Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese

Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese – Price, Nutrition & Comfort Food Perfection

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Price: Small $3.39 | Medium $4.49 | Large $5.59
Category: Sides
Calories: Small 450 | Medium 540 | Large 800

Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese brings comfort food to fast food. Made with a blend of cheddar, parmesan, and Romano cheeses, this creamy side dish has become a menu favorite since its introduction.

Chick-fil-A mac and cheese side

What Makes It Special

This isn’t basic boxed mac and cheese. According to Chick-fil-A, their mac and cheese is made with a special blend of cheeses and has a unique recipe that sets it apart.

Key Features:

  • Three-cheese blend (cheddar, parmesan, Romano)
  • Elbow macaroni pasta
  • Creamy, not soupy
  • Baked to perfection
  • Served hot

The cheese sauce is rich and creamy without being heavy, creating that perfect comfort food experience.

Sizes & Prices

Small: $3.39

  • Side portion
  • 450 calories
  • Perfect with sandwich

Medium: $4.49

  • Larger side or light meal
  • 540 calories
  • Good for sharing

Large: $5.59

  • Family size
  • 800 calories
  • Feeds 2-3 people

Check our complete menu for combo pricing.

Nutrition Information

Small:

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 19g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Sodium: 1,020mg

Medium:

  • Calories: 540
  • Protein: 23g
  • Fat: 34g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Sodium: 1,220mg

Large:

  • Calories: 800
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Sodium: 1,810mg

Allergens: Contains wheat, milk, egg.

Data from Chick-fil-A nutrition guide and USDA.

Note: Higher in calories and fat than Waffle Fries, but packed with protein and calcium.

Perfect Pairings

Mac & Cheese complements many menu items:

Best Combos:

Why it works: The creamy, rich mac and cheese balances perfectly with crispy, savory chicken.

Mac & Cheese vs. Other Sides

vs. Waffle Fries:

  • Mac: 450 cal (small) – More filling
  • Fries: 280 cal (small) – Lighter
  • Mac: Creamy, rich
  • Fries: Crispy, salty

vs. Chicken Noodle Soup:

  • Mac: Comfort food, cheesy
  • Soup: Lighter, broth-based
  • Mac: Higher calories
  • Soup: Lower calories

vs. Side Salad:

  • Mac: Indulgent choice
  • Salad: Healthy option
  • Mac: 450 cal
  • Salad: 180 cal

See all sides options for more choices.

When It Was Added

Mac & Cheese was added to the permanent menu in 2017 after successful testing. According to QSR Magazine, it became one of Chick-fil-A’s most popular sides within months of launch.

Why they added it:

  • Customer demand for comfort food
  • Appeal to kids and families
  • Complement to chicken items
  • Year-round side option

Ordering Tips

As a meal: Order a medium mac & cheese with nuggets for a complete meal

For kids: Kids love it – pair with any kid’s meal entree

Sharing: Large size is perfect for families or sharing with friends

Temperature: Best when hot – if dining in, eat it first while it’s warm

Use the app: Mobile order through Chick-fil-A One for faster service

Popular Meal Combinations

Comfort Food Combo:

Kid’s Favorite:

Family Meal:

  • 12 Nuggets
  • Large Mac & Cheese (share)
  • 2 Medium drinks
  • Total: ~$15.00

Why Kids Love It

Parent-approved: Provides protein and calcium

Kid-friendly: Mild flavor, familiar taste

Filling: Keeps kids satisfied

No vegetables to pick out: Pure comfort food

According to Parents Magazine, mac and cheese is consistently one of the most-ordered kids’ items at fast-food restaurants.

Customization Options

Standard preparation – can’t customize the cheese blend

What you CAN do:

  • Order different sizes
  • Add to any meal as a side
  • Request extra hot if you prefer it warmer
  • Mix with chicken nuggets in the container

Pro tip: Some customers mix in Buffalo sauce for a spicy mac variation (not official, just a hack).

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers? Mac & cheese reheats reasonably well:

Storage:

  • Refrigerate in airtight container
  • Use within 3 days

Reheating:

  • Microwave 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway
  • Add splash of milk if it’s dry
  • Oven at 350°F for 15 minutes (for larger portions)

Pro tip: Add a little butter or milk when reheating to restore creaminess.

Nutritional Considerations

High in calories: Small has 450 calories – more than waffle fries

Good protein source: 19g protein in small serving

Calcium boost: Cheese provides significant calcium

Sodium: 1,020mg in small – watch if limiting salt

Vegetarian: Yes (contains dairy, no meat)

For complete nutrition details, see our nutrition guide.

What Customers Say

Common feedback:

  • “Super creamy and delicious”
  • “Best fast-food mac and cheese”
  • “My kids’ favorite side”
  • “Rich but not too heavy”
  • “Better than I expected”

Most common comparison: “Better than Panera’s mac and cheese”

At-Home Recreation

Want to make similar mac at home?

Basic approach:

  • Use elbow macaroni
  • Blend sharp cheddar, parmesan, and Romano
  • Add butter, milk, cream
  • Season with salt, pepper
  • Bake until bubbly

Chick-fil-A’s exact recipe is proprietary, but three-cheese blends are key!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it made fresh in-restaurant? A: It’s prepared fresh but may use pre-made cheese sauce for consistency.

Q: Can I get it as a meal? A: It’s a side, but order a large and pair with nuggets for a full meal.

Q: Is it gluten-free? A: No, contains wheat pasta.

Q: Can I add bacon or extras? A: Not officially, but you can add items yourself.

Q: Is it vegetarian? A: Yes, no meat ingredients.

Q: How does it compare to Panera’s? A: Similar creaminess, slightly different cheese blend.

Awards & Recognition

According to Thrillist, Chick-fil-A’s Mac & Cheese ranks among the top fast-food mac and cheese options nationwide.

Why it stands out:

  • Real cheese blend
  • Proper creaminess
  • Consistent quality
  • Fair pricing

Value Analysis

Price per calorie:

  • Small: $3.39 for 450 cal = $0.75 per 100 cal
  • Waffle Fries small: $2.39 for 280 cal = $0.85 per 100 cal

Mac & cheese offers good value considering the protein content and filling nature.

Rewards Points

Order through Chick-fil-A One:

  • Small earns ~34 points
  • Medium earns ~45 points
  • Large earns ~56 points

Tip: Points add up fast when ordering sides!

Seasonal Availability

Available year-round at all locations

Peak popularity:

  • Fall/winter months
  • Cold weather days
  • Family dinner times

No seasonal variations or limited-time versions.

The Bottom Line

At $3.39-$5.59, Chick-fil-A Mac & Cheese delivers quality comfort food at fast-food prices. The three-cheese blend creates authentic mac and cheese taste that rivals sit-down restaurants.

Whether you’re looking for a filling side or a kid-friendly option, this mac and cheese satisfies the comfort food craving perfectly.

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More Info:

Disclaimer: Prices vary by location. Not affiliated with Chick-fil-A, Inc.

Last updated: February 2026

Robert Riggs
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