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Copycat McDonald’s McChicken

Print Recipe
A fried chicken sandwich with lettuce and mayonnaise on a bun, served with French fries and a small cup of ketchup on the side.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Chill Time:30 minutes
Total Time:1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika divided
  • 1 cup flour
  • 2/3 cup cornstarch
  • 3/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 1/4 cups club soda
  • oil for frying
  • 4 hamburger buns toasted
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Mayonnaise

Instructions

  • In a large bowl combine the ground chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black powder and ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • Shape chicken mixture into 4 patties and freeze on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet for 30 minutes.
  • In a large high walled skillet heat oil to 375 degrees.
  • Whisk together flour, cornstarch, remaining salt, remaining paprika, and pepper in a bowl.
  • Lightly coat the patties in the flour mixture and set patties aside.
  • Add the club soda to the remaining flour mixture and whisk to combine.
  • Dip patties into batter and carefully place into the hot oil.
  • Fry until golden brown and cooked through about 5 to 6 minutes per batch flipping if needed.
  • Drain on a wire rack.
  • Serve patties on buns with shredded lettuce and mayonnaise.

Notes

Tips & Tricks

  • For that signature taste, use iceberg lettuce and your favorite mayo, nothing fancy!
  • Toast the buns lightly for extra flavor and texture.
  • Want it extra crispy? Double dip: flour → egg → breadcrumbs → back in flour.

Substitutions

  • Chicken – You can sub ground turkey or make your own ground turkey by using a food processor and chicken breasts.
  • Breadcrumbs – Panko gives extra crunch, while crushed cornflakes can mimic the fast food texture.
  • Oil – Any neutral frying oil works (vegetable, canola, peanut).
  • Mayo – Swap with spicy mayo or garlic aioli for a twist.

Variations

  • Spicy McChicken – Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter or mayo.
  • Deluxe-style – Add tomato slices and pickles like the McChicken Deluxe.
  • McChicken sliders – Use mini buns for party-friendly versions.
Servings: 4 servings