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McDonald’s has introduced the Chicken Big Mac to U.S. menus for a limited time, swapping its iconic beef patties for tempura-battered chicken. While the sandwich offers a satisfying crunch, many reviewers find it lacks the bold flavors of the original, leaving fans underwhelmed.
McDonald's Debuts Chicken Big Mac in the U.S., Sparking Curiosity Amid Ongoing Chicken Sandwich Wars
Regarding fast food sandwiches, the Big Mac stands out as one of the most iconic. First introduced to McDonald's menu in 1968, it has remained a favorite among burger enthusiasts for decades. Now, 56 years later, McDonald's offers a fresh twist on the classic with the Chicken Big Mac, essentially the same sandwich but featuring breaded chicken patties instead of beef.
The Chicken Big Mac isn't entirely new—it has appeared on McDonald's menus in other countries for some time. However, its October 10 debut marks the first time the sandwich has been available in the U.S. market. Entering a crowded space, with the "chicken sandwich wars" still fresh in many consumers' minds, the question remains: Will the Chicken Big Mac entice customers to McDonald's? Will devoted beef lovers switch to white meat, or will this new offering fall short of expectations?
McDonald's Chicken Big Mac Offers Tempura-Battered Twist but Packs More Calories and Sodium
The sandwich is what its name suggests: a Big Mac with two breaded chicken patties instead of beef. According to McDonald's press release, the chicken is tempura-battered, adding a slightly elevated twist to the standard offering. Otherwise, the sandwich remains faithful to the original, with the familiar three-layer sesame seed bun, cheese, lettuce, pickles, and the signature Big Mac sauce—minus the onions. Customers can customize the Chicken Big Mac by removing pickles or adding toppings like bacon like the original Big Mac.
Nutritionally, the Chicken Big Mac is heavier than the classic beef version. It contains 700 calories compared to the 590 in the regular Big Mac, 25 grams of protein, 61 grams of carbs, and 37 grams of fat (8 grams of saturated). It also packs more sodium, with 1,410 milligrams versus 1,050 milligrams in the beef version. Despite common assumptions that chicken is a healthier option than beef, the Chicken Big Mac challenges that notion by offering a higher fat and carb count.
McDonald's has marketed the Chicken Big Mac as a limited-time offering, only available while supplies last at participating locations. Though vague, this could mean availability for just a few weeks or months, and it may not be on the menu at every McDonald's location. Fans eager to try the sandwich will want to act fast, as the window for trying it in the U.S. could be short-lived.
As with other McDonald's menu items, the price of the Chicken Big Mac varies by location. In upstate New York, the sandwich was $6.49 before tax, and meal prices reached around $11.09. This pricing is comparable to the standard Big Mac, making it an easy alternative for those curious about the chicken-based option.
Chicken Big Mac Delivers Crunch but Falls Short on Flavor, Leaving Fans Divided
In terms of taste and texture, the Chicken Big Mac resembles an oversized, flatter version of a McNugget. The flavor and texture are familiar—salty, with a slight crunch from the tempura batter. However, the breaded chicken and Big Mac sauce combination doesn't quite deliver. The sauce, which pairs well with beef, feels somewhat bland with the chicken patties, and the sandwich’s most flavorful element is arguably the pickles. While the lettuce adds a refreshing crunch, the cheese goes largely unnoticed.
On the positive side, the sandwich offers a satisfying crunch that the traditional Big Mac needs to include, as the beef patties are often too thin to provide much bite. The Chicken Big Mac also feels slightly more substantial, which could appeal to those looking for a heartier option.
Overall, the Chicken Big Mac may only hit the mark for some. While it combines two famous McDonald's elements—Big Macs and chicken—the result is somewhat underwhelming, especially regarding flavor. While it may appeal to those who prefer chicken over beef, it's unlikely to become a staple order for many. Still, the chicken patties show potential, and with the proper sauce and toppings, they could shine in other sandwich combinations.
Nutritionally, the Chicken Big Mac and the traditional Big Mac are far from healthy options. Despite the perception that white meat is more nutritious, the Chicken Big Mac doesn't live up to that idea, containing more calories, fat, and sodium than its beef counterpart. Ultimately, while the Chicken Big Mac offers an exciting alternative, it shouldn't be seen as a more nutritious option—just a different take on a fast-food classic.
