McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac is almost the same as a regular Big Mac but comes with two new tempura-battered chicken patties instead of grilled beef patties. Additionally, it does not include onions.
I bought one for $5.99 (which was the same price as a regular Big Mac). In addition to the new chicken patties, the Chicken Big Mac includes a club-style sesame seed bun, Big Mac Sauce, shredded lettuce, pickles, and American cheese.
The new tempura-battered chicken patties are basically like giant Chicken McNuggets. They were lightly seasoned, had a similar crackly, crispy shell, and sported a juicy, finely ground chicken interior. The contrasting texture of the shell and chicken was pretty satisfying. Additionally, it’s meatier than the beef patties of a regular Big Mac and the bun coverage was good.
I’m not a fan of shredded lettuce in burger-type sandwiches, as it falls out way too easily. There was already a good deal of lettuce lining the bottom of the clamshell as I popped it open. Additionally, the lettuce that came in the Chicken Big Mac was limp and lacked a fresh crispness. The pickles helped to add a slight crunch to make up for the sad lettuce.
The bun was squishy soft but resilient. The middle bun didn’t serve much purpose, as the middle slice of bread in a club sandwich typically helps absorb moisture from the vegetables. But there’s not much moisture or vegetables to be found in a Chicken Big Mac (and a regular Big Mac for that matter). At this point, it’s a defining fixture of the iconic burger though. Ironically, rival knockoffs of the burger have largely done away with the middle bun.
The lone American cheese slice was nicely melted and I could actually taste it throughout the burger. It didn’t quite complement the flavor of the chicken though. A different cheese would have been preferable like a mild Swiss or something that only provides creaminess rather than a distinct flavor.
The Big Mac Sauce provided an undertone of sweet, creamy, savory, and tangy flavor throughout without being overwhelming.
At the end of the day, McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac turned out nice enough but I’m just not a fan of the Chicken McNugget, American cheese, and Big Mac Sauce combo that’s the driving force of the sandwich. I wonder if that’s perhaps due to having eaten so many Chicken McNuggets over the years that I have a fixed expectation of the flavors I expect to go with it. That being said, I would not mind it at all if they sold the new chicken patties as a standalone item.
Nutritional Info – McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac
Calories – 700
Fat – 37g (Saturated Fat – 8g)
Sodium – 1410mg
Carbs – 61g (Sugar – 6g)
Protein – 25g
