI'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
Sausage Breakfast BurritoBreakfast routine in a rut? Shake things up with these speedy, savory wraps. —Brenda Spann, Granger, Indiana
Inspired By: Chick-fil-A Grilled Market SaladSweet, tangy and bursting with the fresh flavors of summer, this easy strawberry poppy seed salad is a gorgeous, versatile side dish to serve the second warm weather arrives.
Inspired By: Hash BrownsMaking stuffed hash browns is just as easy as making regular ones, but you get the added textures and flavors from the onion, pepper, cheese and bacon.
