Despite its catchy slogan urging people to “eat more chicken,” Chick-fil-A patrons are sensing they’re getting less of the poultry in their meals.
Chick-fil-A joins the ranks of fast-food chains being accused of subtly altering the size of their signature sandwiches, much to the disappointment of their fans.
The issue gained attention when a Reddit user posted a side-by-side comparison featuring a Chick-fil-A Deluxe Sandwich from five years ago and the same item from today.
While both sandwiches were topped with lettuce and a slice of tomato, the noticeable difference in their appearance left customers puzzled.
In 2021, the sandwich boasted a robust chicken breast nestled in a fluffy, buttery bun, but the more recent version appeared significantly flatter.
The Reddit user humorously remarked that the sandwich now “looked like someone stepped on it.”
Disgruntled Chick-fil-A customers were quick to share similar experiences, some revealing the fast food restaurant has ‘variations in quality’ depending on the franchise location.
‘Not sure what the solution is, but at least contact customer service and complain so that store gets the feedback,’ one Reddit user said.
The regular Chick-fil-A sandwich comes with pickles, a buttermilk ranch bun and a breaded chicken breast
Reddit users noticed the difference between a deluxe sandwich from five years ago (left) and one from 2026 (right)
Another Reddit user claimed that the fast food restaurant has changed, with ‘worse quality, thin, stringy chicken, thin, oily buns that fall part, weird tasting fries.’
‘The chicken used to be huge, man, I miss it,’ another Reddit user wrote, with one chiming in saying that the chicken isn’t ‘juicy’ anymore, ‘I wouldn’t call it dry now, but it sure isn’t juicy.’
Others said that prices at fast food restaurants have noticeably increased, making dining out more difficult. Prices for the chain’s deluxe chicken sandwich vary based on location, with most items costing over $6.
Many contributed this change to shrinkflation – where retailers make products smaller while preserving or jacking up the cost.
Other restaurant chains, including Chipotle, have been accused of shrinking portion sizes, with some accusations ending in lawsuits.
A New York resident sued Arby’s in December 2024, claiming the chain shrunk its fry and beverage sizes without changing prices or informing customers. Last April, a customer sued The Cheesecake Factory, alleging the chain shrunk its cake slices.
‘Shrinkflation happened to every corporate entity in the world,’ another social media user said.
Chik-fil-A also made Eat This, Not That’s list of restaurants accused of shrinking portion sizes, with customers calling the new chicken breast sizes ‘comically small’ compared to years prior.
Chick-fil-A introduced new items to its menu, including the Frosted Soda and the Jalapeño Ranch Club Chicken Sandwich
Regardless of portion sizes, Chick-fil-A is constantly updating its menu to meet customer demand.
In March, the chain debuted its Jalapeño Ranch Club Chicken Sandwich for a limited time, featuring pepper jack cheese, candied bacon and jalapeños on a toasted bun.
Chick-fil-A also launched a new range of ‘Frosted Sodas,’ or soda mixed with ice cream, as a permanent addition to their US menus.
Chick-fil-A was, however, knocked off the top of America’s fast food rankings by Del Taco two years ago.
It has since slipped down the list to fourth after backlash over a recipe tweak to its beloved waffle fries.
