Tasty Chick Fil A Greek Yogurt Parfait

Let’s face it – finding a breakfast option that’s both filling and quick can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Between rushing to get the kids ready for school and tackling morning meetings, most of us barely have time to grab a granola bar, let alone sit down for a proper breakfast.

That’s why this copycat Chick-fil-A Greek yogurt parfait has become my morning lifesaver. It’s nutritious but tastes like a treat, takes just minutes to put together, and can even be prepped the night before – perfect for those busy mornings when every minute counts.

What Kind of Greek Yogurt Should I Use?

For this copycat Chick-fil-A parfait, you’ll want to start with plain Greek yogurt – not regular yogurt, as Greek yogurt’s thicker consistency is key to getting that perfect parfait texture. Full-fat Greek yogurt will give you the richest, creamiest result that’s closest to the restaurant version, though 2% will work well too if you’re watching your calories. Just steer clear of non-fat Greek yogurt, as it can be a bit too thin and tangy for this recipe. When shopping, look for brands that list “cultured milk” as the first ingredient and avoid those with added thickeners or stabilizers – brands like Fage or Chobani are good options that will give you that authentic taste and texture.

Options for Substitutions

This parfait recipe is super adaptable and you can easily switch things up based on what you have in your kitchen:

• Greek yogurt: While Greek yogurt gives the best thick and creamy texture, you can use regular strained yogurt. Just strain it in a cheesecloth for 2-3 hours first to remove excess liquid. Vanilla yogurt works too – just skip the vanilla extract if you use it.
• Honey: You can swap honey with maple syrup, agave nectar, or even a sugar-free syrup if you’re watching your sugar intake. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
• Vanilla bean paste: Regular vanilla extract works perfectly fine here – use the same amount. If you don’t have either, you can skip it, especially if using vanilla-flavored yogurt.
• Fresh berries: Any fresh fruits work great! Try peaches, mangoes, raspberries, or sliced bananas. Frozen fruits are fine too – just thaw and drain them first to avoid extra liquid.
• Granola: Out of granola? Try crushed graham crackers, broken cookie pieces, chopped nuts, or even crunchy cereal. Just make sure to add it right before eating to keep the crunch.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making a yogurt parfait is dealing with runny layers that mix together, but you can prevent this by keeping your Greek yogurt cold and straining off any excess liquid before assembly. Another common mistake is adding too much honey, which can overpower the natural tanginess of the yogurt – start with less and adjust to taste, remembering that the fresh fruits will add their own sweetness. To keep your granola crispy and prevent it from getting soggy, avoid adding it too early; instead, layer it just before serving or provide it separately if you’re meal prepping. For the freshest taste and best texture, prep your berries right before assembly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture that could make your parfait watery.

What to Serve With Greek Yogurt Parfait?

A Greek yogurt parfait makes a perfect breakfast or snack on its own, but there are some great ways to round out the meal! I like to serve it with a warm cup of coffee or tea, especially during busy mornings. For extra staying power, add a slice of whole grain toast with almond butter on the side, or pair it with a small veggie omelet if you’re extra hungry. Since this parfait already includes fruit and granola, you might want to add some extra protein like a handful of chopped nuts or a spoonful of chia seeds on top to make it more filling.

Storage Instructions

Assemble Later: For the best texture and crunch, I recommend preparing the components separately. Mix the honey, yogurt, and vanilla ahead of time and store the fruit and granola separately. This way, you can quickly put together your parfait whenever you’re ready to eat!

Keep Fresh: The yogurt mixture stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your washed and cut fruit in a separate container, and store the granola at room temperature in a sealed bag or container to maintain its crunch.

Meal Prep: If you want to prep multiple parfaits ahead, layer them in individual containers but keep the granola separate until serving time. This prevents the granola from getting soggy. The assembled parfaits (minus granola) will stay fresh in the fridge for about 2 days.

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-0 minutes
Total Time	10-15 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 8-12 g
• Carbohydrates: 75-85 g

Ingredients

For the yogurt:

• 3 tbsp light honey (look for local honey for best flavor)
• 1 1/2 cups plain Greek yogurt (I prefer Fage 0% fat for its thickness)
• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (adds a more intense vanilla flavor than extract)

For the toppings:

• 1/4 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped strawberries (fresh are always best)
• 1/4 cup granola (I recommend Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey for its crunch)

Step 1: Sweeten the Greek Yogurt

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a touch of vanilla bean paste.

Whisk these ingredients together until the yogurt’s texture becomes smooth, whipped, and creamy.

Adjust the amount of honey according to your desired level of sweetness.

Step 2: Assemble the Parfait

Take out 2 tall glasses, mason jars, or bowls for serving.

Spoon the sweetened yogurt evenly into each container.

This forms the base layer of your yogurt parfait and ensures an even distribution of the creamy mixture.

Step 3: Add Toppings and Garnishes

Top the yogurt with a generous layer of chopped strawberries and blueberries for a burst of fresh fruit flavor.

Sprinkle granola or crushed cookies over the fruit for added texture and crunch.

For a finishing touch, drizzle a little extra honey over the top and add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Your yogurt parfaits are now ready to serve immediately.

If you are preparing them in advance, cover the glasses or jars and store them in the refrigerator.

They make a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert option that can be enjoyed later in the day.