- Dietitians choose Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets as the healthiest fast-food chicken nuggets.
- An 8-piece serving has 25 grams of protein and only 130 calories, making it a light, smart choice.
- For healthier fast-food choices, limit sodium, pick lean, unbreaded proteins and add sides like a fruit cup or salad.
Sometimes life calls for a quick bite—and fast food can be a convenient choice when you’re short on time. The good news is you can still keep things balanced, even when you’re eating from the drive-thru. Dietitians emphasize that enjoying nuggets of any kind on occasion can fit into a healthy eating pattern, but if you’re looking for the option that best supports your long-term health, some choices rise above the rest.
When it comes to chicken nuggets, dietitians overwhelmingly recommend one order again and again: Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets. They offer the familiar convenience and comfort you expect from fast food, but with a nutrition profile that makes them a clear standout. Learn why this order came out on top.
Why Chik-fil-A Grilled Nuggets Are Dietitians’ Top Choice
Here’s the nutrition facts for an 8-count of Chik-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets:
- Calories: 130
- Protein: 25 g
- Total fat: 3 g
- Saturated fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sodium: 440 mg
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
They Have Less Saturated Fat
“I like Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken nuggets because they skip the breading and fryer, which means less saturated fat for the amount of protein you get,” says Jessie Winstead, RD, LD, a registered dietitian. These nuggets are also made with real chicken breast—another reason why they’re lower in saturated fat compared to other fast-food options, which are often made with processed chicken and fillers.
Why should you care about how much saturated fat is in your nuggets, you ask? Studies show that eating too much can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Many ultra-processed foods—like fried fast-food nuggets—are major sources of saturated fat, sodium and refined carbs, which individuals should limit when trying to support their heart health. Winstead says, “With grilled nuggets, you still get tender chicken without the saturated fat,” which makes them a wise choice if you’re looking for convenience without compromising your health.
They’re Lower in Sodium
“Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets are a smart pick for those who are focusing on their heart health or have high blood pressure, thanks to their lower sodium content,” says Tracy Colin, M.S., RDN, LD.
Let’s be clear, Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets aren’t exactly a low-sodium food, but at 440 milligrams per 8-count serving (about 19% the Daily Value), they’re still significantly lower in sodium than most fast-food nuggets.
Too much sodium causes the body to retain fluid, which puts added pressure on blood vessels and raises blood pressure. Over time, this strain may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke—two of the biggest reasons health experts recommend keeping sodium intake in check.
They’re High in Protein
One of the biggest nutrition wins of Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets is their protein content. A standard 8-count serving packs 25 grams of protein for just 130 calories. “Unlike other fast-food brands, Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets are made with chicken breast, providing you with a lean, high-quality protein option that’s low in carbohydrates and saturated fat,” says Colin.
Protein isn’t just important for building and maintaining muscle. It also helps you feel full for longer and supports steady energy levels throughout the day., Winstead suggests pairing these nuggets with a fiber-rich side, like a fruit cup or side salad, to make your meal even more satisfying.
Better for Blood Sugar
“Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets are blood sugar–friendly because they are naturally lower in carbs,” explains Colin. “This is great for someone who has prediabetes or diabetes and needs to be mindful of their glucose levels.”
With only 1 gram of carbohydrate, they have far fewer carbs than most fast-food nuggets, which often contain 15 to 20 grams from the breading. On its own, that amount of carbohydrates isn’t huge for a meal—but when you add in fries and a regular soda, the carbs add up quickly. That’s what can cause blood sugar levels to soar in people with impaired glucose tolerance, a condition in which the body doesn’t use sugar effectively after eating.
Choosing lower-carb, higher-protein options like Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets also keeps energy levels stable and reduces post-meal crashes—a benefit that extends beyond blood sugar management to anyone looking for balanced fuel during a busy day.
Tips for Ordering the Healthiest Fast-Food Chicken Nuggets
- Watch Out for Sodium. Fast-food meals are often high in sodium, which may raise blood pressure over time. Look for options that are lower in sodium, ideally 500 mg or less per serving.
- Look for Higher-Protein Options. Protein helps keep you fuller longer and supports stable energy levels. Choosing grilled chicken made with real chicken breast (like Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets) gives you more protein per serving than some other breaded and fried options.
- Be Mindful of Portions. More isn’t always better. Order the nugget size that matches your appetite, and avoid automatically going for the largest pack.
- Be Smart About Sides. Nuggets on their own aren’t considered a well-rounded meal. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying french fries on occasion, some restaurants offer more nutritious sides. Consider pairing your nuggets with a fruit cup or a salad for a balanced, fiber-rich meal.
- Rethink the Sauce. Dipping sauces can sneak in added calories, sugar, sodium and fat. Lighter options, such as Chick-fil-A’s Zesty Buffalo (25 calories) or Honey Roasted BBQ (60 calories), are healthier choices than creamy, mayo-based dips.
- Be Realistic. Perfection isn’t the goal. It’s totally OK to eat chicken nuggets with dipping sauce, fries and a soda on occasion. But if you find yourself in the drive-thru more often, it can be helpful to consider better-for-you options.
Our Expert Take
Fast food is part of real life, and it’s perfectly fine to lean on it when you’re short on time. What matters most is being intentional about how often you eat it and what you order when you do. Check the nutrition information ahead of time and choose options that are high in protein but lower in sodium and saturated fat. While it’s best to keep fast food meals to a minimum, having a reliable option like Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Nuggets in your back pocket makes it easier to balance convenience with nutrition.
