The 10 Most Underrated Chick-Fil-A Items You Need To Try

Chick-fil-A is known for one thing: Chicken. Heck, it's even in the name. Customers flock to the fast food chain for its delicious fried chicken sandwiches, nuggets, and strips. And, while those delectable items are undeniably iconic, the CFA menu extends well beyond those breaded bounds. When you zoom through the drive-thru (the efficiency of which happens to be one of the 13 biggest changes to hit Chick-fil-A), you likely already have your go-to order in mind. Original chicken sandwich, waffle fries, and a sweet tea, perhaps? Or maybe you're opting for something on the healthier side with one of CFA's grilled options and a fruit cup? Either way, you're missing out on a whole other side of Chick-fil-A.

But there's really no need to fret, because below we've compiled a list of the 10 most underrated Chick-fil-A items that you absolutely must try. If you're a true CFA fanatic, you'll know that quality is the name of the game at this chicken chain. And you can be sure that these picks will pass muster. With that in mind, there's really no reason not to give it a go. While browsing this list, you might just identify your new cold-weather favorite or uncover a dessert option that never before crossed your mind. So, what are you waiting for? A whole new world of possibilities awaits and it's simply scattered around the glistening photos of fried chicken that dominate the CFA menu.

As temperatures dip and the threat of snow looms ever present, it's the perfect time to indulge in a warm and comforting bowl of soup. All you need to do is swing by your local supermarket and assemble all the ingredients. Wait, nevermind. That's too complicated. Instead, all you need to do is drop by the grocery store and scour the canned goods aisle for something appetizing. Hold on — that's still just a bit too much effort. The solution? A delicious cup of Chicken Tortilla Soup from Chick-fil-A (and if you pop by the drive-thru, you won't even have to leave your car).

You might wrinkle your nose at the thought of ordering soup from a fast food chain. And that's totally fair. For many establishments, a hot sandwich and fries is the name of the game. It's a combo that often hits the spot. But there are some days when the thought of greasy fast food just isn't appetizing. In scenarios like these, it would be a huge mistake to overlook the soup at Chick-fil-A. The seasonal Chicken Tortilla Soup is warm and comforting, it's perfectly spiced, and the tortilla strip topping adds great texture. It's super hearty too — more like a chili or stew than a soup. On a cold winter day, it's definitely worth it to snag a cup. It'll satisfy you without that greasy feeling that seems to linger long after the fast food has been consumed.

Fast food breakfast can be hit or miss, depending on the spot and the item. You've got your ol' reliables, like McDonald's, as well as your pricier indulgences, like Starbucks. There's even quality breakfast to be had at fast casual chains, like Panera Bread, which features Consumer Reports' highest-rated fast food breakfast item. But, when you're really in need of a quick and delicious breakfast, it can be tough to break free from old habits and risk your hard-earned dollars on a menu item that may or may not make the grade.

Trust that Chick-fil-A breakfast is some of the best out there. And, while you've probably munched on some Chick-n-Minis, which are often a crowd favorite, there's an extra delicious breakfast menu item that you may never have considered: The Hash Brown Scramble Burrito.

It's a far cry from breakfast burritos that feature soggy potatoes, pale scrambled eggs, and a questionable mix of vegetables. The Hash Brown Scramble Burrito sports a hearty mix of crispy hash browns, fluffy scrambled egg, rich blend of cheeses, and, to top it all off, CFA's iconic nuggets. If you still find yourself hesitating, maybe the addition of a side of jalapeño salsa will change your mind. It cuts right through the richness of the burrito and adds the perfect bit of acidity and spice. Snag one on your way to work and suddenly the morning commute becomes much more enjoyable.

When winter rolls around and you can't seem to shake that pesky case of the sniffles, there's a good chance you'll be craving a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup just like Mom used to make. The broth warms you up, the chicken fills your belly, the noodles add a comforting bite, and the vegetables contribute much-needed nutrients. If you live far from home, finding a properly delicious bowl of chicken noodle soup to fill that gap can be a difficult task. But look no further, for just down the road you'll find just the thing to soothe your sorrows and your sore throat: Chick-fil-A's chicken noodle soup.

Once again, it's imperative that you don't turn your nose up at fast food soup. This bowl of deliciousness is a far cry from the sad soup cans collecting dust in the back of your pantry. Just pop by Chick-fil-A and you'll be greeted with a traditional and oh-so-comforting chicken noodle soup complete with shredded chicken breast, noodles, and some veggies.

Okay, sure. That description might sound basic, but have faith that the flavor is impeccable. It's well-seasoned without being too watery or overly salty (the two extremes most fast food soups fall victim to). And the chicken — which, let's be clear, is the best part — is plentiful. It's in your best interest that you head to your nearest CFA and order a cup. You won't be sorry.

Everyone goes bananas for a Chick-fil-A milkshake, and for good reason. Those hand-spun beauties are a creamy dream. And, while a frozen drinkable dessert might be the move on a hot summer's day, when the temperature dips below 60 degrees, that's a sign you need to explore CFA's baked goods. In particular, you need to give the Chocolate Fudge Brownie a try.

If you're having flashbacks to fast food brownies that crumble into a chocolatey dust as dry as the Sahara or taste so artificial you question your own judgment, take a deep breath and have a seat. With just a bite the CFA Chocolate Fudge Brownie will banish those bad memories.

The brownie is rich and chewy with ample chocolate chunks, but it has a sensational shiny, flaky top crust. It's incredibly moist and the chocolate flavor feels real, rather than the chocolate-adjacent, sickly sugary flavor common with other fast food baked goods. It's a great size, too. The brownie fits right in the palm of your hand — enough to quash the sugar cravings, but not too much to make you regret it. And, it's got a depth of flavor that's hard to compete with. The chain opts for semi-sweet chocolate that's rich without being cloying. You better be sure to grab one on your next trip because it would be a tragedy if the brownie ended up on this list of discontinued Chick-fil-A desserts we wish would make a comeback.

When you hear the words "fast food salad," you might recoil at the image of sad, wilted lettuce and less-than-fresh veggies haphazardly thrown together to make a soggy mess. It can feel downright wrong to make this selection when you know a delectable burger and fries won't disappoint. But, if you head over to your nearest Chick-fil-A, that nightmare fuel is nowhere to be seen. As far as fast food chains go, CFA's produce drawer is remarkably fresh. So, you can recover from your trauma by chowing down on the CFA Cobb Salad.

The luscious Cobb Salad features a bed of mixed greens so crisp it puts farmers market veggies to shame. Pair that with tomatoes for a burst of flavor and acidity, add in a hard-boiled egg and cheese for some protein and richness, and you've got one filling entree. But Chick-fil-A goes the extra mile and lets you choose the kind of chicken you want to add to the salad. While grilled might seem like the obvious choice, it'd be a shame not to experiment with nuggets or a spicy filet. With this customizability, there's no need to forego your chicken favorites entirely. But, with all that in mind, if the Chick-fil-A Cobb Salad just doesn't tickle your fancy, you might consider one of these other fast food salads that use the highest quality ingredients.

If you're the type of person to enthusiastically order yogurt at a fast food joint, some folks might question your judgment. After all, these establishments are typically known for their greasier fare on the entree side of the menu and their sugary confections in the dessert column. Yogurt seems so distant from the realm of fast food you might even be surprised to learn it's offered. That said, at Chick-fil-A, yogurt isn't just menu filler. It's a delightful treat just waiting to be unlocked.

The next time you swing by CFA, seek out the Berry Parfait w/ Cookie Crumbs. Let's be honest — yogurt is not what most people consider to be dessert. However, this dish is the optimal choice if a shake is too heavy but you still need a little something sweet after your meal. The vanilla yogurt is sweet, creamy, and the ideal viscosity — the perfect balance of substantial-yet-smooth without veering into goopy territory. The berries add a punch of brightness and flavor that cuts through the creamy base. Alone, that combination might seem mundane, but this menu item is elevated by Oreo cookie crumbs. These chocolatey morsels add a crunchy texture to each bite and the rich flavor steers the dish out of Breakfastville and into Dessert Land. So, if your chicken sandwich has you feeling pretty full, but you still need a sweet treat to complete your CFA outing, this is your sign to order the Berry Parfait w/ Cookie Crumbs.

Seeing the word "kale" on a fast food menu might send you running for the hills. Who wants that much roughage with their chicken nuggets? And at a fast food chain of all places? But trust that the Kale Crunch Side is not the sad, dry rabbit food you're probably envisioning. When paired with a heavier breaded chicken entree, this salad provides much needed balance. Eat it alongside a grilled chicken option and you've got a healthy, yet tasty meal. And it all comes down to the preparation.

At first glance, the Kale Crunch Side might seem simple ... a little too simple. But this combination of curly kale and green cabbage really packs a punch in the flavor department, as it's dressed up with just an apple cider and dijon mustard vinaigrette and roasted almonds. But that simplicity is ingenious. The vinaigrette is tangy and punchy with a bit of sweetness that counterbalances the earthiness of the kale and cabbage. The roasted almonds provide a nice crunch and some added saltiness.

Order it as-is and the Kale Crunch Side is a great option for the vegans and vegetarians in your crew. Or, make it into its own meal by tacking on some nuggets or a filet onto your order. Whether you eat it as a side or dress it up with chicken, it's certainly worth a shot the next time you hit up Chick-fil-A.

Picture this: The clock just struck noon and it's time to head out for your lunch break. You hem and haw over which drive-thru to visit. McDonald's? No. Wendy's? Not today. Culver's? Maybe. Chick-fil-A sounds good, but your usual breaded chicken sandwich seems a little too heavy at the moment. You really want to avoid that heavy, greasy feeling after eating fast food, but the convenience is just too hard to pass up. You could stick with your usual ... or you could go a different route with the Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap.

As its name suggests, this item doesn't come piping hot out of the fryer. Instead, the Cool Wrap is a refrigerated item that leans a bit healthier as it highlights sliced grilled chicken sprinkled with a flavorful cheese blend, surrounded by crisp, fresh lettuce and bundled together in a flax seed wrap. It's incredibly filling and provides another opportunity to fibermaxx with the flax seed and leafy veg, because all the trendy folks know how much fiber you should eat every day. And, to top it all off, the Cool Wrap makes for the perfect vessel for many of Chick-fil-A's sauces and dressings. Sound appetizing? It looks like you've got tomorrow's lunch squared away.

It might seem like a crime to order any entree other than chicken at Chick-fil-A, but the Southwest Veggie Wrap is definitely worth a try. It's a completely vegetarian item, featuring a blend of black beans, corn, roasted bell pepper, tomato, and cheese all wrapped up in fresh lettuce and a flax seed wrap.

It's incredibly fresh and also surprisingly filling. And, since it's not a popular menu item, it's always made to order, so you know you're getting the freshest food. It comes standard with creamy salsa dressing, which is yummy, but if your local Chick-fil-A carries a side of guac, make sure to add it on. The creaminess of the avocado really amps up the Southwestern feel of the dish and it layers in another texture.

This refrigerated dish can easily be made vegan, too. The best way to approach the situation is to order the item in the Chick-fil-A app to make modifications easy. Simply remove the cheese and creamy salsa dressing (which curiously contains egg yolk). From there, you can easily add on a new dressing to take its place. The wrap pairs well with waffle fries if you're into a hot-cold situation, or the fruit cup, if you're serious about nutrition. If you're a true CFA fan, it's time you give this one a try. The Southwest Veggie Wrap really shows how the chain can knock it out of the park with its non-chicken items.

As mentioned above, Chick-fil-A's delectable milkshakes tend to be the star of the show. But if there's one dessert item that needs to emerge from the shadows, it's the Chocolate Chunk Cookie. Once again, fast food baked goods can get a bad rap, and for good reason. Some establishments serve up truly abysmal desserts that make you regret ever setting foot in the restaurant. But at Chick-fil-A, this couldn't be further from the truth.

While many chocolate chip cookies can feel one-note, the CFA version can rival bakery style goodies (especially when warm). The Chocolate Chunk Cookie features both dark and milk chocolate, which adds richness with dimension — which is more difficult than you might think. The inclusion of rolled oats is a unique twist, but don't let the childhood disappointment of biting into an oatmeal raisin cookie you thought was chocolate chip push you away. The oats add a certain bite to the cookie that lends interest and texture. The Chocolate Chunk Cookie feels like the sweet treats Grandma used to make, but slightly elevated. It's comforting with a certain je ne sais quoi that is hard to come by in the realm of fast food. So, if you've got a sweet tooth, you might as well give it a try. One bite into that soft, dreamy cookie and you'll certainly be glad you did.