Image courtesy: McDonald’s
McDonald’s is riding high this year, creating excitement among its customers with a series of popular menu items. In response to rising prices in the fast food industry, the chain introduced a $5 Value Meal this summer, which has proven to be so popular that it will now be available through December. Alongside this, the company launched a nostalgic Collector’s Meal featuring keepsake cups and a new, eco-friendly way to enjoy the McFlurry that eliminates wasteful plastics.
Now, the fast-food giant has announced one of its most eagerly awaited additions for 2024: the Chicken Big Mac. This new item will hit menus across the country on October 10 and will be available for a limited time, so fans should act quickly.
The Chicken Big Mac is not a completely new concept for McDonald’s, as it has been a staple in international markets like Canada, the UK, and Australia. American fans have been envious of this sandwich for years. The Chicken Big Mac closely resembles the classic Big Mac but replaces the traditional beef patties with two tempura-breaded chicken patties. While the signature middle bun remains, the other classic toppings, including Big Mac Sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles, are still there. The only notable change is the absence of minced onions in the chicken version. The chicken's tempura batter is reminiscent of the breading found on Chicken McNuggets, making this sandwich a giant nugget lover's dream.
The buzz surrounding the Chicken Big Mac first surfaced in August, although no specific launch date was mentioned. The sandwich had a trial run in Miami in 2022 but didn’t expand beyond that test market—until now.
Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, shared his excitement about the new menu item: “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.”
The Chicken Big Mac features the same toppings as the original, including Big Mac Sauce, lettuce, cheese, and pickles. The only difference is that it doesn’t have minced onions. Image Credit: McDonald’s
Timing is key for McDonald’s as it rolls out the Chicken Big Mac in the U.S. During the WSJ Global Food Forum in June, Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA, highlighted that chicken is currently a major trend in protein consumption. He stated, “We sell more chicken today as a brand than we sell beef,” a trend that is likely to continue in the coming years.
Erlinger noted various factors driving this shift toward chicken, including climate concerns and health considerations. He emphasized that the ultimate choice lies with consumers, who appear to prefer chicken over beef.
Should the Chicken Big Mac find success in its U.S. debut, there’s a possibility it could join McDonald’s permanent menu. The chain has consistently emphasized that customer feedback plays a significant role in determining which items stay or go. So, if you try the Chicken Big Mac and enjoy it, be sure to voice your thoughts—it might just help secure its place on the menu.
As anticipation builds for the Chicken Big Mac, fans are encouraged to experience this innovative twist on a classic. Mark your calendars for October 10, and don’t miss out on this unique sandwich that promises to deliver a delicious chicken alternative to the beloved Big Mac.
