This healthy McChicken recipe is like finding a twenty in your old jeans. It instantly makes your day a whole lot brighter — and your taste buds a whole lot happier.
Baked to crispy perfection and dressed with classic mayo, this pick-me-up sandwich will seriously satisfy your crispy chicken craving.
We are always looking for new twists on chicken burgers, and this sandwich brings all the goods. Its crispy exterior and balanced seasoning makes for a delicious dish that the whole family will agree on repeating.
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Ingredients
This copycat McChicken recipe starts with a juicy ground chicken patty seasoned perfectly with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. We use blended corn flakes mixed with savory spices for the signature crunch, taste, and color.
Simply adding light mayo completes the copycat experience by delivering the tangy creaminess you crave.
Pile all this goodness on a lightly toasted brioche bun and a generous layer of crisp iceberg lettuce to complete this perfectly balanced sandwich.
Simple ingredient choices add up to a huge nutritional benefit too. What's not to love about delicious flavor, 2.5x the protein and 60% less fat than the McDonald's version?
See recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
Instructions
Combine all spices into a large bowl and mix thoroughly into the ground chicken. Wet your hands and form into ball shapes.
Add corn flakes and coating seasonings to a high speed blender to form a finely ground coating.
Add the seasoning to a plate, roll each ground chicken ball on the plate to coat it. Once lightly coated, form it into a flat, round patty shape, ensure the entire patty is covered with coating.
Place on a baking sheet and lightly spray the patty with avocado or olive oil spray.
Air-fry or oven bake until cooked through.
Toast the buns while baking and then assemble.
Tip: Many other copycat recipes call for freezing the ground chicken patties for 15 minutes to firm them up before coating.
Don't waste your time on this! The best method is to roll the ground chicken patty around on the coating dish to make it less sticky and then form it into the shape you want.
Be sure to wet your hands with water before handling the ground chicken, raw chicken is a sticky mess to work with and this will waste less chicken and make it much easier to handle.
Substitutions
- Gluten free - Ensure all spices are gluten free, some contain fillers that have gluten in them, so it pays to check. Use gluten-free corn flakes and swap the brioche buns for a gluten free option.
- Vegan - There isn't a slam dunk vegan swap for the ground chicken in the patty. For the best vegan experience, your best bet is to follow this intentionally vegan recipe on The Edgy Vege.
- Low calorie - Use light mayo for the sauce or check out our other recommended mayo substitutes if you want a low-calorie option.
- Coating - You can use plain breadcrumbs instead of ground corn flakes. We have made it both ways, but prefer the corn flakes because we think it enhances the taste and it give the patties a golden hue that just straight up looks good.
Variations
- Higher protein
- Tailor this sandwich to your targeted protein intake by changing the size or number of chicken patties.
- We designed each sandwich to be over 35 g of protein, so the chicken patties are roughly ⅓ lb (150 g).
- Key macro comparison if you want to change it up:
- Single (⅓ lb) - 396 calories - 36 g protein - 13 g fat - 34 g carbs
- Double (⅔ lb) - 583 calories - 66 g protein - 21 g fat - 34 g carbs
- Half Pound - 536 calories - 52 g protein - 18 g fat - 34 g carbs
- Spicy
- Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder to the ground chicken
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture
- Deluxe - Add sliced tomatoes and grilled white onions.
- Kid friendly - Cut the chicken patties into strips for dipping in sauce instead of eating as a sandwich. Finger food with dipping sauce is usually our best bet for a kids meal with no scraps for the dogs left behind.
Equipment
You can either air fry or oven bake these patties with equally delicious results.
Air Fryer - Only use this method if you are cooking a small batch where you can fit a single layer of patties in your basket. Our air fryer works best when it isn't overloaded.
Oven - We enjoy perfectly baked and crispy patties with the oven. We also prefer the oven because we need the extra space when we make patties for lunches the next day.
Storage
Leftovers - Store the patties separately in the fridge for 3-4 days and build your reheated sandwich fresh.
Freeze - Place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first. Once they're solidly frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat - It's tempting to microwave these to reheat them, but you get the best taste by using an oven or air fryer to reheat them (to 165 F internal temperature).
- Preheat an oven or air fryer to 350 F.
- For the oven, place the chicken on a pan with a wire rack, and add water to the pan. Place aluminum foil over the top and cook for about 15 min, or until reheated throughout.
- If using an air fryer, just place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 3 minutes on each side, flipping the chicken after the first side has cooked.
Top tip
It's easier to shape the patties if you wet your hands before forming the chicken patties. This prevents the ground chicken from sticking to your hands.
FAQ
Absolutely! Once your chicken patties are cooked and cooled, you can freeze them for future meals. Place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first. Once they're solidly frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents them from sticking together and makes it easy to grab just the amount you need later on. Properly stored, they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven or on the stove until they're warmed through.
For prepping healthy lunches or dinners, pre-bake your chicken breasts and store them in the fridge for 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, just assemble your sandwich. This keeps everything fresh and makes it easy to put together a meal in minutes.
For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your healthy McChicken sandwich with sides like a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a quinoa salad. These sides complement the sandwich and add nutritional value to your meal.
Absolutely! Cooking the chicken in an air fryer is a great way to achieve a crispy exterior without the need for excess oil. Air fryers work best when they aren't overloaded, so ensure you have room for a single layer of patties if using this method. Cook in the oven for larger quantities.
McChicken sandwiches from McDonald's aren't traditionally considered a healthy food choice. They contain processed ingredients, are relatively high in sodium, fat, and calories. However, there are ways to make a healthier version at home by controlling the ingredients. Here's why:
Homemade Advantage: You can use lean ground chicken and a lighter sauce. Baking instead of frying also significantly reduces the fat content.
It's all Relative: A homemade Healthy McChicken is likely a better option compared to many other fast-food meals. So homemade is a better choice to satisfy your craving.
Moderation is Key: Even a healthier version should be enjoyed occasionally, not as a dietary staple. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
Related
If you're loving the idea of a healthy McChicken sandwich, why not pair it with a side of Copycat Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries? For your next feed, give our Big Mac Tacos a try for a fun twist on a classic. These recipes allow you to satisfy your fast food cravings while keeping things on the healthier side!
Pairing
Complete your healthy McChicken experience with nutritious sides like a garden salad, fresh veggies, baked sweet potato fries, or a protein-packed quinoa salad. We pick our sides based on how much time we have.
We can't wait for you to try this delicious and healthy McChicken sandwich that you can feel good about enjoying! With a few simple swaps, you can indulge in your fast food favorites without the guilt.
So get cooking! And don't forget to leave us a rating and a comment when you try it. We love your stories and sharing the experience of cooking and eating feel-good food with you.
Recipe
Healthy McChicken Recipe
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
Ingredients
McChicken Patty
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken (ground breast)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- olive oil cooking spray (or avocado cooking spray)
McChicken Patty Coating
- 1 cup (30 g) cornflakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Sandwich
- ¼ cup (60 g) light mayonnaise
- 3 lightly toasted brioche buns
- shredded lettuce
Instructions
McChicken Patty
- If oven baking, pre-heat the oven to 390 F (200 C) on fan forced air, 450 F (225 C) conventional.
- Season the ground chicken and mix until spices are evenly combined.1 lb chicken, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Form into 3, ⅓ lb balls (about 150 g each). Wet hands first or the chicken sticks.
- Add cornflakes and coating seasonings to a high speed blender to form a finely ground coating.1 cup cornflakes, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika
- Add the coating to a plate, roll each ground chicken ball on the plate to coat it. Once lightly coated, form the ball into a flat, round patty shape, ensure the entire patty is covered with coating.
- Transfer the patty to a baking sheet lined with baking paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray the exterior with olive oil or avocado cooking oil spray.
- Air fry at 375 F (190 C) for 12 - 15 minutes or fan bake in an oven at 390 F (200 C) for 18 - 22 minutes. Bake at 450 F (225 C) for conventional oven baking. Each oven’s efficiency differs. The McChicken patties are cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 F (74 C) and the coating is golden brown.
Assembly (from the bottom up)
- Lightly toast the inside half of each brioche bun in a pan with avocado or olive oil spray.3 lightly toasted brioche buns
- Add 1 tablespoon of light mayo to the bottom half of the brioche bun¼ cup light mayonnaise
- Add the McChicken patty
- Add a small handful of finely sliced iceberg lettuceshredded lettuce
- Add 1 tablespoon of light mayo to the top half of the brioche bun and place on top of the McChicken patty.
Notes
Storage
- Leftovers - Store the patties separately in the fridge for 3-4 days and build your reheated sandwich fresh.
- Freeze - Place the patties in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually first. Once they're solidly frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat - Use an oven or air fryer to reheat them at 350 F to 165 F internal temperature.
Substitutes
- Gluten free - Ensure all spices are gluten free. Use gluten-free corn flakes and swap the brioche buns for a gluten free option.
- Vegan - There isn't a slam dunk vegan swap for the ground chicken in the patty. For the best vegan experience, your best bet is to follow this intentionally vegan recipe on The Edgy Vege.
- Low calorie - Use light mayo for the sauce.
- Coating - You can use plain breadcrumbs instead of ground corn flakes. We have made it both ways, but prefer the corn flakes because we think they enhance the taste and it give the patties a good looking golden hue.
Variations
- Higher protein
- Tailor this sandwich to your targeted protein intake by changing the size or number of chicken patties.
- Key macro comparison if you want to change it up
- Single (⅓ lb) - 396 calories - 36 g protein - 13 g fat - 34 g carb
- Double (⅔ lb) - 583 calories - 66 g protein - 21 g fat - 34 g carbs
- Half Pound - 536 calories - 52 g protein - 18 g fat - 34 g carbs
- Spicy
-
- Add 1 tablespoon of chili powder and 1 teaspoon of cayenne powder to the ground chicken
- Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the coating mixture
-
- Deluxe - Add sliced tomatoes and grilled white onions.
- Kid friendly - Cut the chicken patties into strips for dipping in sauce instead of eating as a sandwich.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 F (74 C) by inserting a food thermometer into the middle of the thickest part of the chicken patty.
- Check out other food safety preparation basics if you are new to cooking (especially chicken) or want a refresher.
Jude
Simply delicious!!! I used my air fryer to cook the patties, perfect result. Toasted the buns & assembled the burger while the patties cooled. Super tasty & guilt free burgers, win win!
Steve & Ash
Thanks for sharing and we are so glad you liked this! How did we manage before air fryers? 🙂
Marns
Too easy and tasted damn fine. Definitely will be having these again, and will be trying the Beef Burgers next.
Steve & Ash
Hi Marns - Thank you so much for sharing and we are pumped you liked it! Can't wait for you to try the Smash Burgers too!!
Becky Bowles
Made these tonight, and everyone loved them. The coating gives it a perfect crunch, which complimented the ground chicken. Loved the seasoning, I made mine spicy. It also reminds me a lot of the BK Chicken sandwich, but this one isn't fried--much healthier! I'll be making these again.
Steve & Ash
Thanks so much for letting us know and we are so glad you enjoyed the spicy version!
Steve Lantz
I've had the privilege of being in the kitchen with Ash and Steve when they prepared this meal and while am not a chef or even a cook, I can state that the outcome was absolutely delicious! And at the same time wholesome and healthy? You can't beat that combo! I can say with confidence that this wonderful blend of taste, nutrition and ease of preparation holds across the board for all of the recipes offered on their site!
Steve & Ash
Thanks for sharing! We are looking forward to enjoying more crowd-pleaser recipes with you! 🙂
Linda
I used the airfryer and spicy mix. Easy and yum fakeaways.
Much juicier than the McChicken version.
Steve & Ash
Hi Linda! Thanks so much for sharing and we are so stoked you liked it! Thanks again for letting us know!