It’s been two years since McDonald’sbrought the Chicken Big Mac to the UK, with legions of fans who eagerly await its seasonal menu appearances.
But this week marks the first time the fast food favourite has been available on US shores — and our friends across the pond aren’t exactly Lovin’ It.
A twist on the iconic Big Mac, the burger features two chicken breast patties in a crispy coating, a triple layered bun, cheese, lettuce, pickles and of course, some signature Big Mac sauce.
There were mixed reactions when it first launched, with ratings from the Lifestyle team’s trial ranging from as little as one to a respectable four stars out of five.
With descriptors including both ‘game-changer’ and ‘lacklustre’, the Chicken Big Mac was somewhat hit or miss for us. When it comes to American diners though, it seems to be more of a miss.
Following its arrival in the US, Washington Post food reviewer Emily Heil labelled it ‘a bland, beige mess,’ and claimed she was ‘unconvinced’ by the concept of breaded chicken with an extra carb hit in the form of the middle bun.
On X, Timothy Jimothy echoed her sentiments, writing: ‘The chicken is basically a large version of their chicken nugget, which tastes really bland at that size.
‘The patties are twice the thickness of the burger ones – it’s a lot to chew through,’ commented another, Peter Freedman. ‘Plus, the breading on these patties, combined with the many buns, just turns it into a bread bomb. The flavours are fine. But I couldn’t finish it.’
A third, Johnny Oldfield, added: ‘My first and last food review. The Chicken Big Mac: For the love of God and all that is holy do not allow yourself to be beguiled by this abomination. It is heresy on three buns.’
That’s not where the criticism stops either.
Reddit user @sus_saiyan wrote: ‘I was so hyped to finally try this, and it was such a major disappointment. Bland and messy is how I would describe it. Literally no flavour to the chicken. Tasted like I was basically eating a bread and lettuce salad with Mac sauce as dressing.’
‘Absolutely horrendous,’ said @RGV_Ikpyo, while @rangoon03 wrote: ‘Tasted like I was eating just bread and Mac sauce. Definitely not worth the money.’
Priced at around $5.50 (£4.22) – although some diners claim they were charged as much as $9.99 (£7.66) for the sandwich alone at their local restaurant – the Chicken Big Mac is more expensive than the original beef burger, which averages at $5.29 (£4.05) around the country.
Yet some were more positive in their assessment, including @legopego5142 who wrote, ‘I got mine fresh and loved it,’ and @Dangerous_Term9685 who said: ‘I actually liked it a lot, especially compared to the regular Big Mac.’
Additionally, Taryn Pire, writing for PureWow hailed it as ‘tasty and filling,’ despite being ‘nothing to write home about.’
When it was launched, Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald’s USA, said the chicken Big Mac would ‘pay homage’ to the beloved classic, ‘and introduce it to a whole new generation.’
While unfortunately it doesn’t look to have had the desired effect, the limited edition item will no doubt earn itself some loyal fans in the US just as it has here. But you fancy a reminder of what’s got everyone in such a stir, you’ll have to wait, as the burger was axed from the seasonal UK menu last month.
It tends to come around once or twice a year, so keep an eye in 2025. Or, if you’re a diehard Chicken Big Mac lover, why not take a trip over the Atlantic, where you can get hold of it for an as-yet indeterminate limited time.
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