Whataburger vs Chick-fil-A: Chicken Sandwiches and Strips Compared
Whataburger is a burger chain with a full chicken line-up (the #11 Grilled Chicken Sandwich is $6.79 and 440 calories), and most stores are open 24 hours, seven days a week; Chick-fil-A is chicken-only and closed on Sundays. Chick-fil-A fries in peanut oil; Whataburger's oil is a canola and soybean blend.
The short version
Chick-fil-A is a chicken chain; Whataburger is a burger chain with a strong chicken line-up. Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, while most Whataburgers are open 24 hours, seven days a week.
- Burger: the #1 Whataburger, a 5-inch patty on a 5-inch bun, $5.99 and 590 calories.
- Beef: 100% American beef, fresh, never frozen, cooked to order.
- Hours: 1,129 of its stores list a 24-hour drive-thru.
- Breakfast: 11 pm to 11 am, alongside the regular menu at 24-hour stores.
- Footprint: 1,217 stores in 17 states, 787 in Texas.
Chicken sandwiches
Whataburger's chicken sandwiches include the #11 Grilled Chicken Sandwich (440 cal, $6.79), the #12 Spicy Chicken Sandwich (545 cal, $6.39), the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich and the Whatachick'n sandwiches. The full list is on the chicken menu.
Chick-fil-A's signature is a breaded chicken breast with pickles on a buttered bun, a simpler build than most Whataburger chicken sandwiches.
Strips and nuggets
Whataburger's #13 is three Whatachick'n Strips (550 cal, $6.19); the WhataWings are boneless and sauced. Chick-fil-A sells nuggets and Chick-n-Strips. See Whatachick'n Strips.
Peanut oil
Chick-fil-A is known for cooking its chicken in refined peanut oil. Whataburger's frying oil is described as a canola and soybean blend, and no Whataburger item lists peanuts. If peanuts matter to you, see Whataburger and peanut allergies on our site.
Details: Whataburger and peanut allergies.
Breakfast and Sundays
Whataburger's chicken breakfast star is the Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit, served from 11 pm to 11 am. Chick-fil-A serves breakfast in the morning only and is closed Sundays.
Sauces
Chick-fil-A is known for its dipping sauces; Whataburger's chicken comes with Honey BBQ, Honey Butter, Buffalo and ranch options, and its Spicy Ketchup is the chain's best-known condiment. Bundle dipping cups run from 60 to 560 calories. See Whataburger sauces.
Which to choose
Choose Chick-fil-A for a classic chicken sandwich and its service; choose Whataburger when you want burgers and chicken in one order, a late-night meal, or a Sunday meal.
Frequently asked questions
Is Whataburger chicken as good as Chick-fil-A?
Taste is personal; Whataburger offers grilled, spicy, strip and honey BBQ chicken sandwiches, plus burgers in the same order.
Is Whataburger open on Sundays?
Yes, and most stores are open 24 hours; Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays.
Does Whataburger cook in peanut oil like Chick-fil-A?
No evidence of peanut oil at Whataburger; its oil is described as a canola and soybean blend.
Does Whataburger have a grilled chicken sandwich?
Yes, the #11 Grilled Chicken Sandwich, $6.79 and 440 calories.
Which is cheaper, Whataburger or Chick-fil-A chicken?
Compare local menus; Whataburger's #12 Spicy Chicken Sandwich was $6.39 at the Dallas store we checked.
Does Whataburger have chicken nuggets?
It has Whatachick'n Strips, kids Whatachick'n Bites and boneless WhataWings.
What is the Whataburger version of a Chick-fil-A sandwich?
The breaded Whatachick'n sandwiches; for a lighter pick, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich at 440 calories.