Chick-fil-A just unveiled a fried cauliflower sandwich that took 4 years to develop — and it's nothing like the plant-based fast food at rivals like McDonald's

• Plant-based meat sales growth has flattened over the last several months.
• Fast-food chains have turned to Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods for meat substitutes. 
• But, Chick-fil-A is debuting a cauliflower sandwich in three US markets next week. 

Chick-fil-A is entering the race to find the perfect plant-based meal for fast food fans. 

Next week, the Atlanta-based fried chicken chain plans to introduce its first plant-based meal, the Chick-fil-A Cauliflower Sandwich. The tender-style cut of a whole cauliflower is prepared like Chick-fil-A's classic fried chicken sandwich, marinated and breaded with the chain's signature seasonings and pressure-cooked.