Calories in Chick-fil-A Nuggets: Full Nutrition Breakdown

Chick-fil-A Nuggets are bite-sized pieces of boneless chicken breast, seasoned and pressure-cooked in refined peanut oil. An 8-piece order delivers approximately 250 calories and an impressive 27 grams of protein, making them one of the higher-protein fast food options available. They are also offered in a grilled version for those seeking a lower-calorie alternative.

Calories by serving size:

The grilled nuggets stand out as a remarkably lean option, providing 25 grams of protein for only 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. Keep in mind that sodium is relatively high across all options, and dipping sauces will add additional calories to your meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do fried nuggets compare to grilled nuggets at Chick-fil-A?

The 8-piece fried nuggets have 250 calories and 11 grams of fat, while the grilled version has just 130 calories and 3 grams of fat. Despite the large calorie difference, the grilled nuggets still deliver 25 grams of protein, only 2 grams less than the fried version. The grilled option also has about half the sodium.

How do Chick-fil-A Nuggets compare to McDonald's Chicken McNuggets?

An 8-piece Chick-fil-A Nuggets order has 250 calories and 27 grams of protein, while a 10-piece McDonald's Chicken McNuggets has 410 calories and 25 grams of protein. Chick-fil-A nuggets are more protein-efficient, delivering more protein per calorie, largely because they use whole breast meat rather than a blended chicken mixture.

How much protein is in Chick-fil-A Nuggets?

The 8-piece serving provides 27 grams of protein, which is substantial for a 250-calorie item. The 12-piece order delivers an impressive 40 grams of protein at 380 calories. This makes Chick-fil-A Nuggets one of the best protein-to-calorie ratios available in fast food.

How many calories do dipping sauces add?

Chick-fil-A's signature Chick-fil-A Sauce adds 140 calories per packet, while the Polynesian Sauce adds 110 calories. Ranch dressing adds about 140 calories per serving as well. For a lighter option, the Honey Mustard Sauce has about 45 calories, and the Zesty Buffalo Sauce has only 25 calories per packet.

Are Chick-fil-A Nuggets a healthy fast food option?

Relative to other fast food items, Chick-fil-A Nuggets offer a strong protein-to-calorie ratio, especially the grilled version. However, the fried version still contains notable amounts of sodium and fat from the cooking process. Pairing them with a side salad instead of fries and choosing a low-calorie sauce can make them a reasonably balanced meal.