In the realm of fast food sandwiches, the Big Mac reigns supreme as a quintessential icon. First introduced to the McDonald’s menu in 1968, this triple-bun delight has captured the hearts of burger aficionados for decades. However, after 56 years, a fresh iteration has emerged: the Chicken Big Mac, offering a novel twist on the classic with its breaded poultry option.
While the Chicken Big Mac is not entirely new to the global McDonald’s repertoire, its arrival marks a significant milestone as it makes its U.S. debut. It steps into a highly competitive arena, as the ongoing “chicken sandwich wars” remain vivid in the minds of fast-food enthusiasts.
So, will this new double-decker creation draw customers back to McDonald’s? Can we anticipate that loyal beef connoisseurs will pivot to this avian offering? Or will it ultimately be a mere disappointment nestled in a bun?
The nomenclature of the Chicken Big Mac succinctly encapsulates its essence—it is indeed a Big Mac reimagined with two breaded chicken patties in lieu of the traditional beef. According to a press release from McDonald’s, these protein-packed elements are touted as “tempura battered chicken patties,” lending an air of sophistication to the otherwise familiar fare.
Aside from this alteration, the Chicken Big Mac adheres closely to its predecessor’s profile, minus the onions. Diners can expect the signature sesame-seeded three-layer bun, cheese, crisp lettuce, pickles, and the iconic “secret” Big Mac sauce, all layered meticulously. Customers can still personalize their sandwich to their liking, opting to exclude pickles or even add bacon—a combination that might harmonize beautifully with the chicken component.
Nutritionally, the Chicken Big Mac registers higher in calories than its beef counterpart. It boasts 700 calories, contrasted with the classic Big Mac’s 590. The chicken version contains 25 grams of protein, 61 grams of carbohydrates (7 of which are sugars), and 37 grams of fat (including 8 grams of saturated fat). This positions the traditional beef Big Mac as a lower-fat, lower-carb alternative.
In comparison, the classic Big Mac maintains the same protein count but features 46 grams of carbohydrates (9 from sugar) and 34 grams of fat (which includes 11 grams of saturated fat and 1 gram of trans fat). The Chicken Big Mac is also significantly higher in sodium, offering 1,410 milligrams, whereas the standard Big Mac has 1,050 milligrams.
According to McDonald’s press release, the Chicken Big Mac is a limited-time offering, available “while supplies last,” a rather nebulous timeframe that could extend anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Moreover, it will not be accessible at every McDonald’s location, being offered only at “participating restaurants,” though widespread availability appears to be the case. Making its debut on October 10, anyone eager to indulge should make their way to a participating McDonald’s promptly.
As is customary with fast-food items, pricing varies by location. For instance, establishments situated in major airports, like Los Angeles International Airport or Chicago O’Hare International Airport, will likely charge more than a McDonald’s in a quaint Mississippi town. My own taste test occurred at a McDonald’s in upstate New York, where the sandwich cost $6.49 before tax. Should you desire to upgrade to a meal, anticipate a total of approximately $11.09 before local taxes are applied, reflecting the same pricing as the standard Big Mac at that particular outlet.
