4 Ordering Tips To Get The Best Chick-Fil-A Chicken Deluxe Sandwich

Chick-fil-A's chicken sandwich is firmly established among the best fast food chicken sandwiches of all time. The classic combination of buttery bun, crispy chicken breast, and zesty pickles is certainly tasty, but for many customers, the deluxe version of the sandwich is where it's really at. The addition of crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato, and melty American cheese offers a heartier and more flavorful experience, ideal for sandwich maximalists who find a standard Chick-fil-A sandwich just a bit lacking.

While this loaded sandwich is delicious as is, fans of Chick-fil-A's chicken deluxe sandwich can appreciate, perhaps better than anyone, that it's almost always possible to improve on perfection (at least when it comes to sandwiches). As such, it's no surprise deluxe sandwich lovers have cooked up plenty of must-know Chick-fil-A hacks to upgrade the sandwich over the years. With that in mind, here are four ordering tips to get the best Chick-fil-A chicken deluxe sandwich.

One of the biggest differences between the classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich and deluxe version is the addition of a gooey slice of American cheese, which brings a creamy texture and mild flavor that contrasts nicely with the crispy chicken. However, if you're not a fan of processed cheese (which is not the same as real cheese), no problem — you can still enjoy a cheesy Chick-fil-A chicken deluxe sandwich. Simply substitute the American cheese for one of the chicken franchise's other cheese options, Colby Jack or Pepper Jack.

Colby Jack offers a mellow, mildly sweet and tangy flavor and smooth, creamy texture, and melts beautifully in the chicken sandwich. You should add Pepper Jack to your Chick-fil-A sandwich if you'd like a healthy hit of spicy flavor from chili peppers and herbs; it also delivers a similar creaminess and meltiness. Bonus: If you like it super cheesy, you can double up and add an extra slice of your favorite cheese for just a few cents.

Bacon is one of two non-chicken meat products on Chick-fil-A's menu, and for good reason — bacon makes almost everything better, and Chick-fil-A's chicken deluxe sandwich is no exception. Plus, the sandwich already comes with lettuce and tomato, aka L and T, so it's only natural to go all the way and add the B. Luckily, Chick-fil-A allows customers to add crispy bacon strips to the sandwich for less than two bucks.

Just like a great BLT, the rich bacon contrasts perfectly with the fresh crunch of the lettuce and the acidic tomato. In combination with the juicy fried chicken, melty cheese, and buttery bun, it's a meal made in fast food heaven. Bonus: To complete the BLT vibes, slather on a few packets of Chick-fil-A's mayo (you can add up to five packets to your order for free) for an extra layer of creamy deliciousness.

Like the classic Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, the standard Chick-fil-A chicken deluxe sandwich is served on a basic buttered white bun. While this bun is perfectly fine, it's nothing special, and many find it bland, dry, or even stale tasting. Luckily, if you like your buns with a bit more flavor and texture, you can swap out the standard white bun for a multigrain brioche version.

This hearty wheat bun is the default option for the fast food chain's grilled chicken sandwich and grilled chicken club sandwich, probably because, like grilled chicken, it's considered to be one of the healthier Chick-fil-A menu options. However, this bun shouldn't be written off as the boring healthy alternative — in fact, it offers a soft texture and subtly sweet flavor that many customers prefer. Additionally, it's slightly bigger than the white bun, meaning it may stand up better to the extra toppings in the chicken deluxe sandwich. If you are concerned about nutrition, the multigrain brioche bun does offer slightly more protein and triple the fiber compared to the standard white bun, so it will get you closer to meeting your daily fiber goals.

No matter which Chick-fil-A sauce you favor, almost all of the chain's beloved condiments make a fabulous addition to the chicken deluxe sandwich. While you can't go wrong with classic Chick-fil-A sauce (aka the little black dress of fast food sauces), honey roasted BBQ is a particularly popular choice. The creamy BBQ sauce offers a balance of smoke, sweet, and tanginess that perfectly complements the flavors of the chicken deluxe sandwich. You could also go all in on spice by opting for zesty buffalo sauce and Pepper Jack cheese.

Whatever sauce (or sauces) you choose, make sure to use this life-changing fast food hack for optimal sauce distribution: Remove the chicken from the sandwich and shake it around in the bag with the contents of several sauce packets. Then, return the sauce-coated filet to the sandwich and enjoy maximum flavor in every bite.