When you think of Chick-fil-A, you probably think of their famous Waffle Fries. People love these crispy, golden fries and say they’re some of the best around. But Chick-fil-A also has other side dishes, like salads and cheesy treats.
To determine the best side at Chick-fil-A, I recently taste-tested every side item on their menu (except the pre-packaged Buddy Fruits Apple Sauce). From soups to Mac & Cheese, my review of every Chick-fil-A side ranked from worst to best.
Top Chick-fil-A Sides
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
Nutrition (Per Cup):
Calories: 340 | Fat: 11 g | Sodium: 1,070 mg | Carbs: 38 g | Protein: 24 g
The Chicken Tortilla Soup is a seasonal favorite, packed with shredded chicken, beans, and vegetables. Even though it tasted good, the soup had a thick and grainy texture, like baby food. The crunchy tortilla strips were nice, but there wasn’t enough chicken and the texture was a problem.
Verdict: Disappointing texture overshadows the flavor.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup
Nutrition (Per Cup):
Calories: 170 | Fat: 4 g | Sodium: 1,220 mg | Carbs: 25 g | Protein: 10 g
A classic chicken noodle soup should be comforting, but Chick-fil-A’s version could have hit better. While the flavor was well-seasoned and chicken-forward, the textures were off, with overcooked veggies and mushy noodles. The broth also had an unusual thickness that didn’t help.
Verdict: Mediocre flavor with an off-putting consistency.
3. Pimento Cheese
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 600 | Fat: 50 g | Sodium: 1,120 mg | Carbs: 16 g | Protein: 19 g
Chick-fil-A introduced Pimento Cheese as part of its limited-edition Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich. The cheese spread, which can be ordered as a standalone side with crackers, offers a tangy, rich flavor but feels underseasoned. It’s a niche site for those who enjoy pimento cheese, but I needed more than it to be crave-worthy enough to order again.
Verdict: Tasty, but better than other dipping options.
4. Berry Parfait
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 270 | Fat: 9 g | Sodium: 85 mg | Carbs: 35 g | Protein: 13 g
The Berry Parfait combines vanilla bean yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola. While it looked beautiful, the yogurt was overwhelmingly sweet. Thankfully, the tartness of the berries and the texture of the granola helped balance the sweetness.
Verdict: A decent side, but too sweet for my liking.
5. Fruit Cup
Nutrition (Per Small Cup):
Calories: 60 | Carbs: 14 g | Protein: 1 g
This tasty choice has mandarin oranges, strawberries, blueberries, and apples. The strawberries were a little dry, but the other fruits were juicy & tasty. It’s a good, healthy choice for those wanting something light after a heavy meal.
Verdict: Simple, fresh, and a healthy alternative.
6. Waffle Potato Chips
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 220 | Fat: 13 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Carbs: 25 g | Protein: 3 g
Chick-fil-A’s ready-to-eat Waffle Potato Chips are crunchy and salty. They may not be as good as their freshly-made Waffle Fries, but they’re a good choice when you want something crispy.
Verdict: An excellent alternative to fries, but less exciting.
7. Side Salad
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 470 | Fat: 42 g | Sodium: 700 mg | Carbs: 14 g | Protein: 6 g
This easy side salad has mixed greens, grape tomatoes, cheese, and dressing. I liked the fresh greens and the tasty charred tomato and bell pepper topping. It’s a good, healthy side with greens.
Verdict: Fresh and flavorful, perfect for a lighter option.
8. Kale Crunch Side
Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 170 | Fat: 12 g | Sodium: 250 mg | Carbs: 13 g | Protein: 4 g
This kale and cabbage salad tossed in a tangy apple cider vinaigrette was a delightful surprise. The greens were tender and well-dressed, and though I missed out on the almonds that should have topped the salad, it was still delicious. It’s one of the healthiest sides but doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Verdict: Surprisingly delicious and healthy.
9. Waffle Fries
Nutrition (Per Large Order):
Calories: 600 | Fat: 35 g | Sodium: 340 mg | Carbs: 65 g | Protein: 7 g
The Waffle Fries are a fan favorite for a reason. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they’re perfectly salted and pair beautifully with Chick-fil-A Sauce. Before this taste test, they were my go-to side and remain a strong contender.
Verdict: Crispy, delicious, and worth the hype.
10. Mac & Cheese
Nutrition (Per Small Cup):
Calories: 270 calories, 17 grams of fat, 710 milligrams of sodium, 17 grams of carbs & 12 grams of protein
And now, the best part: Chick-fil-A’s Mac & Cheese. This yummy side dish has cheddar, parmesan, and romano cheeses, and is baked until crispy on top. The noodles were cooked just right, and the cheese tasted really good. It’s the tastiest fast-food mac & cheese I’ve tried.
Verdict: The clear winner – smooth, cheesy goodness.
The Final Verdict
I tried all the side dishes at Chick-fil-A and found some new ones I really liked. The Waffle Fries were good, but the Mac & Cheese was my favorite. It had a yummy taste and creamy texture that made it the best side dish on the menu.
The Kale Crunch Side and Side Salad are great options for people who want healthier choices. If you want something light & refreshing, the Fruit Cup is a good choice.
But for anyone craving comfort food, the Mac & Cheese is unbeatable. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Chick-fil-A, this cheesy side is worth trying.
Best Overall: Mac & Cheese
Best Healthy Option: Kale Crunch Side
Best Classic: Waffle Fries
Chick-fil-A has many different side dishes that are good for all kinds of tastes and likes. There’s something for everyone on the menu. So next time you’re at the drive-thru, consider branching out from the fries and try one of these sides—you might find a new favorite!