The Low-Cal Way To Amp Up Your Chick-Fil-A Chicken Sandwich

When you're craving something crispy, crunchy, and quick, a stop at the Chick-fil-A drive-thru is sure to hit the spot. There are juicy chicken nuggets you can dunk into tangy special sauce, sizzling hot waffle fries, and sweet fresh-squeezed lemonade. But perhaps one of the most beloved — and most classic — menu items at the popular chain is the OG chicken sandwich. Invented back in 1964, the sandwich is simple yet delicious, featuring a breaded chicken breast and pickle slices on a fluffy buttered bun.

However, while the Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich is great as it is, you don't have to stick to the basics every time. There are toppings you can choose or substitutions you can make to change things up when you're in the mood. Even better, you can add those things without adding calories if you know what to order. Here's what one registered dietitian recommended to Eat This, Not That! when it comes to adding to your chicken sandwich for a "fancier" yet healthier bite.

The Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich ordered as is (i.e. on a plain bun with pickles) has 440 calories. When you're bored of just pickles but don't want to up that calorie total, Lindsey Pine, MS, RD, says there are a few healthy toppings you can ask for. In an interview with Eat This, Not That, the dietitian suggests lettuce, tomato, and zesty buffalo sauce as your best options. The veggies will add some good-for-you vitamins and fiber (along with just 10 calories), while the zesty buffalo sauce has the lowest calories of all of the Chick-fil-A dipping sauces at just 25 calories per serving (the others start at 45 calories).

As for what to stay away from if you're concerned about calories? Cheese, bacon, and some of the heavier dipping sauces are the worst choices. Both a slice of cheese and bacon will each add 50 calories (and a lot of fat), according to Chick-fil-A's website, while sauces like Garden Herb Ranch and the classic Chick-fil-A Sauce pack 140 calories per serving.