It’s sad when some of our Chick-fil-A favorites disappear into thin air. And just like that, it seems like they didn’t exist in the first place. While we’ll always have the classic chicken sandwich and waffle fries, there’s a whole graveyard of discontinued menu items that haunt our cravings to this day. Today, we’re looking into the 11 most iconic Chick-fil-A menu items from the past that we miss the most.
11. Spicy Chick-n-Strips
The Spicy Chick-n-Strips are a dream for those wanting a little kick on their chicken strips. We remember how the spice actually infuses right into the breading. However, they were only available in test markets where fans who tried them got hooked. Sadly, Chick-fil-A announced in June 2023 that they would remove them from the menu. Maybe you’d fancy a Spicy Chicken Sandwich instead.
10. Original Breakfast Burrito
Before Chick-fil-A made a big change to this menu item, the burrito featured the perfect blend of scrambled eggs, sausage, and a mix of peppers and onions. However, the chain made a big move of changing the peppers and onions to hash browns in 2017. Fans were so upset that they started a Change.org petition to bring them back.
9. Cheesecake
Did you know that there was a time when you could get a slice of cheesecake at Chick-fil-A? It was a rare menu item that you can often find only at Truett’s Chick-fil-A locations. Fans who had them can remember the creamy and rich texture that contrasts with the chicken. While the chain never officially commented on its disappearance, former employees have confirmed it.
8. Oatmeal
Back in 2011, Chick-fil-A released its oatmeal as a healthier alternative to the popular Cinnamon Cluster. It’s filled with slow-cooked multigrain oats that you can customize with toppings like brown sugar and berries. Sadly, the oatmeal was kicked off the menu in 2016 after sitting comfortably on the menu for five years.
7. Bagels
Back then, Chick-fil-A used to offer the Sunflower Multigrain Bagel that you could even get as a Chicken, Egg, & Cheese sandwich. But in a sad move in 2021, the chain pulled them off the menu completely. Now, we only reminisce about those days when we could get them as a quick but filling breakfast in the morning.
6. Trio of Salad Dressings
For years, everyone could enjoy Chick-fil-A’s trio of dressings in their salads. There was the Buttermilk Ranch, which is a creamy salad dressing, and the Spicy Dressing, which has a fiery kick. There’s also the Berry Balsamic Vinaigrette, which is a fruity and tangy dressing for your salad. But in 2016, the chain discontinued all three. They’ve introduced new dressings since then, but they were unlike the original trio.
5. Lemon Kale Caesar Salad
The Lemon Kale Salad was released in the spring of 2021, but it quickly became a fan-favorite. It’s filled with a bed of romaine and kale, topped with grilled nuggets, shaved parmesan cheese, lemon wedges, and some Lemon Parmesan Panko topping. They were tossed in a zesty Lemon Caesar Vinaigrette that was simply a comfort spring eat. Sadly, they flew off the menu just as the spring ended.
4. Cinnamon Cluster
The Cinnamon Cluster was the OG breakfast pastry from Chick-fil-A. It was released in 2005 and has remained as one of the fan-favorite menu items because of its gooey, sticky miniature cinnamon rolls drizzled with icing. But after 11 years of baking, the chain discontinued them in 2016. One could only dream of the Cinnamon Cluster’s comeback!
3. Carrot & Raisin Salad
This may be a controversial pick, but Chick-fil-A’s Carrot & Raisin Salad has a dedicated following among fans. It was a classic on the menu as it’s been available for 49 years, from 1967 to 2016. The recipe was created by founder Truett Cathy himself as it features a blend of shredded carrots, crushed pineapple, raisins, and mayo. While some people found the combination strange, a devoted following of fans was disappointed when they flew off the menu.
2. Asian Salad
The Asian Salad was a breath of fresh air in Chick-fil-A’s salad menu. It features a mix of lettuce, red cabbage, almonds, oranges, and wontons, all mixed with honey sesame dressing and topped with chicken. It was the perfect balance, but like all good things, it came to an end. The menu was discontinued after three years, and fans were upset that they arranged a Change.org petition to bring the salad back. Eventually, it was replaced by the Spicy Southwest Salad, but it’s not just the same.
1. Cole Slaw
One discontinued Chick-fil-A menu item that people are still mourning about is the Cole Slaw. It enjoyed being on the menu for 49 years from 1967 to 2016, and it was truly the original side dish. It features a tangy but slightly sweet creamy cole slaw that pairs well with the spicy chicken sandwich. But in 2016, the chain decided to remove it from the menu, and fans were not happy. Chick-fil-A did release a recipe online, but of course, it’s not the same iconic side we once enjoyed.