McDonald Launches Chicken Big Mac in the U.S.

The fast-food giant McDonald is embracing the chicken craze by reinventing its iconic Big Mac with a crispy twist. This Thursday, McDonald’s will debut the Chicken Big Mac in U.S. locations, swapping its classic beef patties for crispy chicken—a move that has already proven popular in the U.K. and Ireland.

The Chicken Big Mac arrives as consumer demand for chicken continues to soar. According to Restaurant Business, sales at fast-food chicken chains like KFC, Church’s, and Chick-fil-A have surged in recent years, with Chick-fil-A’s sales up 78% over five years. By introducing this new sandwich, McDonald’s is not only catering to a growing taste for chicken but also adding a hint of nostalgia to the beloved Big Mac format.

A New Take on a Classic

Tariq Hassan, McDonald USA Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, shared, “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 new generation of fans.” Like the original Big Mac, the chicken version includes the signature Big Mac sauce, pickles, shredded lettuce, American cheese, and three sesame-seed buns.

When the Chicken Big Mac launched in the U.K., it quickly became a hit, selling out in just 10 days and marking one of McDonald’s most successful product debuts. This fall’s release follows a 2022 test run in select Miami locations, where it generated positive buzz.

The sandwich also gained attention at the Chain pop-up event in Los Angeles in September, where it was disguised under the alias “McDonnell’s.” Diners guessed the sandwich’s true origin, adding to its pre-launch excitement.

Campaign and Promotion

To promote the Chicken Big Mac, McDonald’s has partnered with popular streamer and Big Mac fan Kai Cenat, who will explore the question, “Is the Chicken Big Mac a Big Mac?” Cenat’s appearances on McDonald’s social media channels, including Instagram, aim to reach fans in creative ways. “We’re able to serve up more than just a sandwich by tapping into our fans’ biggest passions, from live-streaming to dupe culture,” Hassan said. “There’s something for everyone in this campaign, offering surprising and enjoyable experiences.”

McDonald’s increased focus on chicken reflects a strategic pivot as customers seek affordable options. Chicken, generally cheaper than beef, has become a priority for the chain as CEO Chris Kempczinski recently shared in an earnings call. “Our chicken sales are now on par with beef,” he noted.

What’s Next?

McDonald’s has not shared the end date or pricing for the Chicken Big Mac in the U.S., with pricing likely to vary among its franchise locations. Separately, McDonald recently announced that its $5 value meal, initially intended to run for a month, will remain in most U.S. locations until December—a response to competition from other chains like Burger King, Taco Bell, and Wendy’s, which launched similar deals this summer.

With the Chicken Big Mac, McDonald’s is tapping into a major trend, offering fans a fresh twist on a classic that combines nostalgia with the latest in fast-food flavors.

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