What Is Chick-Fil-A's 'Spicy Char'?

Dining out has become a personalized experience, according to Newsweek. Individuals can customize their orders in any number of ways to achieve the meal that they're craving, that is, if the menu isn't doing the trick as it's written.

The secret menu concept was developed at Starbucks, QZ reported. The coffee chain didn't offer many kid-friendly menu items in its earlier days, so parents began ordering off the menu. The "cotton candy Frappuccino," which combines the existing Vanilla Bean Frappuccino with raspberry syrup, became an unofficial option at many locations. That was the beginning of the Starbucks secret menu, which has become a vast array of potential flavor combinations.

In-N-Out Burger has a similar story. The term "animal style" as a burger customization at the popular chain cropped up in the 1970s. It was completely unplanned by the company's executives, but today, it still means that your burger will come topped with melted cheese, onions, and a "special sauce."

Although Chick-Fil-A's website denies it, loyal customers insist the chain has a secret menu of its own, per Restaurant Clicks. The chicken establishment is famous for its fried chicken sandwich, but customers familiar with the restaurant often order the "Spicy Char" sandwich to change up their ordering routine.

Chick-Fil-A knows its way around a fried chicken sandwich, but customers who are loyal to the chain are likely familiar with some popular secret menu hacks. For example, the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich is a fried chicken doused in buffalo sauce before getting piled on a bun. Another is the Fried Chicken Club, which Readers' Digest explains combines the concept of a classic club sandwich with Chick-Fil-A's classic fried chicken. It also comes with lettuce and tomato and is served on a bigger bun, per Hack the Menu.

But one option customers has discovered is the "Spicy Char" sandwich, or the Spicy Char-Grilled Chicken Sandwich (per Enjoy OC). This sandwich swaps out your fried chicken for a spicy, char-grilled version, AZCentral reported. It gets topped with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and it comes with barbecue sauce on the side. For those who want a spicy kick with their fried chicken, it's a solid option.

And if you can't get your hands on one, you can also make one yourself at home with these copycat Chick-Fil-A spicy chicken sandwich and copycat special sauce recipes.