Fast food chains have always had seasonal deals, but for many Christians and fish lovers, the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday is a time to celebrate. Because Christians have to watch what they eat during Lent, some restaurants add fish-based specials to their menus every year.
NPR says that most Christians (but not all of them) don’t eat meat on Fridays during this time because they believe Jesus died on that day and that they should fast to remember his sacrifice. This practice of fasting can be traced as far back as the first century. During the rule of King Edward VI, who took over after his famous father King Henry VIII died in 1547, fasting days were made law. For the good of the commonwealth, where many people fish and use the trade of living, a law said, “for worldly and civil policy, to spare flesh and use fish.” “.
A lot of fishermen were having a hard time making ends meet because people stopped fasting and eating fish during King Henry VIII’s reign because the monarch broke with the Roman Catholic Church and started the Church of England. Another reason to not eat meat comes from the early days of the Catholic Church. At that time, meat was seen as a luxury, so not eating it was a way to show self-discipline (source: Washington Post).
The Chick-fil-A Fish Sandwich is a popular seasonal menu item that is only available during Lent With Lent starting on February 22nd in 2023, here is a breakdown of which Chick-fil-A locations will be offering the fish sandwich this year
Background on the Chick-fil-A Fish Sandwich
Chick-fil-A first introduced the Fish Sandwich in 2016 as a limited-time offering during Lent It has returned for the Lenten season each subsequent year.
The sandwich features a breaded and fried fillet of Alaskan Pollock served on a toasted brioche bun with two pickle chips. It is servedplain or can be customized with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and Chick-fil-A sauce.
While chicken is by far Chick-fil-A’s most popular menu item, the seasonal Fish Sandwich provides an alternative for customers observing Lent. During the 40 days of Lent, many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays.
The Fish Sandwich gives Chick-fil-A diners a tasty fish option so they can still enjoy their favorite fast food restaurant during Lent. It also caters to non-Catholic customers craving something other than chicken.
Availability of the Fish Sandwich in 2023
For 2023, the Chick-fil-A Fish Sandwich will be available at participating locations from February 22 until April 8.
It is not offered nationwide. Only around 1,700 Chick-fil-A restaurants sell the fish sandwich, primarily in coastal regions.
You can check the full list of participating locations here. Highlights include:
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Northeast – Available at most locations in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
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Southeast – Offered at restaurants across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, and Mississippi.
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Gulf Coast – All locations in Louisiana, Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas.
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West Coast – Southern California, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Portland, and Seattle.
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Landlocked regions – Select cities including Chicago, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Memphis.
Pricing and Nutrition
The Fish Sandwich is affordably priced in line with other Chick-fil-A sandwiches:
- Fish Sandwich alone: $4.79
- Fish Sandwich meal: $8.59
The fish fillet is relatively low in calories at 260 calories. It offers 20g of protein. The brioche bun adds an extra 180 calories.
Overall, it’s a lighter sandwich option compared to fried chicken sandwiches. Customizing it with veggies and removing the bun reduces the carb and calorie count.
Why the Fish Sandwich Isn’t Nationwide
Chick-fil-A limits availability of the Fish Sandwich regionally because it is logistically complex to serve. Fish has a short shelf life and the mild white fish fillet is especially perishable.
Supplying fresh fish across the country would be incredibly challenging given Chick-fil-A’s vast distribution network. Fish needs to be kept chilled and has faster turnover.
By offering it only in coastal areas near ports, it simplifies supply chain and ensures the fish stays fresh. Chick-fil-A sources the Alaskan Pollock from the cold Pacific waters of Alaska.
Customer Response
Despite limited availability, the seasonal Fish Sandwich has a devout following. It quickly sells out at participating restaurants.
Many Chick-fil-A fans wish the sandwich was offered nationwide. For those in landlocked states, a road trip may be required to get your taste of the elusive fish sandwich this Lent!
Try the Recipe at Home
If you don’t live near one of the select Chick-fil-A restaurants selling the sandwich, you can recreate it yourself with this copycat recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless Alaskan Pollock fillets
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 1⁄2 cups flour
- 1 Tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1⁄2 tsp pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 4 brioche buns
- Shredded lettuce, tomatoes, pickles (optional)
Directions:
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Soak pollock fillets in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
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Mix flour, paprika, salt and pepper in shallow bowl. Dredge fish fillets in flour mixture until fully coated.
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Heat 1⁄2 inch oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Fry fish 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
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Toast brioche buns until golden brown.
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Assemble sandwiches with fish, toppings as desired, and Chick-fil-A sauce.
While not exactly the same, this air-fried and pan-fried version allows you to enjoy the flavors of the Chick-fil-A Fish Sandwich no matter where you live. Dip it in Chick-fil-A sauce for authentic flavor.
So for those lucky enough to live near participating restaurants, be sure to take advantage of this limited-time Lent offering. For the rest, you can still satisfy your craving with a freshly made fish sandwich in your own kitchen.
What goes into a Chick-fil-A fish sandwich?
Chick-fil-A’s blog, The Chicken Wire, says that from Wednesday, February 26, to Saturday, April 11, some restaurants will serve fish. The article even gives you a handy list of all the places where the sandwich and other fish-based meals will be sold, so you can see if your local chain has it before you go. Chick-fil-A says you can also order ahead through their app to pick up in store.
Blog Brand Eating states that select Chick-fil-A restaurants offer two variations of the fish-based sandwich — the Traditional Fish Sandwich and the Deluxe Fish Sandwich. The Traditional Fish Sandwich contains two pieces of breaded and fried cod with tartar sauce and dill pickles on a buttered and toasted bun, and the Deluxe Fish Sandwich upgrades this with slices of tomato, lettuce, and American cheese.
Chick-fil-A says you can also buy the fish fillets in groups of two or three, with waffle fries on the side. According to Business Insider, the Traditional Fish Sandwich has 370 calories and the Deluxe Fish Sandwich has 430 calories. The filet two- or three-packs have 190 calories for two fillets and 280 calories for three. The fish sandwich might be better for you than the regular Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich, which has 440 calories according to Chick-fil-A’s nutrition guide.
How the fish-based fast food trend got started
In an article published well before the introduction of Chick-fil-As fish-based menu items, USA Today reported that the seasonal fish sandwich trend originated in 1962 at a McDonalds near Cincinnati, Ohio. The owner, Lou Groen, was facing slumping sales during the Lenten season due to the high number of Roman Catholics living in the area his franchise was located. Back in this time period, many Catholics abstained from eating meat every Friday of the year, and went meat-free for the entire 40-day period of Lent.
Groen saw how well another local chain, Frischs, did with its fish sandwich during this season. He told Ray Kroc, the CEO of McDonald’s, about his plan to sell this sandwich, and the rest is history. Groen told the news source, “My fish sandwich was the first thing added to McDonald’s original menu, and it saved my franchise.” “.
The Truth About Chick-fil-A’s Seasonal Fish Sandwich
What is a fish sandwich at Chick fil A?
The Fish Sandwich is a menu item served at Chick-fil-A locations during the Advent and Lent seasons, which is from December to April. Two premium Pacific cod filets are breaded and cooked to crispy perfection, served on a toasted, buttered bun with dill pickle chips. Available as a 2-count or 3-count order.
Does Chick-fil-A have a cod sandwich?
To Read Full Story Login Below. Chick-Fil-A Promotes its Cod Sandwich for Lent Chick-Fil-A is bringing back its cod sandwich at participating locations, menued as catch of the day. The Lent offering will be available from March 6 th until April 20 th. The company has offered a fish sandwich during Lent in the past as well.
Does Chick-fil-A offer a fish sandwich during Lent?
The company has offered a fish sandwich during Lent in the past as well. According to a release on the company’s website, they will also offer a deluxe fish sandwich with cheese, and 2 and 3 count fish meals with waffle fries. To read the rest of Chick-Fil-A Promotes its Cod Sandwich for Lent, Please Login Below:
Is a fish sandwich healthier than a chicken sandwich?
The fish sandwich could be a healthier option for eaters than the traditional Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, which Chick-fil-A’s nutritional guide lists as containing 440 calories. Last year, USA Today reported the price of the Traditional Fish Sandwich began at $3.35, the Deluxe Fish Sandwich at $4.15.