Much to the satisfaction of millions, Chick-fil-A has used refined peanut oil for decades. According to the Chick-fil-A website, they use “100% refined peanut oil. ” They go on to state that “refined soybean and peanut oil are not considered major food allergens. In fact, refined peanut oil is perfect for making foods crunchy over high heat without adding any bad flavors. Many other restaurants also choose refined (also called highly refined) peanut oil as their preferred oil for frying because of these qualities.
For individuals with food allergies, eating out can be a source of anxiety. It makes sense to be worried about trusting someone else to make safe food, since you can’t be sure that the food is safe or that the person making it knows a lot about food allergy safety. Still, dining out is an important part of normal experiences for everyone. Those with a peanut allergy may wonder how cooking with peanut oil impacts safety.
Chick-fil-A is renowned for their delicious chicken sandwiches and nuggets. What gives their chicken its unique taste and crunch, though? The oil they use to cook it is the key. We’ll talk in depth about the oil Chick-fil-A uses to fry their famous chicken in this article.
Chick-fil-A Uses 100% Refined Peanut Oil
Refined peanut oil is what gives Chick-fil-A chicken its unique flavor. Since their very first restaurant opened in 1967, Chick-fil-A has been cooking their chicken in peanut oil.
Back then, the founder Truett Cathy experimented with different oils before settling on peanut oil. He found that peanut oil gave the chicken a delicious flavor and crispy texture. Plus, peanut oil contains no trans fats or cholesterol and has a high smoke point which is perfect for frying food.
Ever since then, Chick-fil-A has continued to use a specialized refinement process on all their peanut oil called RBD (refined, bleached, deodorized). This process removes the peanut proteins, making it safe for those with peanut allergies.
Chick-fil-A says that their suppliers make the peanut oil from the best peanuts, most of which come from Georgia. Next, a special manufacturing process is used to make the oil better so it meets Chick-fil-A’s high standards.
Why Does Chick-fil-A Use Peanut Oil?
There are several key reasons why Chick-fil-A chooses to use 100% refined peanut oil for frying their chicken:
1. Enhances the Flavor
The light, nutty flavor of peanut oil seeps into the chicken breading adding a depth of flavor. The taste of peanut pairs perfectly with the flavors in Chick-fil-A’s signature chicken breading blend.
2. Gives the Chicken a Crispy Texture
With a smoke point of 450°F, peanut oil can get hotter before it starts to smoke. The outside of the chicken gets crunchy thanks to this high heat. It also doesn’t leave behind any oily residue or taste greasy.
3. Healthier than Other Frying Oils
While deep frying chicken adds fat and calories, peanut oil is one of the healthier choices. It contains vitamin E, heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Peanut oil contains no trans or saturated fats like hydrogenated vegetable oils.
4. Ideal for Frying
In addition to the high smoke point, peanut oil has excellent thermal efficiency. It holds heat well which ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Peanut oil also has a longer shelf life and resists absorption of flavors.
5. Hypoallergenic
The RBD refining process removes all peanut proteins from the oil. This eliminates the risk of allergic reaction making it safe for those with peanut allergies. Workers with allergies can safely cook in peanut oil too.
How Exactly is Chick-fil-A’s Peanut Oil Refined?
As mentioned, Chick-fil-A uses a specialized RBD refinement process to produce their signature peanut oil. Here are the steps their suppliers use:
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Harvesting: Premium runner peanuts are sourced mainly from Georgia.
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Crushing: The peanuts are crushed to extract the crude peanut oil.
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Refining: The crude oil goes through high-heat refining to remove impurities, allergens, and odors.
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Bleaching: A bleaching clay filters out the last traces of color and odor compounds.
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Deodorizing: The final step uses extremely high heat to remove any remaining odors and flavors.
This precise process creates a pure, refined peanut oil ideal for frying chicken without any peanut proteins. Chick-fil-A has innovated their own unparalleled refinement method tailored specifically to their recipes and kitchen needs.
Is Chick-fil-A’s Peanut Oil Safe for Peanut Allergies?
While Chick-fil-A cooks exclusively in peanut oil, they state it should be safe for those with peanut allergies. As the proteins that trigger allergic reactions are removed through RBD refining, highly refined peanut oil is not classified as an allergen by the FDA.
However, Chick-fil-A sensitively acknowledges individual allergies can vary in severity. They recommend anyone with food allergies thoroughly read their website and menus to make an informed decision before eating.
It’s also vital to note that while the peanut oil itself is allergen-free, Chick-fil-A kitchens handle peanut ingredients in other menu items. Cross-contamination is always a possibility. For maximum precaution, the best choice is to avoid Chick-fil-A altogether if you have a severe peanut allergy.
Do Other Fast Food Restaurants Fry in Peanut Oil Too?
While it’s their signature oil, Chick-fil-A is not the only fast food restaurant to fry foods in peanut oil. However, most restaurants use a simple refinement process, not Chick-fil-A’s specialized RBD method. Here are a few other restaurants known to cook in peanut oil:
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Five Guys uses peanut oil to fry their iconic french fries in most locations. Employees will change gloves and utensils to avoid cross-contact when preparing allergy orders.
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McDonalds used to fry their french fries in a blend of peanut and canola oil but changed the recipe in the 1990s due to allergies. Their fries are now cooked in canola and soybean oil only.
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Texas Chicken fries their signature fried chicken in peanut oil in international locations like Indonesia, India, and Malaysia. Their US restaurants use palm olein oil instead.
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Some independent fish and chip shops opt for peanut oil as it doesn’t absorb fish flavors.
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Pie Five Pizza lists refined peanut oil as an ingredient on their website for food cooked in the brick ovens.
So while other restaurants cook in peanut oil, none seem to use the proprietary RBD refinement process perfected by Chick-fil-A over decades. The oil change was likely made to accommodate customers with peanut allergies.
What’s the Bottom Line on Chick-fil-A’s Peanut Oil?
When it comes to frying the juicy chicken we know and love, you really can’t beat Chick-fil-A’s use of 100% refined peanut oil. Using peanut oil since the very first restaurant opened in 1967, they’ve perfected their unique refinement process to filter out all peanut proteins.
While safe for most with peanut allergies, it’s still vital that anyone with food sensitivities thoroughly check the ingredients. But for the rest of us, we can enjoy the delicious flavors and texture the peanut oil imparts on Chick-fil-A’s famous chicken!
So next time you sink your teeth into a hot, crispy Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich or nuggets, you can thank the high-quality peanut oil for providing that signature taste and crunch. It’s the secret ingredient behind the chain’s famous fried chicken that diners have come to know and love over the past 50+ years!
Unrefined vs. Refined Peanut Oil
First, it’s important to know that there are different types of peanut oil. Gourmet peanut oil, which is also called unrefined, does contain the protein that can cause allergic reactions. If you have a peanut allergy, you shouldn’t use this oil in your cooking.
However, refined peanut oil has been processed in such a way as to remove the proteins that cause reactions. In fact, the FDA specifically exempts refined oils (including peanut) from the Food Allergy Labeling and Consumer Protection Act – which means highly refined peanut oil does not have to be labeled as an allergen.
Communicate with the Restaurant and Consult with Your Doctor
People who have a food allergy should always tell Chick-fil-A or any other restaurant they eat at about it. Additionally, restaurant menus and ingredients are always subject to change, so it’s best to consult the restaurant directly about the use of allergens.
Does Chick-Fil-A use seed oils?
FAQ
What kind of oil is Chick-fil-A’s chicken fried in?
Yes, Chick-fil-A uses 100% refined peanut oil for frying their chicken. This oil is chosen because it has a high smoke point and provides a distinct flavor to the food.
Can I eat Chick-fil-A nuggets if I’m allergic to peanuts?
In other words, CFA is safe. Even for those with peanut allergies.
Does Chick-fil-A use oil on grilled chicken nuggets?
FAQ’s What oil does Chick-fil-A use for their grilled nuggets? Chick-fil-A marinates their grilled nuggets in a blend of seasonings and uses peanut oil for cooking. For this homemade Chick-fil-A copycat recipe, you can substitute avocado oil or olive oil if you prefer a lighter flavor and higher smoke point.
Does Chick-fil-A fry in canola oil?
Waffle-cut potatoes cooked in canola oil until crispy outside and tender inside. Sprinkled with Sea Salt. Nutrition information is calculated using standard product formulations and incorporates multiple data sources.
What kind of oil does Chick-fil-A use?
Chick-fil-A mostly uses two types of oils to make its food: peanut oil and vegetable oil. Peanut oil is used to fry chicken sandwiches and nuggets, giving them their unique taste and texture. Canola Oil Blend: The grilled chicken options are prepared without peanut oil.
Which oil is best for frying chicken?
The high-heat oil quickly cooks the chicken without absorbing too much into it, making for a cooked-through and crispy end product. Peanut oil is actually the best oil for frying chicken according to renowned chef Thomas Keller. Chick-fil-A and Five Guys are both burger chains that only use peanut oil in their food.
Does Chick-fil-A use frying oil?
In the fiercely competitive world of fast-food restaurants, Chick-fil-A has distinguished itself not only with its famous chicken sandwiches, but also with its unique and carefully guarded choice of cooking oil. The mystery surrounding the oil used for frying has intrigued consumers and fueled speculation for years.
Does Chick-fil-A use peanut oil for fried chicken?
Their use of 100% refined peanut oil also now safely accommodates customers with peanut allergies. So while competitors opt for lower cost vegetable oil, Chick-fil-A sticks with peanut oil for premium fried chicken.
Does Chick-fil-A use canola oil for grilled chicken?
In contrast, Chick-fil-A uses a blend of canola oil for its grilled chicken, which does not carry the same allergen concerns, making it a safer option for individuals with peanut allergies. Chick-fil-A ensures its grilled chicken options are distinctly different from its fried varieties.
Does Chick-fil-A sell peanut oil?
Affordability – As one of the largest buyers of peanut oil in the U. S. , Chick-fil-A maintains an affordable supply chain for its 4,315 locations. Although vegetable oil dominates the wider fast food industry for its cost, peanut oil creates optimal taste and texture for Chick-fil-A’s specialty focus on fried chicken.