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At graduation parties across America, the nugget tray is the first thing to disappear. Chick-fil-A catering is popular because it's simple: everyone loves the nuggets, and the trays travel well. Here's what it costs and how much you need.
Disclaimer: This is an independent, unofficial guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Chick-fil-A. All trademarks belong to their owners. Prices, menu items, deals and hours may change and can vary by location. Please check the official Chick-fil-A website or app for the latest information: www.chick-fil-a.com/catering
Nugget Tray Prices
| Tray | Count | Serves | Est. price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 64 nuggets | ~8 | $33 – $52 |
| Medium | 120 nuggets | ~15 | $59 – $94 |
| Large | 200 nuggets | ~25 | $93 – $154 |
Prices vary widely by location, and some areas charge more for hot trays than chilled ones.
Other Popular Trays (Estimated)
| Tray | Serves | Est. price |
|---|---|---|
| Chick-n-Strips Tray | 8 – 25 | $40 – $140 |
| Chilled Grilled Nuggets Tray | 8 – 25 | $45 – $160 |
| Mac & Cheese (pan) | 10 – 20 | $40 – $75 |
| Waffle Potato Chips Tray | 10 – 20 | $25 – $45 |
| Fruit Tray | 10 – 25 | $35 – $75 |
| Garden Salad Tray | 10 – 25 | $35 – $70 |
| Chilled Grilled Chicken Sub Tray | 10 – 20 | $50 – $95 |
| Cookie / Brownie Tray | 12 – 24 | $20 – $45 |
| Gallon of Sweet Tea or Lemonade | ~10 – 16 cups | $8 – $15 |
Headcount Formula
Nuggets: plan 8 nuggets per adult as a main dish, 5 per person if there are lots of other foods.
| Guests | Nugget trays (main dish) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1 small |
| 15 | 1 medium |
| 25 | 1 large |
| 40 | 1 large + 1 medium |
| 50 | 2 large |
Drinks: 1 gallon per 8 to 10 guests.
Best Trays for a Graduation Party
- Large nugget tray (always the star)
- Mac & cheese pan
- Fruit tray
- Cookie tray
- Sweet tea and lemonade gallons
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: 350°F (175°C), spread nuggets on a sheet pan, 5 to 10 minutes.
- Air fryer: 350°F, 3 to 5 minutes.
- Mac & cheese: covered in the oven at 350°F, about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring once.
When to Order
- Small orders: often a few hours ahead.
- Large orders and graduation season (May–June): order 2 to 3 days or more in advance.
- Order through the Chick-fil-A app, website or by calling your restaurant.
Remember: Chick-fil-A is closed on Sundays, so plan Sunday events accordingly.
Party Logistics That Make Catering Easier
Chick-fil-A trays are popular because they’re simple, but big events still benefit from some planning, especially during graduation and holiday seasons.
Ordering timeline
- One to two weeks before (peak season): place large orders early; many restaurants fill their catering slots in May and June.
- Two to three days before: confirm your order and pickup time.
- Day of: bring a helper or a cart for big orders; trays and gallons are heavy.
Hot vs chilled trays
Hot trays are best when you’ll serve within about an hour of pickup. If your event starts later, chilled nugget trays or chilled grilled nuggets are a smart choice; they’re designed to be served cold and avoid food safety worries.
Food safety
Hot food should not sit at room temperature for more than about two hours. Keep hot trays covered and consider an insulated bag. Put chilled trays in a cooler or refrigerator until serving.
Sauces and extras
Sauce packets run out fast at parties. Ask how many sauces come with each tray and order extra if needed, especially Chick-fil-A Sauce and Polynesian, which are crowd favorites. Don’t forget serving tongs, plates and plenty of napkins.
Budget tip
For large crowds, mix one large nugget tray with sides you prepare at home, like a green salad or fruit. You’ll keep the Chick-fil-A star of the show while controlling the overall cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Chick-fil-A nugget tray?
Roughly $33 to $52 small, $59 to $94 medium and $93 to $154 large, depending on location.
How many people does a large nugget tray feed?
About 25 people.
How many nuggets are in a small tray?
64 nuggets.
Can I order Chick-fil-A catering for Sunday?
No, restaurants are closed on Sundays. Pick up Saturday and reheat.
The Bottom Line
For most parties, plan on one large nugget tray per 25 guests, add mac & cheese and fruit, and order a gallon of tea per 10 people. Order early during graduation season, and remember Sundays are off.
Last updated: October 11, 2026. Prices vary widely by location; check your local Chick-fil-A.