McDonald’s is finally expanding its Big Mac lineup in the U.S., introducing a new variation that has gained popularity overseas. This move comes after the fast-food giant has long been cautious about altering its signature menu items, especially the iconic Big Mac.
Unlike Burger King, which has frequently used its Whopper brand to introduce new and sometimes experimental products, McDonald’s has maintained a more conservative approach. While Burger King has created various iterations of the Whopper, including plant-based and promotional versions, McDonald’s has largely stuck to its traditional Big Mac, occasionally offering it in different sizes but rarely altering its core recipe.
McDonald’s approach is rooted in its strategy to protect its top-performing brands. The Big Mac, along with the Quarter Pounder, Chicken McNuggets, and World-Famous Fries, constitutes a significant portion of the company’s sales. According to McDonald’s, these core items account for about 65% of systemwide sales, making them essential to the brand’s profitable growth. The company highlights that 17 classic menu items are billion-dollar brands on their own, beloved by customers worldwide.
Despite its cautious approach, McDonald’s is now ready to introduce a new version of the Big Mac to the U.S. market: the Chicken Big Mac.
This variation replaces the traditional beef patties with crispy-fried seasoned chicken patties while retaining the Big Mac’s other classic elements, such as the special sauce, lettuce, cheddar cheese, pickles, and sesame seed bun.
The Chicken Big Mac has already seen success in markets like the UK and Australia, where it was so popular that it had to be temporarily pulled from menus due to supply issues, similar to the hype around the Popeye’s Chicken Sandwich launch.
Although the Chicken Big Mac was briefly tested in some Miami locations in 2022, this marks the first time it will be available nationwide in the U.S.
The news was shared by the popular Snackolator Instagram page, which reported that McDonald’s CEO recently confirmed the Chicken Big Mac’s U.S. debut, though an exact release date has not yet been provided.
Earlier this year, McDonald’s made subtle enhancements to its burgers, including the Big Mac, as part of its “Better Burger” initiative. The campaign aimed to make small improvements to the taste and quality of its burgers without drastic changes.
These tweaks have already positively impacted customer satisfaction, with the Big Mac category seeing a significant boost.
McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden discussed the success of these changes during the company’s first-quarter earnings call, noting that the “Better Burger” campaign contributed to record customer satisfaction scores in the U.S. market. He emphasized that McDonald’s would continue making small adjustments to enhance its burger lineup, with plans to scale these improvements to nearly all restaurants by the end of 2026.
Looking ahead, McDonald’s is also developing a larger, more satisfying burger that it plans to test in select markets later this year. This new offering, designed by a team of chefs from around the world, aims to have broad appeal before potentially being rolled out globally.
The introduction of the Chicken Big Mac represents a significant moment for McDonald’s as it balances innovation with the preservation of its most iconic products. As the company continues to refine its menu, customers can expect more exciting updates in the near future.