McDonald's Chicken Big Mac review: Different isn't always better

McDonald's is a US-based company, but it is well known that burgers and fries are not the headlines in every place in the world. The franchise is known for adapting to local tastes, offering everything from curry to macaroons to shrimp, depending on the country. Most international products stay where they are, but every now and then the Golden Arches exports a fan favorite for US customers to try, which is why the Chicken Big Mac is making a reappearance in restaurants across the US this month.

A staple in the UK, this twist on the brand's most famous sandwich answers the question: What would a Big Mac taste like if you replaced the beef with a giant chicken nugget? I stopped by my local Mickey D's to pick up the new version along with a classic Mac and find out if this new variant is worth the hype or if there really is no school like the old school.

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Availability and nutritional information

The Chicken Big Mac won't be around much longer in the USA. It will be available at participating US restaurants starting October 10th and while supplies last. Prices may vary by location, but my Chicken Big Mac cost $5.39 for the sandwich alone, 10 cents more than a regular Beef Big Mac.

However, price isn't the only difference between the two sandwiches. I admit I'm surprised that the chicken version actually has more calories. With 700 calories and 37 grams of fat, the Chicken Big Mac is a lot “meatier” than the classic, which has 590 calories and 34 grams of fat. Both sandwiches contain 25 grams of protein, so it's probably the fried outside of the chicken that's piling on those extra calories. This is proof that chicken isn't always the most nutrition-friendly option when counting calories. (However, avoiding McDonald's in general is probably the right move if you're worried about your waistline.)

How does the Chicken Big Mac compare to the original?

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While both are McDonald's creations, the Chicken Big Mac feels like the Chicken Nugget took one look at the mighty Mac and said, “That's what I want to be when I grow up.” Well, that Nugget has grown up because instead of the breaded chicken patty used at McChicken or the crispy fillet from McCrispy, Chicken Big Mac opts for a tempura-fried patty that is essentially a giant chicken nugget acts. The result is a juicy, tender patty that's naturally crispier than a beef hamburger patty, but could still use a little more texture given the number of buns the Big Mac is famous for.

There's also a noticeable size difference between the two burgers, with the chicken version dwarfing the original. Maybe it's because I've gotten older, but the Big Mac feels more like a Medium Mac these days, especially since multi-patty burgers are all the rage.

Aside from the size and the obvious difference in proteins, the only major difference between the two Macs is the onions: the Big Mac has them, while the Chicken Big Mac doesn't. I have my theories about why the vegetarian comes out on top for this, but you'll have to read on.

Is the Chicken Big Mac good?

It's hard to be great, especially when you have to follow in the footsteps of a legend. The Chicken Big Mac isn't bad; it's just different. While the classic burger is a harmonious mix of flavors – two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions on a sesame seed bun – the chicken version is less harmonious. Maybe it's because the chicken doesn't have the same flavor as the beef, but every single element of the sandwich stands out more. The flavor of the pickles and that oh-so-special sauce seem to really stand out, especially since the chicken struggles to bring tons of flavor to the table.

The meat is tender and juicy, but it feels more like a substitute than the star of the show. I would guess that the people in the McDonald's test kitchen felt the same way, which is why the onions were removed; They would simply be too noticeable to the average consumer. Even the chicken selection seems a bit strange. While there's no denying the majesty of a chicken nugget, it's an odd taste for a sandwich. Combined with the special sauce, my brain was leaning more and more towards fish and tartar sauce rather than what I was actually eating.

Final thoughts and methodology

The Chicken Big Mac is a fun idea, but I don't think it will catch on in the US. It's far from the best chicken sandwich McDonald's offers, and isn't different enough from the classic Big Mac to earn a unique spot on the menu. This is a novelty that makes it unique and fun, but ultimately the Chicken Big Mac is disappointing.

I picked up my Big Macs at my local McDonald's drive-thru on October 10th, the day the Chicken Mac launched nationwide. The sandwich was evaluated for taste and appearance and compared to the classic Big Mac. McDonald's was unaware of this review at the time of my order and the brand did not compensate me or Mashed in any way for this piece.

Read the original article on Mashed.