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08_05_2020 Tulsa USA _ Chick-fil-A store with American flag
Susan Vineyard/istockphoto

If you’re looking for the cheapest fast-food joint to hit up for lunch, you’re probably not going to flip your turn signal on when you see Chick-fil-A out your windshield. The place doesn’t exactly have a reputation for affordability — although it does have some of the most scrumptious chicken nuggets known to mankind. 

So, while Chick-fil-A might already be in your rearview, one TikToker’s viral budget hack may just inspire a U-turn. Meet us back here after the video below. 

@hellthyjunkfood #budget #chickfila #combo #menu #hack #dintgetrippedoff #foodhack #fastfood #foodhacks @chickfila #fyp ♬ original sound – HellthyJunkFood

OK, so … disclaimer: If you’re someone who gets flustered modifying an order at a restaurant, this trick might make your palms sweat. If you’re feeling ready to take on the anxiety, here’s how. Order a kid’s chicken tender meal with a side of waffle fries, add a bun and a side of pickles, ask for no ice in your lemonade (so you get more to drink), and request a vanilla ice cream instead of a toy. 

PAUSE. HOLD THE PHONE. While the rest of the world is busy fixating on this TikToker’s trick to getting a cheaper combo meal at Chick-fil-A, we’re practically hyperventilating because we had no idea you could get an ice cream in place of a toy there. It’s real, it’s true, and it’s the new highlight (or at least ours) of Chick-fil-A. Screw the nuggets. Score that sweet cold treat. 

According to the TikToker, his hack will get you a chicken sandwich combo for $5.39 — or about 2 bucks cheaper than the regular combo sans ice cream cone. 

Gallery: Hungry? Score the Best Value Meal Deals at These Chains

Now for the caveats. Some commenters pointed out that their local restaurant charges to add a bun, while others said they have tried the hack and didn’t get charged for the bun. Basically, the price of this budget hack will vary depending on the restaurant. We also feel compelled to mention that when the restaurant is busy, modification requests like this one might be better left to try another day. 

The silver lining? You can still get an ice cream cone instead of another dumb plastic toy if you order a kid’s meal. Duh. 

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Meet the Writer

Rachel is a Michigan-based writer who has dabbled in a variety of subject matter throughout her career. As a mom of multiple young children, she tries to maintain a sustainable lifestyle for her family. She grows vegetables in her garden, gets her meat in bulk from local farmers, and cans fruits and vegetables with friends. Her kids have plenty of hand-me-downs in their closets, but her husband jokes that before long, they might need to invest in a new driveway thanks to the frequent visits from delivery trucks dropping off online purchases (she can’t pass up a good deal, after all). You can reach her at [email protected].