Have you been seeing all the hype about McDonald’s latest menu addition and wondering what exactly is a Chicken Big Mac? Well, I’ve got you covered! As a fast-food enthusiast who’s tried practically every chicken sandwich out there, I’m excited to dive into this new twist on a classic that’s got everyone talking.
The Chicken Big Mac: A Dream Come True
McDonald’s finally released their highly anticipated Chicken Big Mac in the United States on October 10, 2024. And honestly, I can’t believe it took them this long! The idea is simple but brilliant – take the iconic Big Mac and swap out those beef patties for crispy chicken ones. This sandwich is something fans have been creating DIY-style for years using the “secret menu” hack of ordering McChickens with special sauce.
The Chicken Big Mac has been a hit internationally, especially in the U.K. where it sold out in just 10 days when it was first introduced. After a successful test market in Miami in 2022, and a sneaky preview at a pop-up called “McDonnell’s” in Los Angeles (which turned out to be a McDonald’s publicity stunt), the real deal is now available nationwide for a limited time.
What’s Actually in a Chicken Big Mac?
The Chicken Big Mac keeps most of the familiar Big Mac ingredients while introducing a new star of the show. Here’s what you’ll find in this sandwich:
- Two tempura-battered chicken patties (replacing the beef)
- Triple-decker sesame seed bun (including that famous middle “club” bun)
- McDonald’s signature Big Mac special sauce
- Shredded lettuce
- American cheese
- Dill pickle slices
One notable difference from the original Big Mac? The Chicken version doesn’t include onions. Otherwise it follows the classic Big Mac formula that’s been pleasing customers since 1968.
The New Chicken Patty: Not Your Regular McChicken
McDonald’s didn’t just slap some McChicken patties onto a Big Mac and call it a day. They developed a brand-new chicken patty specifically for this sandwich. These patties are:
- Made with 100% white meat chicken
- Coated in a light, crispy tempura batter
- Round and flat (like a hamburger patty) to fit the Big Mac bun perfectly
- Similar in taste and texture to McDonald’s beloved Chicken McNuggets
This is different from the McChicken patty (which uses both white and dark meat) and the McCrispy (which uses a whole chicken breast). The new patty is designed to complement the Big Mac’s flavor profile while bringing its own crispy juicy texture to the party.
How Does It Taste?
According to many reviewers (including myself!), the Chicken Big Mac might actually be BETTER than the original beef version. I know that’s a bold claim, but hear me out.
The chicken patties are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with plenty of flavor. They pair perfectly with the tangy Big Mac sauce, crunchy lettuce, and vinegary pickles. The soft sesame seed bun provides a nice contrast to the crunchy chicken.
Some reviewers have noted that the chicken could use a bit more seasoning, but most agree that it works really well with the Big Mac’s signature sauce and toppings. The overall consensus seems to be that it offers a familiar Big Mac experience with an exciting new twist.
One food critic even pointed out that over the years, McDonald’s has gradually reduced the size of their beef patties in the original Big Mac to keep costs down. The result is that modern Big Macs don’t taste very “beefy” anymore. In contrast, the Chicken Big Mac delivers a more satisfying meat flavor, making it potentially superior to its beef counterpart.
Nutrition Facts: How Does It Compare?
If you’re curious about the nutritional impact of swapping beef for chicken, here’s how the Chicken Big Mac stacks up:
- Calories: Approximately 530 (vs. 590 in the original Big Mac)
- Fat: 20 grams
- Carbs: 61 grams
- Sugar: 8.5 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
So it’s actually slightly lighter in calories than the original, while packing in a solid amount of protein. Still, it’s a fast food indulgence, not a health food!
The Hype Machine: Why Everyone’s Talking About It
McDonald’s has been incredibly smart with the marketing rollout for the Chicken Big Mac. They’ve created buzz through:
- International popularity – Building anticipation by releasing it in other countries first
- Limited availability – Creating urgency by making it a limited-time offer
- Strategic secrecy – Using the fake “McDonnell’s” pop-up restaurant to generate intrigue
- Celebrity partnerships – Enlisting Big Mac superfan and internet star Kai Cenat to review it on his livestream
The sandwich was also secretly previewed at the “McDonnell’s” pop-up by Chain in LA, where it was described as a “McDonald’s dupe.” In a clever marketing twist, it was later revealed that McDonald’s was behind the whole thing.
This all plays into the current “dupe culture” and chicken sandwich wars that have been raging between fast food chains for the past few years. McDonald’s CMO Tariq Hassan even said, “By tapping into some of our fans’ biggest passions from dupe culture to live-streaming, we’re able to serve up more than just a sandwich.”
Where and When Can You Get It?
The Chicken Big Mac officially launched at participating McDonald’s locations across the U.S. on October 10, 2024. However, there are a few important things to know:
- It’s a LIMITED TIME OFFER only
- Available “while supplies last” (which could be just a few weeks)
- Not available during breakfast hours
- Priced similarly to the regular Big Mac (around $4.50-$6.50 depending on location)
- Available as a standalone sandwich or as part of a meal combo
McDonald’s hasn’t announced an official end date for the promotion, but based on how quickly it sold out in other countries, you might want to try it sooner rather than later!
The Verdict: Is the Chicken Big Mac Worth the Hype?
After trying it myself and reading countless reviews, I’d say the Chicken Big Mac absolutely lives up to the excitement. It successfully brings together the nostalgic flavors of the classic Big Mac with the satisfying crunch and juiciness of fried chicken.
One reviewer described their first bite as “a warm, saucy, chewy hug” – loving the crunch of the lightly toasted bun playing off the crispy-battered chicken, melted cheese, and tangy pickles. While some noted the sauce could be a bit bland and the chicken needed salt, overall the comfort food factor won people over.
Another food critic went so far as to call it “an instant fast-food classic” and “possibly the best chicken sandwich in the McDonald’s canon” because the patties are so similar to their beloved McNuggets.
My Personal Take
I’ve always been a Big Mac fan, but sometimes the beef patties can be a letdown – too thin and not very flavorful. The Chicken Big Mac solves this problem with its crispy, juicy chicken patties that really stand up to the special sauce and toppings.
What I really appreciate is that McDonald’s didn’t just throw this together – they created a new chicken patty specifically for this sandwich. It shows they put thought into making sure the flavors and textures would work together perfectly.
If you’re a chicken nugget lover like me, you’ll probably fall head over heels for this sandwich. It’s like getting all the best parts of the McDonald’s menu in one handheld package.
Final Thoughts: Get It While You Can!
The Chicken Big Mac isn’t just another chicken sandwich – it’s a clever reinvention of one of the most iconic fast food items of all time. After 60+ years of the original Big Mac reigning supreme, McDonald’s has found a way to make the classic feel fresh and exciting again.
If you’re a fan of the original Big Mac, chicken sandwiches, or just curious about the latest fast food innovation, I’d definitely recommend giving the Chicken Big Mac a try before it disappears. Based on its history in other markets, this sandwich could sell out quickly!
And who knows? If it’s popular enough in the US, maybe McDonald’s will consider adding it to their permanent menu. Until then, you better hurry – this bird might fly the coop sooner than you think!
Have you tried the Chicken Big Mac yet? What did you think? I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments!
A Dupe that Lives up to the Hype
Eagle-eyed fans may have spotted a similar sandwich in LA this past weekend. Inspired by all the buzz and anticipation for the Chicken Big Mac, McDonnells was born. The LA pop-up dining experience by Chain was open to fans for one day only, serving up a signature menu item, “The Chicken Sandwich.” It featured a strangely familiar recipe of two chicken patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles on a sesame seed bun – plus Chain’s signature favorites like beef tallow fries, deep-fried apple pie and soft-serve. Fans were loving it, some even called it a McDonald’s dupe – and in a plot twist as sweet as our Apple Pie – McDonald’s was behind it all.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski Compares Big Mac vs Chicken Big Mac
FAQ
Is the Chicken Big Mac just two McChicken patties?
Like the classic Big Mac, this Chicken Big Mac has McDonald’s Special Sauce, lettuce, cheese and pickles on a sesame seed bun. But instead of two all-beef patties, the Chicken Big Mac uses two fried chicken patties. McDonald’s introduced a brand-new breaded chicken patty for this sandwich.
How much money is a Chicken Big Mac?
I was pleased to see the Chicken Big Mac cost the exact same as the classic Big Mac: $6.19 for the sandwich or $10.49 for a medium meal at my New York City location. The McDonald’s spokesperson said that prices will vary by location. (A large meal at my storefront cost $11.29.)
What makes a Chicken Big Mac different?
The Chicken Big Mac — at 700 calories, if that matters at McDonald’s — has almost all the makings of your normal Big Mac: special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, on a sesame seed bun. Instead of two all-beef patties, though, it’s two tempura-battered fried chicken patties.