Smash or Pass? Chick-fil-A Testing New Cauliflower Chicken Sandwich

A plant-based chicken sandwich? Chick-fil-A is all for it.

The fast food icon, known for its savory chicken sandwiches, is testing its first-ever plant-based meal, a breaded cauliflower sandwich. The interesting new handheld will be available in several U.S. locations starting February 13th. Chick-fil-A’s in Denver, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; and Greensboro, North Carolina, are the lucky trial cities. The cauliflower steak will be marinated and breaded the same way as the original Chicken Sandwich and then served on a buttery bun with two pickles.

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The move is a baby step into the vegan arena, something the company claims their guests have begged for. Mushrooms, chopped veggies, and chickpeas were all used in early versions of the sandwich, which has been in development for years. While none of those stuck, it was the cauliflower that did the trick. Yet, Chick-fil-A doesn’t want to veer too far off course from the sandwich fans have grown to love.

“Cauliflower is the hero of our new sandwich, and it was inspired by our original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich,” said Leslie Neslage, director of menu and packaging.

Chick-fil-A has been late to the plant-based party. While other fast food giants, such as Burger King, Mcdonald’s, and Starbucks, all introduced healthier options, the chicken staple stuck to the basics until now. Chicken competitor KFC introduced Beyond Fried Chicken last year to decent fanfare. Now, a broader rollout for Chick-fil-A’s meat alternative is dependent upon the success of the tester restaurants.