How to Make a Chicken Big Mac at Home: Easy Recipe and Tips

When McDonald’s introduced the Chicken Big Mac, it caused quite a stir. My son was so excited to try it, and I’ll admit, even as a vegetarian, I was curious about all the hype. It sold out almost immediately, leaving many people disappointed. That’s when I thought, why not recreate it at home?

Making your own Chicken Big Mac is not only fun but also a great way to enjoy a fresh, homemade version of a fast-food favourite. Plus, you can tweak it to suit your preferences or make it a bit healthier. My son loved helping me put this together, and it’s now a regular request in our house for fakeaway nights.

Why the Chicken Big Mac Was Such a Hit

The Chicken Big Mac was a fresh twist on the classic Big Mac, swapping out beef patties for crispy chicken. The combination of crunchy chicken, tangy sauce, and shredded lettuce was a winner for so many people. My son couldn’t stop talking about it when it first came out, and I knew I had to find a way to make it at home.

The best part about recreating it yourself? You can enjoy it anytime, without waiting for it to come back on the menu. Plus, it’s cheaper, fresher, and you know exactly what’s going into it.

The Essential Chicken Big Mac Ingredients

To get that authentic Chicken Big Mac taste, you’ll need a few key ingredients. Here’s what to add to your shopping list:

For the Chicken Patties

You need two chicken patties per burger. You can use whole chicken breasts, sliced thinly, but minced chicken gives a texture much closer to the original Chicken Big Mac.

• 500g minced chicken (or chicken breasts)
• 1 egg
• 100g plain flour
• 50g cornflour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Oil for frying (or use an air fryer for a lighter option)

For the Big Mac Sauce

The sauce is what ties everything together. You can make a version that’s very close to the original with these simple ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles (gherkins)
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• A pinch of paprika

If you want to experiment with different burger sauces on your homemade Chicken Big Mac, you can also check out some great homemade sauce recipes over at BBC Good Food.

The Bun and Fillings

To get that classic look, you need a specific type of bun and simple fillings.

• Sesame seed burger buns (you will need an extra bottom bun for the middle layer)
• Shredded iceberg lettuce
• Sliced American cheese
• Sliced dill pickles

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for a Chicken Big Mac

Making this burger is much easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for fakeaway success.

1. Make the Big Mac Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, white vinegar, and paprika in a small bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge while you prepare the rest of the burger. Letting the sauce chill helps the flavors develop.

2. Shape the Chicken Patties

If you’re using minced chicken, mix it with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Wet your hands slightly (this stops the meat from sticking) and shape the mixture into thin, round patties. Make them slightly larger than your burger buns, as they’ll shrink a bit when cooked. If you’re using chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create thin fillets.

3. Coat the Chicken

In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, mix the plain flour, cornflour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken patty into the egg, then coat it in the flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to make sure it sticks.

4. Cook the Chicken

Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and crispy. If you’re using an air fryer, cook them at 200°C for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken—it should reach 74°C (165°F) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

5. Toast the Buns

While the chicken is cooking, lightly toast your burger buns. Place them cut side down in a dry frying pan for a minute or two. This helps prevent the sauce from making the bread soggy.

6. Assemble the Burger

Now for the fun part—building your Chicken Big Mac! Here’s the order:

1. Bottom bun
2. A generous spoonful of Big Mac sauce
3. Shredded lettuce
4. A slice of American cheese
5. First chicken patty
6. Middle bun (another bottom bun)
7. More sauce
8. More lettuce
9. Dill pickle slices
10. Second chicken patty
11. Top bun

And there you have it—your very own homemade Chicken Big Mac!

Tips for the Best Fakeaway Experience

Experiment with Flavours: Feel free to tweak the sauce or add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes or onions.

Wrap It Up: For that authentic fast food feel, wrap your burger in baking paper or foil before serving.

Add Sides: Serve your Chicken Big Mac with crispy fries or a side salad. You can make oven-baked fries by slicing potatoes thinly, tossing them in a little oil and salt, and baking them at 200°C until golden.

Make It Healthier: Use reduced-fat mayonnaise for the sauce, bake the chicken instead of frying, or swap white buns for wholemeal ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of minced chicken?

Yes, absolutely. If you prefer whole chicken breast, simply take a large chicken breast and slice it horizontally through the middle to create two thin fillets. You can then coat them in the egg and flour mixture exactly the same way. The texture will be slightly different, but it will still taste incredible.

How do I make the burger healthier?

There are several easy ways to make this meal healthier. You can bake the chicken patties in the oven at 200°C for about 15 to 20 minutes instead of frying them. You can also use wholemeal buns instead of white bread, and swap the regular mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Can I freeze the chicken patties?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken patties. Let them cool down completely after cooking. Place them in an airtight container or a freezer bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to a month. When you want to eat them, simply reheat them in the oven or an air fryer until they are piping hot all the way through.

Why do I need three pieces of bread?

The middle piece of bread is a signature part of the Big Mac design. It helps to soak up the sauce and keeps the burger stable. Because there are two patties, the middle bun separates the flavours and textures beautifully.

What type of cheese works best?

Processed American cheese slices melt the best and give you the most authentic fast food flavour. However, if you do not like processed cheese, a mild cheddar or Monterey Jack slice works perfectly well too.

Why You Can Trust This Recipe

While I didn’t taste this one myself (being vegetarian), I had so much fun making it for my son, who absolutely loved it. I’ve spent years experimenting with fakeaway recipes, and this one has been tested and tweaked to make sure it’s easy to follow and delivers on flavour. Plus, I’ve included tips for making it healthier or more budget-friendly, so you can adapt it to suit your needs.

Time to Enjoy Your Chicken Big Mac

Making your own Chicken Big Mac at home is a fun way to enjoy a takeaway classic without leaving the house. My son was thrilled with how close it tasted to the real thing, and I loved knowing exactly what went into it. Whether you’re recreating it for a family fakeaway night or just treating yourself, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Let me know in the comments or tag me on social media.

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