The latest sandwich to hit McDonald's menu might become your new go-to order

The New Big Mac Isn’t a Burger at All—Here’s What You Need to Know

For McDonald’s fans, this year has been one filled with some pretty big menu changes. First, the fast-food chain debuted its McFlurry makeover, introducing a new cup and Mini McFlurry option. Then, McDonald’s decided to return the once-discontinued McRib sandwich to its rightful place on the menu. Now, McDonald’s is announcing even bigger menu news: a brand-new Big Mac. Fans of the signature McDonald’s sandwich are in for a surprise—the latest release isn’t a burger.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more food news, humor, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
What is the Chicken Big Mac?
Though it wasn’t part of the first McDonald’s menu, the original Big Mac has been a fan favorite ever since the burger made its debut on the restaurant’s menu nationwide in 1968. The classic triple-decker burger consists of two all-beef patties, cheese, McDonald’s special Big Mac sauce, lettuce and pickles on a sesame seed bun.
Now, McDonald’s is rolling out a brand-new take on the iconic burger: the Chicken Big Mac. The sandwich follows the same recipe as the traditional Big Mac, except the two all-beef patties are swapped out for two tempura-battered chicken patties. McDonald’s is already known for its tasty chicken sandwiches and classic chicken nuggets, so it’s no surprise that the restaurant chain has found a fresh way to add a little more chicken to the menu.
When will the Chicken Big Mac be available?
You won’t have to wait long to enjoy a Chicken Big Mac of your own. The brand-new menu item will debut at McDonald’s restaurants across the United States starting on Oct. 10. As of now, the sandwich will be available only for a limited time, and there’s no telling just how long it will stick around. If you’re planning to try one, you’ll want to hurry up or risk missing out.
How much will the Chicken Big Mac cost?
The Chicken Big Mac is a fun new option, especially for people who prefer not to eat beef, but that’s not the only reason to get excited about the sandwich. While we don’t yet know the price of the Chicken Big Mac, what we do know is that chicken is less expensive than beef. Cheaper production costs mean that McDonald’s is able to pass those savings on to customers, keeping prices as low as possible. So there’s a good chance it’ll cost less than the burger version of the Big Mac.
Is this the first time the Chicken Big Mac has been on McDonald’s menu?
While the Chicken Big Mac will debut on the McDonald’s menu nationwide on Oct. 10, it’s not the first time the sandwich has appeared on the McDonald’s menu. The Chicken Big Mac has been tested around the world, including in Ireland and the United Kingdom, where it became one of the restaurant’s most popular launches. In the U.K., the sandwich sold out in only 10 days! In 2022, the Chicken Big Mac was tested in select McDonald’s locations across Miami, where it also received a wildly positive reception.
Why trust us
At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions, as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.