We tried Chick-fil-A's new meal kits, and we discovered why the chicken chain should terminate the test

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We tried Chick-fil-A's new meal kits, and we discovered why the chicken chain should terminate the test

Chick fil A Meal Kit

Hollis Johnson/Business Insider

Chick-fil-A's meal kits cost $15.89 each.

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  • Chick-fil-A is testing meal kits at 150 locations in the Atlanta, Georgia, area.
  • The meal kits cost $15.89 each, and they contain the ingredients to create chicken-centric meals for two people in 30 minutes or less.
  • We tried the meal kits and now think that Chick-fil-A should kill its test of the kits instead of expanding it.

When Chick-fil-A announced it was launching meal kits, we were overwhelmed with competing emotions.

As Chick-fil-A lovers, more of the chain's chicken could only be a good thing - right? But, why in the world would a fried-chicken chain create a meal kit with options like chicken enchiladas and crispy Dijon chicken? Was this the future of fast food or a marketing stunt?

In an effort to get to the bottom of things, Business Insider asked Chick-fil-A to send us meal kits to test out. The chain started selling the kits at 150 restaurants in the Atlanta, Georgia, area in late August, and it will continue to do so until mid-November. As we are based in New York City, Chick-fil-A sent us four kits instead of forcing us to fly to Georgia.

If you're in Atlanta and considering buying a meal kit, or if you're just a curious Chick-fil-A lover, read on to find out what the meal kits are actually like:

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Chick-fil-A's meal kits cost $15.89 each, and they contain the ingredients to create meals for two people in 30 minutes or less.

Chick-fil-A's meal kits cost $15.89 each, and they contain the ingredients to create meals for two people in 30 minutes or less.

Each meal is chicken-centric, but you won't find the classic, crispy chicken that made Chick-fil-A famous.

Each meal is chicken-centric, but you won't find the classic, crispy chicken that made Chick-fil-A famous.
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Instead, you have the ingredients for meals like chicken parmesan plus veggie sides.

Instead, you have the ingredients for meals like chicken parmesan plus veggie sides.

Many of the issues with Chick-fil-A's meal kits are basic meal-kit problems. The packaging, for example, feels a bit excessive — a common complaint about meal kit makers like Blue Apron.

Many of the issues with Chick-fil-A's meal kits are basic meal-kit problems. The packaging, for example, feels a bit excessive — a common complaint about meal kit makers like Blue Apron.
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A more dire problem in one of the kits — that may have been caused by having the meal kit shipped to New York from Georgia — was found in the pasta, which came pre-cooked and had some moldy spots.

A more dire problem in one of the kits — that may have been caused by having the meal kit shipped to New York from Georgia — was found in the pasta, which came pre-cooked and had some moldy spots.

Fortunately, the rest of the kits were judged mold-free. In fact, one reviewer said that he found the produce to be surprisingly fresh, despite his delay in preparing the dish.

Fortunately, the rest of the kits were judged mold-free. In fact, one reviewer said that he found the produce to be surprisingly fresh, despite his delay in preparing the dish.
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Reviewers had mostly positive reactions to the instructions, which were easy to follow, though perhaps not the most efficient in terms of timing and reducing the number of dishes made dirty.

Reviewers had mostly positive reactions to the instructions, which were easy to follow, though perhaps not the most efficient in terms of timing and reducing the number of dishes made dirty.

The 30-minute time limit was also criticized. Three of the four kits took at least 40 minutes to cook— in part because of the time-intensive potato prep required for two of the kits.

The 30-minute time limit was also criticized. Three of the four kits took at least 40 minutes to cook— in part because of the time-intensive potato prep required for two of the kits.
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The resulting meals were passable. However, they lacked the distinctive features that turns customers into Chick-fil-A loyalists.

The resulting meals were passable. However, they lacked the distinctive features that turns customers into Chick-fil-A loyalists.

Instead, following instructions produced forgettable meals that seem to have little in common with the chicken chain's beloved menu items. The serving sizes were a bit small, and one tester complained about extreme saltiness.

Instead, following instructions produced forgettable meals that seem to have little in common with the chicken chain's beloved menu items. The serving sizes were a bit small, and one tester complained about extreme saltiness.
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All reviewers finished their meals, but none said they would actually pay for a Chick-fil-A meal kit. With simple recipes and ingredients that could be picked up at any grocery store, we were left wondering why Chick-fil-A thought there was a market for these kits.

All reviewers finished their meals, but none said they would actually pay for a Chick-fil-A meal kit. With simple recipes and ingredients that could be picked up at any grocery store, we were left wondering why Chick-fil-A thought there was a market for these kits.

Picking up the necessary ingredients for dinner while you get lunch at Chick-fil-A sounds like an enticing option. But, the people most likely to do so — busy parents or over-worked young professionals — would likely either have these basics in their pantry already, or the ability to order a better meal on Seamless for a similar price.

Picking up the necessary ingredients for dinner while you get lunch at Chick-fil-A sounds like an enticing option. But, the people most likely to do so — busy parents or over-worked young professionals — would likely either have these basics in their pantry already, or the ability to order a better meal on Seamless for a similar price.
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Chick-fil-A's meal kits feel like an effort to use up leftover ingredients. If presented with the option of buying one, we recommend just getting an extra pack of nuggets — even cold, you're going to be happier than if you purchased these meal kits.

Chick-fil-A's meal kits feel like an effort to use up leftover ingredients. If presented with the option of buying one, we recommend just getting an extra pack of nuggets — even cold, you're going to be happier than if you purchased these meal kits.
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