What Time Does Chick-fil-A Start Serving Lunch? A Complete Information (Updated 2025)
What Time Does Chick-fil-A Start Serving Lunch? A Complete Guide (Updated 2025)
If you’ve ever found yourself craving Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken sandwich before noon, you’re not alone. One of the most frequently asked questions by fans of the brand is: "What time does Chick-fil-A start serving lunch?"
In this article, we’ll cover exactly when Chick-fil-A transitions from breakfast to lunch, what menu items become available, whether you can request lunch early, and other useful tips to help plan your next visit.
Chick-fil-A Lunch Hours: The Standard Time
Chick-fil-A officially begins serving lunch at 10:30 a.m., Monday through Saturday at nearly all of its locations across the United States.
This switch is consistent nationwide, whether you're dining in Lubbock, Los Angeles, or Atlanta. At 10:30 a.m., the menu shifts from breakfast staples like chicken biscuits and hash browns to lunchtime favorites like sandwiches, nuggets, waffle fries, and salads.
What Happens at 10:30 a.m.?
At the 10:30 a.m. mark:
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Breakfast orders are no longer accepted
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Lunch menu items are made available
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Combo meals with fries and drinks can be ordered
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The mobile app updates with the full lunch menu
This transition is smooth and predictable, which makes planning your Chick-fil-A run easy—especially if you’re craving something beyond breakfast.
Can You Order Lunch Items Before 10:30 a.m.?
This depends on the location and staff discretion.
While 10:30 a.m. is the official time, some Chick-fil-A restaurants may allow you to order lunch a few minutes early—especially if the kitchen is already preparing for the transition.
However, expect longer wait times if you request early lunch, and don’t be surprised if they politely decline and ask you to wait until 10:30 a.m.
Why the 10:30 a.m. Cutoff?
The 10:30 a.m. start for lunch serves two purposes:
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Kitchen preparation: Chick-fil-A kitchens are organized and timed carefully. Staff need a buffer between breakfast and lunch prep to ensure food quality remains high.
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Menu management: Breakfast and lunch items require different ingredients and equipment setups, and overlapping them would complicate service.
In short, 10:30 a.m. keeps the service quick, accurate, and consistent.
What Items Are Available on the Lunch Menu?
Once 10:30 a.m. hits, here’s what you can order:
Chicken Sandwiches
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Original Chicken Sandwich
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Spicy Chicken Sandwich
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Deluxe and Spicy Deluxe options
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Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Nuggets
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8-count or 12-count Fried Nuggets
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Grilled Nuggets (lower calorie option)
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Chick-n-Strips
Meals and Combos
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Sandwich or nuggets with waffle fries and a medium drink
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Mac & Cheese or side salad as alternate sides
Salads
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Cobb Salad
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Spicy Southwest Salad
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Market Salad
Sides
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Waffle Potato Fries
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Side Salad
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Chicken Soup
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Kale Crunch Side
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Mac & Cheese
All of these are available from 10:30 a.m. until closing, usually 9:00 or 10:00 p.m., depending on the location.
Chick-fil-A App: Easy Ordering Right on Time
If you want to place your lunch order precisely at 10:30 a.m., the Chick-fil-A One® app is your best friend. You can:
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Schedule an order for pickup at 10:30 a.m.
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Earn points on every order
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Customize your items ahead of time
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Get notified when lunch becomes available
Just be sure you select a pickup time of 10:30 a.m. or later—if you try earlier, only breakfast options will be shown.
Pro Tip: Combining Late Breakfast with Early Lunch
Here’s a tip that some guests use—order a late breakfast item and a small lunch item right at 10:30. This way, you can enjoy the best of both menus. However, not all locations allow simultaneous ordering, so check with the cashier or app.
FAQs About Chick-fil-A Lunch Timing
Q: What time does Chick-fil-A stop serving breakfast?
A: Breakfast ends at 10:30 a.m., which is when lunch service begins.
Q: Can I order a chicken sandwich before 10:30 a.m.?
A: Usually no, but some locations may accommodate early requests depending on staffing and prep time.
Q: Are lunch items served all day once they start?
A: Yes. From 10:30 a.m. until closing, you can order any lunch or dinner item.
Q: Does Chick-fil-A serve lunch on Saturdays too?
A: Yes. Chick-fil-A lunch is served Monday through Saturday. All locations are closed on Sundays.
Q: Do lunch hours vary by location?
A: Rarely. Most locations nationwide stick to the 10:30 a.m. lunch start time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a lunch break, road trip snack stop, or early lunch meeting, Chick-fil-A begins serving its full lunch menu at 10:30 a.m. sharp. That means your favorite chicken sandwiches, nuggets, salads, and waffle fries are all available starting mid-morning and throughout the day.
Whether you’re picking up via the drive-thru or ordering ahead with the Chick-fil-A app, now you know exactly when to make your move.
To explore your nearest Chick-fil-A and verify local hours, use the Chick-fil-A Restaurant Finder.
