When McDonald’s goes to re-invent one of its classic items, it prefers to shake the very foundations of things. And that is exactly what’s going on with the Chicken Big Mac, the latest version of its legendary sandwich.
Rather than the traditional all-beef patties, this version replaces the tempura chicken patties entirely different environment but still in the spirit of what a Big Mac. is a Big Mac.
It’s a shrewd move by McDonald’s, indeed, particularly when chicken sandwiches are the talk of the town. But beyond the hype, is the Chicken Big Mac all the craze about?
1. What Is the Chicken Big Mac?
Essentially, the Chicken Big Mac is what it sounds like: a chicken version of the Big Mac. That is, you’re still receiving that three-sedimentary sesame bun, Big Mac sauce, shredded lettuce, pickles, and American cheese slice but instead of beef, you’re receiving two tempura-style breaded chicken patties.
It costs $5.99 alone and about $8.99 for the meal, depending on where you are.
You can have it with customization or two patties for added.
It’s not supposed to be entirely different from the original, but it’s obviously designed for the person who loves chicken or simply wants to shake it up without venturing too far outside of the comfort zone.
2. What Sets It Apart?
At first bite, its mirror resemblance to the regular Big Mac. But as soon as you take a bite, the crispy chicken meat patties totally turn everything upside down. These are not the same kind of patties you get on the McChicken or the McNuggets these are thicker patties with a tempura-type breading that provides even more crunch and even more texture.
The choice to use a chunkier, more premium-style patty is deliberate. McDonald’s is clearly aiming for something that feels more “crafted” than fast. And the special sauce, as always, helps pull everything together with that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor that Big Mac fans swear by.
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if the McChicken and the Big Mac had a baby, this is probably it but better.
3. Ingredients Up Close
As is the case with all fast foods, the ingredients are abundant and designed to be uniform. Although, McDonald’s is doing something right with what they’re doing here, so here is what actually goes into this thing:
- Chicken Patties: Produced from white meat chicken, water, seasoning, and breaded using wheat flour, corn flour, modified starch, and leavening agents.
- Big Mac Sauce: Soybean oil, egg yolks, mustard, relish, vinegar, and spices.
- American Cheese: Milk, cream, salt, and emulsifiers.
- Pickles and Lettuce: Thin dices of plain dill pickles and shredded iceberg lettuce.
- Sesame Seed Bun: Enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, yeast, sesame seeds, and preservatives.
All in all, it’s built to provide crunch, cream, and that signature Big Mac zing every bite.
4. Nutritional Breakdown
At 700 calories, the Chicken Big Mac ain’t no snack. It’s got 37 grams of fat (8 saturated), 25 grams of protein, and 61 grams of carbohydrates. Sodium comes in at 1,410 mg, or roughly 61% of your daily value.
Other nutrition facts are:
- 2g fiber
- 7g total sugar (6g added sugar)
- 0g trans fat
- 60mg cholesterol
- 3.5mg iron (20% daily value)
- 120mg calcium (10% daily value)
- 410mg potassium
So yes, it’s flavorful and filling but definitely something to eat in moderation, especially if you’re keeping an eye on sodium or saturated fat.
5. Allergen and Dietary Notes
Here’s where it gets tricky for some folks. The Chicken Big Mac contains wheat, sesame, egg, soy, and milk making it off-limits for many with common allergies or dietary restrictions.
- It’s not vegetarian (obviously, it contains chicken).
- It’s not vegan (contains dairy, egg, and meat).
- It’s not gluten-free (bun, breading, and sauce all have wheat).
- It’s not U.S. Halal-certified, but perhaps other places around the globe.
For those trying to stay away from bread or carbs, some places might make an exception and offer a bunless or lettuce wrap alternative but call first is best.
6. Can You Customize It?
Yes. McDonald’s has embraced customization with their app, in-store machines, and old-fashioned counter service. You can:
- Take off extras (pickles, cheese, lettuce)
- Add extras (bacon, second patty, extra cheese)
- Flip drink or side into a meal
Double patties into a mega sandwich Just keep in mind it could be as much as your store has available at the moment.
7. How Spicy Is It?
It’s not a bit. The Chicken Big Mac is deliberately dull. The breading tastes but does not burn, and chicken or sauce contains no chili zip. It’s normally well-built to appease comfort enthusiasts over zip. For spice, McDonald’s also has other spicy foods such as the Spicy McCrispy or Spicy McChicken.
8. Where Can You Find It?
That’s a bit more complicated. The Chicken Big Mac is a limited-time offering, and whether or not it’s available depends on your location. It initially appeared overseas in locations such as the U.K., and was also piloted in Miami back in 2022. It expanded more broadly in the U.S. beginning October, but not all locations are carrying it.
Your best option is McDonald’s app or website just plug in your ZIP code and shop the menu at your restaurant. If it is offered, you can place an order ahead and reserve a spot for it.
Last thing: It’s not a breakfast sandwich. Like most of what they do offer on their lunch menu, it typically begins working its way out at about 10:30 a.m., or perhaps a minute or two past that on weekends.
9. How McDonald’s Rolled It Out
McDonald’s didn’t roll this sandwich onto the menu quietly. They created an entire spectacle around it.
At a Los Angeles pop-up restaurant called Chain, diners were fed from a fictional chain “McDonnell’s” before later realizing that they’d consumed the Chicken Big Mac. The gimmick generated buzz and retro cool, particularly when diners discovered they’d already familiarized themselves with the signature sauce and makeup.
The brand also collaborated with well-known Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, who promoted the word on social media using the question, “Is the Chicken Big Mac literally a Big Mac?” McDonald’s fans and his own followers weighed in and talked, generating the hype that felt real.
10. The Bigger Picture
On its face, the Chicken Big Mac is simply another sandwich. But to McDonald’s, it’s an entry in the ongoing “chicken sandwich wars” war that has been smoldering for years with rivals such as Popeyes, Chick-fil-A, Wendy’s, and Burger King all vying for a larger slice of the chicken pie.
By surfing the wave of Big Mac popularity, McDonald’s is making a wise move: attracting chicken fans while sufficiently appealing to die-hard Big Mac enthusiasts to try it out. And for $5.99 (or $8.99 as a combo), it’s still affordable but one notch higher.
Final Thoughts
The Chicken Big Mac is not going to change the fast-food world, but it doesn’t need to. It’s exactly what it claims to be: an exciting new twist on an old favorite. If you enjoy crispy chicken, that aforementioned special sauce, and that all-important bite, I’d bet my money that this will be just what you need.
It’s not spicy, it’s not overly fancy but it’s clever, crunchy, and clearly designed with both flavor and familiarity in mind. Whether it becomes a permanent fixture or just a seasonal favorite, it’s worth checking out while it’s here. Just don’t forget the napkins. You’re gonna need them.
