Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets are a popular healthier alternative to their famous breaded original chicken nuggets. While the grilled nuggets have fewer calories and less fat than the original nuggets, many customers still wonder just how many calories are in a 12 piece order.
Calories in 12 Grilled Nuggets at Chick-fil-A
A 12 piece order of Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets contains 240 calories. This is based on nutritional information provided on the Chick-fil-A website and mobile app.
Specifically, a 4 piece serving of grilled nuggets contains 80 calories. Since a 12 piece order contains 3 servings of 4 nuggets each, the total calories multiply out to 3 x 80 = 240.
Nutrition Facts for Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets
Here is the complete nutritional information for Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets, according to a 4 piece serving size:
| Nutrition Facts | 4 piece serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 |
| Total Fat | 2g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Sodium | 380mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 12g |
As you can see, the grilled nuggets are relatively low in calories and fat compared to fried chicken items. The nuggets get most of their calories from protein, with 12g per 4 piece serving.
Comparing Grilled Nuggets to Original Chick-fil-A Nuggets
Chick-fil-A’s original breaded chicken nuggets contain significantly more calories and fat than the grilled version.
Here is a nutritional comparison of 4 piece servings of grilled nuggets vs original nuggets:
| Nutrition Facts | Grilled Nuggets (4 piece) | Original Nuggets (4 piece) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 80 | 190 |
| Total Fat | 2g | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g | 2.5g |
| Trans Fat | 0g | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 20mg | 25mg |
| Sodium | 380mg | 290mg |
| Carbohydrates | 6g | 13g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 1g |
| Sugars | 0g | 0g |
| Protein | 12g | 8g |
As you can see, the original breaded nuggets contain over double the calories and 6 times the total fat per 4 piece serving compared to the grilled version. The grilled nuggets are the healthier choice if you’re looking to reduce calories and fat.
Grilled Nuggets Nutrition Benefits
Eating Chick-fil-A’s grilled nuggets offers several nutritional benefits:
- Lower in calories and fat – Grilled nuggets contain 80 calories and 2g fat per 4 pieces, versus 190 calories and 12g fat for original nuggets.
- High in protein – With 12g of protein per 4 piece serving, grilled nuggets can help you meet your daily protein needs.
- No trans fat – Grilled nuggets contain no trans fat.
- No added sugars – The grilled nuggets contain no added sugars.
- Good source of B vitamins – Grilled nuggets provide small amounts of B vitamins like niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12.
Going with the grilled nuggets is an easy way to get your Chick-fil-A fix while still keeping your meal relatively low in calories and fat. The high protein content also helps keep you full and satisfied.
Ordering Low Calorie at Chick-fil-A
In addition to ordering the grilled nuggets, there are other easy ways to create a lower calorie Chick-fil-A meal:
- Opt for grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps – Like the grilled nuggets, grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps have fewer calories than the breaded fried chicken options.
- Choose a fruit cup as a side – The Chick-fil-A fruit cup contains 60-130 calories, compared to 310 calories for waffle fries.
- Go for diet soda, unsweetened tea, or water – Chick-fil-A diet sodas have 0 calories, unsweetened iced tea has 5 calories per 12 oz, and water has 0 calories.
- Use mustard instead of mayo-based sauces – Mustard has about 5-15 calories per packet compared to 140-190 calories for creamy sauces like Chick-fil-A sauce and ranch.
- Share or split meals – You can split meals in half or share dishes family-style to control portions and calories.
Sticking to grilled chicken, fruits and veggies, and lower calorie beverage options are simple ways to cut down on calories at Chick-fil-A.
Nutrition Tips for Chick-fil-A
Here are some general healthy eating tips when dining at Chick-fil-A:
- Watch portion sizes – Even healthy menu options can add up calorie-wise if you overdo portions. Stick to single sandwich and regular side servings.
- Skip the fried items – Grilled chicken, salads, and fruit are your best low calorie choices.
- Ask for nutrition info – You can ask for nutrition facts at the counter to make informed choices.
- Limit sodium – Watch out for high sodium levels from fried foods, sauces, dressings, and condiments.
- Balance your meal – Pair fried or creamy foods with fruits, veggies, or grilled chicken options.
- Drink water – Opt for unsweetened tea, diet soda, or water instead of sugary soft drinks.
Making smart menu picks and watching portions and sodium can help control calories and increase nutrition when eating at Chick-fil-A. Their grilled nuggets are one tasty lower calorie option to enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in 8 grilled nuggets?
An 8 piece order of Chick-fil-A grilled nuggets contains 160 calories. Since each 4 piece serving contains 80 calories, 8 nuggets (2 servings) has 160 total calories.
Are grilled nuggets healthier than original nuggets?
Yes, grilled nuggets are considered healthier overall compared to original breaded nuggets. Grilled nuggets are lower in calories, fat, and sodium than original nuggets.
Do grilled nuggets have less fat?
Definitely. A 4 piece serving of grilled nuggets has 2g of fat compared to 12g of fat in original nuggets. So grilled nuggets contain significantly less total and saturated fat.
Can you request grilled nuggets without sauce?
Yes, you can request grilled nuggets made without sauce. This allows you to further reduce calories, fat, and sodium if you skip the sauce.
Are grilled nuggets made from whole muscle chicken?
Chick-fil-A states their grilled nuggets are made from whole muscle chicken breasts without fillers or artificial ingredients.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken nuggets provide a healthier alternative with just 80 calories and 2g fat per 4 pieces. A 12 piece order contains 240 total calories – significantly fewer than fried original nuggets. Combined with sides like fruit and low calorie sauces and dressings, grilled nuggets can be part of a nutritious fast food meal.
When dining at Chick-fil-A, opting for grilled nuggets, grilled sandwiches, salads, and fruits are your best bets for lower calorie options. Be mindful of portion sizes, and ask for nutrition information if needed. With smart menu choices, you can satisfy your Chick-fil-A cravings while still watching your calorie intake.
