I Ate at McDonald's New 'Chicken Big Mac' — Here's My Honest Review

McDonald's has been teasing us with the Chicken Big Mac for months. It was available in the UK and Australia for a while, and finally — finally — it hit US menus on October 10, 2024. I remember seeing the announcement and thinking, 'Why didn't they do this sooner?' A chicken sandwich with the Big Mac's iconic sauce and toppings? That's genius. So when the release date came, I drove to my local McDonald's, ordered one, and sat in the parking lot to eat it. Here's my unfiltered take.

What Is the Chicken Big Mac, Exactly?

Let's start with the basics. The Chicken Big Mac is exactly what it sounds like: a Big Mac, but instead of two beef patties, you get two breaded chicken patties. Everything else is the same — the sesame seed bun, the shredded lettuce, the American cheese, the pickles, and that mysterious, delicious Special Sauce. It's served hot, and it costs about $6.49 in my area, which is a dollar more than the regular Big Mac. That's not bad for a limited-time item. The chicken patties are the same ones used in the McChicken, but they're bigger and thicker. So it's essentially a double McChicken with Big Mac toppings.

The First Bite: What I Thought

I took my first bite in the car, and my immediate reaction was: 'This is good, but it's not a Big Mac.' Here's why. The beef patties in a regular Big Mac have a distinct flavor — greasy, salty, meaty — that pairs perfectly with the sauce and pickles. The chicken patties are milder and less fatty. They're crispy on the outside, but the breading is a little thick, and the chicken itself is moist but not juicy. The sauce dominates, which isn't a bad thing — the Special Sauce is the star of any Big Mac. But the overall experience is different. It's more like a chicken sandwich that happens to have lettuce and sauce, rather than a chicken version of a Big Mac. If you're expecting the same taste but with chicken, you'll be disappointed. If you're expecting a solid chicken sandwich with familiar flavors, you'll be happy.

Texture and Toppings: The Good and the Bad

The best part of the Chicken Big Mac is the texture contrast. The crispy chicken, the soft bun, the crunchy lettuce, and the creamy sauce all come together nicely. The pickles add a nice tang, and the cheese melts just enough. But there's a problem: the chicken patties are thick, and they make the sandwich taller than a regular Big Mac. That means it's harder to bite into without everything falling apart. I lost a piece of lettuce and some sauce on my lap — classic McDonald's experience. Also, the chicken patties are a bit dry on their own. The sauce helps, but you notice it. I wish McDonald's had used the buttermilk crispy chicken from their McCrispy sandwich, which is juicier. That would have been a game-changer.

How Does It Compare to the Regular Big Mac?

I went back the next day and bought a regular Big Mac to compare side by side. The regular Big Mac is more cohesive. The beef patties are thin and flat, so they don't dominate the sandwich. Everything works together in a balanced way. The Chicken Big Mac feels like the chicken is trying to be the star, but the sauce and toppings are fighting for attention. It's not bad — it's just different. If you're craving a Big Mac, get the original. If you want a chicken sandwich with a twist, try the Chicken Big Mac. I'd rate the original an 8/10 and the chicken version a 7/10. It's a decent sandwich, but it doesn't replace the classic.

Is It Worth the Hype?

Social media has been buzzing about the Chicken Big Mac since it launched. TikTok videos show people lining up at drive-thrus and reacting with joy. And I get it — it's fun to try something new from a brand that rarely innovates. But is it worth driving across town for? Honestly, no. It's a good fast-food chicken sandwich, but it's not revolutionary. The Special Sauce is the same as always, and the chicken is just okay. If you're curious, try it once. But I doubt it'll become a permanent menu item. McDonald's tends to rotate limited-time offers, and I think this one will be gone within a few months. Enjoy it while it lasts.

The Verdict: Should You Order One?

If you love the Big Mac sauce and want to try it on something different, go for it. If you're a chicken sandwich fanatic, you might be underwhelmed. I'd recommend getting it with extra pickles for more tang, and maybe add a side of Spicy Buffalo sauce for dipping. But don't expect it to change your life. It's a fun novelty, nothing more. For me, I'll stick with the original. But I'm glad McDonald's tried something different. Maybe next time they'll put the sauce on a fish filet — now that would be interesting.