isolated macaroni and cheese on a fork

Chick-fil-A Just Added Mac & Cheese to Its Kids’ Meal Menu — And Parents Are Relieved

Healthy Fact of the Day

Mac and cheese is a kid-friendly comfort food, but pairing it with a more nutritious side makes the meal more balanced overall. The fruit cup or applesauce are the strongest choices from Chick-fil-A's kids' meal sides — both add fiber and natural sweetness without the added sodium of the fries or chips. Choosing milk or apple juice over a fountain drink keeps added sugar in check too. For kids who are skeptical of vegetables, sneaking in a request to add fruit on the side is a low-effort way to round out a mac-and-cheese-centered meal without a dinnertime battle.

The picky eater problem at Chick-fil-A just got a lot easier to solve.

Chick-fil-A officially launched Mac & Cheese Kids’ Meals nationwide this week, giving families a non-chicken entrée option for the first time in the chain’s kids’ meal history. Until now, the only entrée choices were grilled or crispy chicken nuggets and strips. Now, parents ordering for the youngest members of the family have a third option — one that’s been one of Chick-fil-A’s most popular sides for years, now available as a standalone kids’ meal entrée.

What’s in the Meal

The Mac & Cheese Kids’ Meal includes a medium cup of Chick-fil-A’s creamy macaroni and cheese, customizable with bacon for a small additional fee.

For sides, guests can choose from:

  • Chick-fil-A Waffle Potato Fries
  • Chips
  • Applesauce
  • Fruit cup

Drinks include white or chocolate milk, Honest Kids Apple Juice, Simply Orange, or bottled water — or guests can upgrade to any fountain or frozen drink.

As with all Chick-fil-A Kids’ Meals, each order includes one prize, which can always be swapped for a cup of ice cream instead.

New Prizes: The Cow Is Back

The toy lineup got a refresh alongside the new entrée, and this round is leaning into Chick-fil-A’s most beloved mascot — the Cow.

The new prizes include:

  • Clip a Cow keychain — a cow-themed clip-on accessory
  • Cow Kart — a rollable cardboard car in the shape of the iconic Chick-fil-A Cow
  • Hasbro Cow Games — a branded mini game collaboration with Hasbro
  • Cow Case — a carrying case that includes one of six foldable games inside

The prizes are available at select locations, so if your kid has their heart set on a specific one, it’s worth calling ahead before making the trip.

Why This Matters for Families

Chick-fil-A’s Mac & Cheese has been one of the chain’s most consistently praised sides since it launched — rich, creamy, and made with a blend of cheeses that reviewers have frequently compared favorably to restaurant-quality mac. Offering it as a kids’ meal entrée opens up the Chick-fil-A drive-thru to families with picky eaters who’ve previously had to piece together a workaround order.

It also fits neatly into Chick-fil-A’s ongoing strategy of expanding its non-chicken menu options. The chain has been quietly broadening its lineup over the past couple of years — including the addition of loaded nachos and other sides — and the Mac & Cheese Kids’ Meal is the most significant kids’ menu expansion in recent memory.

The Bottom Line

Chick-fil-A’s Mac & Cheese Kids’ Meals are available now at locations nationwide, with a new Cow-themed prize collection at select locations. For families with picky eaters who’ve been building creative workaround orders at the drive-thru, this one is genuinely worth the detour.

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Tip of the Day

“Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

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