The Big Mac has been a McDonald’s staple for decades, loved for its unique combination of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun.
Now, McDonald’s is introducing an exciting new version of this beloved classic with a twist—chicken! On October 10, 2024, McDonald’s will officially roll out the Chicken Big Mac across participating U.S. locations, offering fans a fresh spin on their iconic sandwich.
What is the Chicken Big Mac?
The Chicken Big Mac replaces the traditional beef patties with crispy tempura-battered chicken. The rest of the components stay the same: shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, a slice of American cheese, and the signature Big Mac sauce, all layered between the sesame seed bun we know and love.
This new addition has garnered excitement, offering a different texture and flavor profile while maintaining the familiar Big Mac experience.
International Roots: A Global Favorite
While this may be the first time many Americans are getting to try the Chicken Big Mac, the sandwich is familiar. McDonald’s has previously tested it in select international markets, including the U.K. and Canada.
Customers in those countries could enjoy crispy chicken sandwiches during limited-time offerings. In 2022, McDonald’s even introduced the Chicken Big Mac to a handful of locations in Miami, but this marks the first time the sandwich will be available nationwide.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski sparked early excitement about the Chicken Big Mac’s return when he teased its comeback on TikTok during the summer of 2024. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting its official launch.
A Surprise Pop-Up Preview
The buzz surrounding the Chicken Big Mac only intensified after an event at the Chain Food Festival in late September 2024. At the festival, guests were treated to a unique pop-up dining experience called “McDonnell’s.”
Many noticed a striking similarity between the chicken sandwich served at the event and the Chicken Big Mac. It was later confirmed that McDonald’s was secretly behind the mysterious pop-up, offering an early preview of what would come.
This sneak peek added to the anticipation, and the fast-food giant finally made things official on October 3, 2024, by announcing the sandwich’s U.S. release date. The Chicken Big Mac will hit menus for a limited time starting October 10, and fans are already gearing up to try it.
What the Company is Saying
Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA’s chief marketing and customer experience officer, expressed the company’s excitement about introducing the Chicken Big Mac to its U.S. customers.
“With the introduction of the Chicken Big Mac, we’re excited to pay homage to one of our most iconic menu items, the Big Mac, and introduce it to a whole new generation of fans,” Hassan said in a press release.
While the Chicken Big Mac will only be available for a limited time, there’s hope that its popularity may lead to a longer-term or even permanent spot on the menu, much like how other once-limited items, such as the McRib, have returned repeatedly due to fan demand.
What Else to Expect from McDonald’s This Fall
In addition to the highly anticipated Chicken Big Mac, McDonald’s is also bringing back another fan-favorite this October—the Boo Buckets. Starting October 15, these beloved Halloween-themed pails will be available at participating locations.
Boo Buckets first made their debut in 1986 and have since become a seasonal tradition for many. The buckets double as festive containers for McDonald’s Happy Meals, making them a nostalgic collector’s item for some and a fun Halloween activity for kids.
This year’s Boo Buckets come with a fresh twist: new monster designs and themed stickers for decorating. The buckets will be available in four colors—white, orange, green, and blue—each featuring a unique Halloween character design. McDonald’s fans who look forward to these each year will surely be thrilled by the updated versions.
The Chicken Big Mac: A Look at What’s Inside
For those curious about the nutritional breakdown of the Chicken Big Mac, McDonald’s has made some details available before the launch.
The sandwich is expected to offer a satisfying crunch thanks to its tempura-battered chicken patties, a popular addition to other menu items like McChicken sandwiches. With its tangy flavor, the Big Mac sauce pairs well with the chicken, just as it does with the original beef patties.
While it’s unclear how the calories will compare to the traditional Big Mac, fans can expect the chicken version to be similar in overall content, though slightly lighter depending on the portion size and ingredients. McDonald’s is known for offering accessible nutrition information, so customers will likely be able to see exact figures when the sandwich launches in stores.
Why the Chicken Big Mac?
The introduction of the Chicken Big Mac came at a time when McDonald’s, like many fast-food chains, sought to diversify its menu and appeal to changing customer preferences.
As consumer interest in chicken sandwiches continues to rise, thanks in part to the popularity of Popeyes and Chick-fil-A, McDonald’s is keen to stake its claim in the chicken sandwich wars.
While McDonald’s already offers several chicken options on its menu, including the McChicken and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich, the Chicken Big Mac is a more premium offering that builds on the legacy of its most famous burger.
By offering customers an alternative protein option in the form of a Big Mac, McDonald’s hopes to attract both die-hard chicken lovers and Big Mac enthusiasts looking for something new.
When and Where Can You Get It?
The Chicken Big Mac will be available at participating McDonald’s locations across the United States starting October 10, 2024. However, the sandwich is only available for a limited time, so fans who want to try it should plan to do so sooner rather than later.
Given the buzz surrounding its launch, it’s possible that demand could outstrip supply, so visiting early might be a good idea.
The Boo Buckets will also be available starting later this month, on October 15, and will remain on the menu while supplies last. These limited-time items add a festive and flavorful flair to the McDonald’s fall menu, ensuring that there’s something for everyone—whether you’re craving a Chicken Big Mac or looking forward to collecting a new Boo Bucket.
Conclusion:
The Chicken Big Mac marks an exciting new chapter for McDonald’s as it reinvents one of its most iconic menu items with a chicken twist. Fans across the U.S. will soon have the chance to experience this crispy creation for themselves. With the sandwich’s limited-time availability, it’s sure to generate plenty of buzz and long lines at McDonald’s locations nationwide.
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