Watch out, Chick-fil-A and Burger King — McDonald’s is shaking up the fast-food chicken game with the much-anticipated arrival of its “Chicken Big Mac”. Set to land in U.S. restaurants on October 10, McDonald’s is hoping this poultry twist on its classic Big Mac will have customers clucking for more.
This limited-time offering isn’t just about slapping chicken in place of beef. The Chicken Big Mac is a “reimagined” take on the legendary sandwich that’s been a staple on the McDonald’s menu since 1968.
Instead of its usual beef patties, this version features two crispy chicken fillets, but all the other Big Mac essentials are still there—Big Mac sauce, lettuce, pickles, cheese, and of course, the iconic sesame seed bun. At 530 calories per sandwich, it’s bound to give fans a fresh reason to stop by their local golden arches.
McDonald’s is rolling out this crispy contender with plenty of fanfare, leaning into internet culture for a marketing boost.
Leading the charge is “Big Mac superfan” and online personality Kai Cenat, who will host a live-streamed event to capture unfiltered reactions from those lucky enough to taste the Chicken Big Mac before it hits menus nationwide.
With live-streaming being a big part of today’s culture, McDonald’s is hoping this campaign will drive excitement beyond just the sandwich itself, bringing in a broader experience for its tech-savvy fan base.
The introduction of the Chicken Big Mac comes as McDonald’s tries to recapture some momentum amid a recent dip in sales. Despite being a global fast-food titan, the company reported a 1% drop in global sales during the second quarter of 2023, a rare slip after 13 consecutive quarters of growth. Rising menu prices have put pressure on customer wallets, making it tougher to draw in budget-conscious consumers.
In response, McDonald’s is not just doubling down on menu innovations like the Chicken Big Mac but also launching smaller marketing strategies — like offering miniature versions of popular footwear in Happy Meals — to keep its brand fresh and exciting.
This new sandwich, however, won’t be a permanent addition. As McDonald’s clarified, the Chicken Big Mac will only be available at participating locations while supplies last. So, for those curious to see how McDonald’s stacks up against the reigning chicken champions, time is of the essence!
It’s clear McDonald’s is betting big on this poultry play, hoping the Chicken Big Mac will hit the right note with both longtime fans and new customers alike. Whether it has what it takes to ruffle the feathers of its competitors remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the race for the best chicken sandwich is heating up!
