You might know the classic Big Mac, but we’re giving it a delicious twist by swapping out the beef for juicy, golden-fried chicken fillets. Imagine all that creamy Big Mac sauce, crunchy lettuce, melty cheese, pickles, and a perfectly toasted bun, but with a crispy chicken upgrade that takes this sandwich to a whole new level.
This ain’t your average fast-food run! Today, I’m breaking down how you can make your own Chicken Big Mac at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving up a feast for family and friends, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Now, you might be wondering: why should I swap out the beef patties for chicken? Well, let me tell you, there’s something about that juicy, crispy chicken paired with the classic Big Mac ingredients that just hits different. If you’re a fan of fried chicken and you already love Big Macs, this is a no-brainer. You get the best of both worlds—crispy, flavorful chicken in every bite, layered up with all those tangy, creamy, crunchy Big Mac toppings. Plus, it’s homemade, so you know exactly what’s going into it. No mystery meat here!
Making your own Chicken Big Mac at home means you can customize it to your liking. Want a spicy kick? You got it. Prefer grilled chicken over fried? Easy. This recipe is all about giving you the freedom to create a next-level sandwich that’s tailored to your taste buds. And let’s be real—who doesn’t love a good chicken sandwich?
Ingredients for Chicken Big Mac:
Let’s break down everything you’ll need to make your own Chicken Big Mac at home. Don’t worry, most of these ingredients are pantry staples, and the rest can be picked up at your local grocery store.
Marinade:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup pickle juice (from a jar of pickles)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved to create 8 fillets)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembling the Chicken Big Mac:
- 8 sesame seed buns (extra for the middle layer)
- 8 slices American cheese
- Shredded lettuce
- Dill pickle slices
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend well.
- Add the halved chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy, savory flavors.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Whisk until everything is well combined.
- When you’re ready to fry the chicken, remove the fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good, crispy coating.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F.
- Carefully place the coated chicken fillets into the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Fry in batches if needed.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Big Mac Sauce:
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Set the sauce aside for assembling the sandwiches.
5. Toast the Buns:
- Toast the sesame seed buns in a skillet or toaster until golden brown. Make sure to toast the extra buns for the middle layer of the sandwich.
6. Assemble the Chicken Big Mac:
- Spread a generous layer of the Big Mac sauce on the bottom and middle bun halves.
- Add shredded lettuce, pickles, and a slice of American cheese.
- Place a crispy chicken fillet on top, followed by another middle bun with sauce, lettuce, pickles, and cheese.
- Top with a second chicken fillet and the final bun.
Expert Tips and Tricks:
- Pound the Chicken: Pounding the chicken fillets to an even thickness ensures they cook quickly and evenly. This is especially important when frying, so you don’t end up with a dry or undercooked piece of chicken.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: Don’t skip the double coating process! Dipping the chicken in flour, then in the egg and buttermilk, and then back in flour helps create a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Control Your Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature consistent when frying the chicken. Too hot, and the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Too low, and you’ll end up with greasy chicken. A kitchen thermometer is your best friend here.
- Customize Your Sauce: If you like your Big Mac sauce with a little more tang, add an extra splash of vinegar or mustard. Want it sweeter? A bit more sugar or pickle relish will do the trick.
- Toast the Buns: Toasting the buns adds an extra layer of flavor and texture. Plus, it helps keep the sandwich from getting soggy, especially with all that juicy chicken and sauce.
15 Variations of the Chicken Big Mac:
- Spicy Chicken Big Mac: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture for a fiery kick.
- Grilled Chicken Big Mac: Swap out the fried chicken for grilled chicken breasts for a lighter version.
- Buffalo Chicken Big Mac: Toss the fried chicken fillets in buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy twist.
- Barbecue Chicken Big Mac: Drizzle some smoky barbecue sauce over the chicken patties for a BBQ-inspired version.
- Chicken Big Mac Wrap: Use a tortilla instead of the buns to turn this into a wrap.
- Cheddar Chicken Big Mac: Swap the American cheese for sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
- Bacon Chicken Big Mac: Add crispy bacon strips to each layer for extra savory goodness.
- Sriracha Chicken Big Mac: Add sriracha to the Big Mac sauce for a spicy kick.
- Honey Mustard Chicken Big Mac: Swap the Big Mac sauce for honey mustard for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Jalapeno Chicken Big Mac: Add sliced jalapenos for a spicy crunch.
- Crispy Onion Chicken Big Mac: Add crispy fried onions for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
- Avocado Chicken Big Mac: Add fresh slices of avocado for a creamy, healthy twist.
- Egg Chicken Big Mac: Top your sandwich with a fried egg for a breakfast-style Chicken Big Mac.
- Greek Chicken Big Mac: Use tzatziki sauce instead of Big Mac sauce, and add cucumbers and feta for a Mediterranean twist.
- Southwest Chicken Big Mac: Add black beans, corn, and chipotle mayo for a southwestern-inspired version.
What to Serve with a Chicken Big Mac:
Pairing the Chicken Big Mac with the right sides makes for a full meal that will leave everyone satisfied. Here are 15 great options:
- French Fries: Classic and always a winner with any sandwich.
- Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative with a bit of sweetness.
- Onion Rings: Crispy, golden onion rings add a great crunch.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, tangy slaw balances out the rich flavors of the Chicken Big Mac.
- Potato Wedges: Thick, crispy wedges are hearty and perfect for dipping.
- Pickle Spears: A simple, tangy side to complement the sandwich’s flavors.
- Garden Salad: A light salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the Chicken Big Mac.
- Mac and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy goodness pairs beautifully with crispy chicken.
- Baked Beans: A sweet and savory side that works well with the sandwich.
- Corn on the Cob: Fresh, buttery corn is always a great addition to a sandwich meal.
- Mozzarella Sticks: Cheese lovers will appreciate these on the side.
- Fried Pickles: A crispy, tangy snack that pairs well with the chicken sandwich.
- Crispy Tater Tots: Perfectly crispy tater tots are always a crowd-pleaser.
- Loaded Nachos: Go big with nachos topped with cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and salsa.
- Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the sandwich.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigerate Leftovers: If you have any leftover chicken fillets or sandwich components, store them separately. The chicken fillets can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
- Keep the Sauce Fresh: The Big Mac sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s perfect for making more sandwiches or as a dip for fries.
- Reheat Before Assembling: For the best results, reheat the chicken and toast the buns just before assembling the sandwich. This way, you maintain the crispy texture of the chicken and the freshness of the buns.
How Much Chicken Big Mac Should I Make for Family Gatherings?
When cooking for a crowd, I recommend planning for 1 Chicken Big Mac per person. However, because these sandwiches are pretty hearty, you can also cut them in half to serve smaller portions if there are multiple dishes being served. If you’re hosting a big family gathering or party, plan on making extra chicken fillets and buns—trust me, folks will be coming back for seconds!
For a family gathering of 10 people, you’ll need:
- 10 chicken breasts (cut in half to make 20 fillets, enough for 10 double-patty sandwiches)
- 15 sesame seed buns (you’ll need extra buns to make the middle layer)
- Double the Big Mac sauce recipe
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Chicken Big Mac?
You can prep a lot of the components ahead of time to save you stress on the day you plan to serve these.
- Chicken Fillets: You can bread and fry the chicken fillets up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
- Big Mac Sauce: The sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container.
- Buns: Toast the buns just before assembling the sandwiches to ensure they stay fresh and don’t get soggy.
Chicken Big Mac: The Ultimate Homemade Crispy Chicken Sandwich
For the Marinade:
For the Chicken:
For the Big Mac Sauce:
For Assembling the Chicken Big Mac:
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk to blend well. Add the halved chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. This will tenderize the chicken and infuse it with tangy, savory flavors.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and baking powder. Whisk until everything is well combined. When you’re ready to fry the chicken, remove the fillets from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge them in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good, crispy coating.
- Heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Carefully place the coated chicken fillets into the hot oil and fry for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Fry in batches if needed. Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- While the chicken is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste. Set the sauce aside for assembling the sandwiches.
- Toast the sesame seed buns in a skillet or toaster until golden brown. Make sure to toast the extra buns for the middle layer of the sandwich.
- Spread a generous layer of the Big Mac sauce on the bottom and middle bun halves. Add shredded lettuce, pickles, and a slice of American cheese.
Place a crispy chicken fillet on top, followed by another middle bun with sauce, lettuce, pickles, and cheese. Top with a second chicken fillet and the final bun.
