Bottom Line: This is a healthier alternative to the fried chicken filet sandwich and it brings some heat with a little less guilt.
Chick-Fil-A is a known destination for good chicken (as you might expect from the name), and their regular spicy chicken sammy (which uses the fried breast filet) is definitely a strong contender in the current Chicken Sandwich Wars. But now they are upping their game with a (relatively) healthier version that features a grilled filet seasoned quite nicely to give it a good kick.
Following is the description of the sandwich from the company’s website:
A boneless breast of chicken marinated with a blend of peppers and grilled for a tender and spicy taste, served on a toasted multigrain brioche bun with Colby Jack cheese, Green Leaf lettuce and tomato. Served with Cilantro Lime Sauce.
The cilantro lime sauce comes in a packet on the side, and I decided to attack the sandwich without that to start (Chick-Fil-A’s sammies often do not have the condiments already incorporated). And after the first bite, I decided this sandwich did not need anything else. The meat was not dry at all as so often happens with grilled chicken breast. I wouldn’t quite call it juicy, but it was tender and tasty throughout.
But most importantly, this sandwich has a kick! They claim that the marinade is “inspired” by the one used in their fried spicy chicken but that it is “bigger and bolder”. They also say that it does not add any extra heat, but why would you not want to do that? No matter the claims, this sandwich does bring the spice. The seasonings deliver a Cajun burn and this sandwich is approaching medium heat, which is good for the drive thru. And it is a heat that lingers along with the multitude of spices that kick off a party for your taste buds.
The Colby Jack cheese offers a nice creaminess that goes well with the spiciness of the sandwich. The lettuce and tomato are fresh and act as a bit of a counterbalance to the heat. The multigrain brioche bun is a nice touch to up the healthiness factor of the meal (without compromising the taste), and it works well with the other ingredients in the sandwich.
After a few bites, I opened the packet of Cilantro Lime Sauce and tried dipping the sandwich into that. It was like a very tangy (almost too much so) Ranch dressing, and it went okay with the sandwich but did not really add much. I’d just assume save the 70 calories it brings to the table and eat this one sans condiments.
Overall, I consider Chick-Fil-A’s Grilled Spicy Deluxe a big winner, and I will definitely be back to the drive thru for another one of these before it heads back to Limited-Time-Only-Ville. (Hey Chick-Fil-A, add this to the permanent menu!) At 480 calories (410 without the sauce) and without a trip to the deep-frier, this is not a fast food order you need to feel guilty about. Just go easy on those waffle fries because they add another 420 calories to the meal.
Chick-Fil-A is a national chain that is dedicated to purveying poultry in the drive thru and they are located across 47 states. I don’t go there as often as I might because they are always so darn busy and I have to plan in advance and go during off hours. But I will give them credit for knowing how to work that drive thru lane and get cars through as quickly and efficiently as possible. If you have one near you, I recommend checking out their new spicy chicken sammy (and the original as well), just time your trip so that you don’t hit the rush!
Tale of the Tape:
Serving Size: 1 Sandwich
Calories: 480
Fat: 20g (7g Sat/0g Trans)
Protein: 33g
Carbs: 42g
Sodium: 1360mg