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It's So Hard to Say Good-Bye

Chick-fil-A’s popularity transcends its iconic chicken sandwiches and lightning-fast service — it's also about the unforgettable menu items that have come and gone over the years. Fans of the chain know that while some offerings stick around for the long haul, others have made a brief but memorable splash, leaving a lasting impression and sparking a cult following (we’re team Autumn Spice forever). 


From the spicy kick of the Chick-n-Strips to the comforting sweetness of the Cinnamon Cluster, these limited-time and discontinued items have become part of Chick-fil-A’s storied history.

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Spicy Chick-Fil-A Chick-n-Strips

For those who crave a kick of heat, Chick-fil-A’s Spicy Chick-n-Strips were a standout hit. Chicken breast strips seasoned with a spicy blend of peppers quickly gained a cult following. Available in a 3-count or 4-count entree with your choice of dipping sauce. While they’re no longer available in the United States, you can find them in Canada!

Chick-fil-A cinnamon cluster by Chick-fil-A/ YouTube (None)

Cinnamon Cluster

Introduced in 2005, Chick-fil-A’s sticky cinnamon cluster may not have been the most photogenic pastry but its sweet, doughy goodness sure brought a smile to our faces most mornings. This sticky treat delighted us with its warm cinnamon flavor and indulgent icing, and since it was discontinued in 2016, many have lamented its demise — check out this Change.org petition, and even the fast-food chain seemed sad to let it go.

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Chicken Salad Sandwich

Before you get riled up that this classic is no longer available, here’s the recipe so you can make it home. For days when you wanted something lighter and fresher, Chick-fil-A’s blend of chopped chicken, hard-boiled eggs, celery, and sweet pickle relish hit the spot. 


Unfortunately, it was removed from the menu in 2017 despite its popularity possibly due to production issues as suggested by this Reddit thread: “It was slowing down our other processes and wasn't worth the complications it presented with how few people ordered it to make room for new items.”


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Lemon Pie

When a dessert has its own (and reasonably active) Facebook page, you know it’s a fan favorite. Chick-fil-A’s beloved lemon pie was cherished for its sweet, tangy lemon flavors, had a buttery graham cracker and vanilla wafer crust, filled with tangy lemon custard and topped with meringue. 


Although it was discontinued in 2012, Chick-fil-A released the recipe for home bakers. If you’re in Atlanta, you’re in luck — the Dwarf House location continues to serve it fresh daily, keeping the legacy alive.


Cole Slaw by Chick-fil-A/ YouTube (None)

Cole Slaw

A classic side dish from Chick-fil-A’s early days, its cole slaw was loved for its creamy texture, crisp crunch, and subtle hint of mustard. Despite its popularity, it was retired in 2016 to make room for healthier menu options (though, admittedly, its ¼ cup of sugar might have played a role). 


In a classy move to appease loyal fans, Chick-fil-A released the original recipe, ensuring the beloved slaw could live on in home kitchens.


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Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich

Debuting in 2021, the Grilled Spicy Deluxe Sandwich quickly became a fan favorite. It featured grilled chicken filet with a bold, spicy kick, topped with Colby Jack cheese, fresh lettuce, and tomato, on a toasted multigrain brioche bun and served with a packet of creamy cilantro lime sauce for an extra burst of flavor. 


Although it was discontinued in November 2022, fans continue to clamor for its return solidifying its status as a Chick-fil-A legend.

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Frosted Key Lime

After a successful test run in Austin, Texas, the Frosted Key Lime was introduced in 2019. A refreshing "key lime pie in a cup", this summery treat combined Chick-fil-A's signature handspun vanilla Icedream with lemonade (regular or diet) and a zesty lime flavoring made from key limes, kaffir limes, and Persian limes, enhanced with spirulina and turmeric for a vibrant color and a hint of health appeal. 


Despite its popularity, the Frosted Key Lime hasn’t made a comeback—but fans can still enjoy it through various copycat recipes available online.

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Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich

Introduced in 2017, the Smokehouse BBQ Bacon Sandwich combined a marinated grilled chicken breast with Colby Jack cheese, crispy brown sugar pepper bacon, fresh lettuce, and a tangy Smokehouse BBQ sauce, on a toasted bun. 


It became a fan favorite during its limited-time runs, with the most recent being in 2022. No word yet if management will make it a permanent menu item.

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Autumn Spice Milkshake

Debuting in fall 2022, the Autumn Spice Milkshake was the essence of cozy autumn flavors. This seasonal dessert treat blended Chick-fil-A’s signature Icedream with cinnamon and brown sugar cookie bits, topped with whipped cream and a cherry. 


Its rich, spiced profile gave it all the warm cozy feels, leaving fans hoping for its return in future fall seasons.


Chick-fil-A Asian Salad by Chick-fil-A/ YouTube (None)

Asian Salad

From 2013 to 2016, Chick-Fil-A’s Asian Salad offered a lighter, flavorful option at just 330 calories. This colorful creation included romaine lettuce, baby greens, red cabbage, carrots, and mandarin orange segments, topped with sliced chicken. Asian-inspired toppings like honey Thai almonds, crispy wontons, and a delectable honey sesame dressing made it a standout. Fans still reminisce about the dressing, wishing it had been bottled and sold.


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