A father of three has gone viral for a budgeting hack that allows him to feed his family of five at Chick-fil-A for under $45, a price point many found reminiscent of previous years amid rising fast-food expenses. The strategy, shared by podcast host Jeff Johnson in an Instagram video that garnered over 200,000 views, involves a departure from typical meal orders.
Instead of ordering individual meal combos, Johnson's family opted for 30 chicken nuggets, costing approximately $17. Each family member then received a buttered bun for 25 cents, which they filled with the nuggets. This approach, even with the addition of sauces and drinks, kept the total cost below $45. Johnson estimated that ordering five individual chicken sandwich meals, fries, and drinks would have cost upwards of $55.
The hack resonated with many online, with commenters expressing approval for the money-saving tip. The video also gained traction on X, formerly Twitter, where it was shared by user @CrystalHope1979 and viewed nearly 3 million times. One commenter on X noted the affordability, stating, "It's like it’s 2018 again!"
This financial strategy comes as many consumers grapple with increasing prices for everyday goods, including fast food. The popular chicken chain has also recently addressed customer concerns regarding its waffle fry recipe. After backlash over the addition of pea starch to the recipe two years prior, Chick-fil-A confirmed in March that the ingredient would be removed, a move celebrated by many customers.