Get ready to transform your taste buds with an exciting culinary mash-up that brings together two fast-food titans: McDonald’s iconic Big Mac and the beloved crispy chicken taco! Introducing the incredibly satisfying **Chicken Big Mac Taco**, a handheld sensation that takes the trending McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac concept and reimagines it into a deliciously convenient and utterly addictive taco format. Imagine a perfectly toasted flour tortilla, lovingly topped with melty American cheese, a generous drizzle of zesty homemade Big Mac sauce, crunchy dill pickles, crisp shredded lettuce, and a succulent, perfectly fried chicken tender. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a flavor adventure!
This recipe offers the best of both worlds, blending the nostalgic flavors of McDonald’s famous special sauce and classic toppings with the irresistible appeal of a crispy fried chicken taco. It’s a creative culinary twist that echoes the spirit of a McDonald’s snack wrap, but with an elevated, homemade touch. If you’re a fan of those convenient snack wraps, you absolutely have to try our take on this delightful fusion, or perhaps explore our popular Blackened Chicken Snack Wraps for another fantastic option.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with These Chicken Big Mac Tacos
❤️ The McDonald’s Big Mac holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many, often indulged as a delightful guilty pleasure. When the news of a Chicken Big Mac hit, curiosity piqued! While fast food has its place, there’s an undeniable joy and superior quality in cooking at home. Our goal was not just to replicate the sandwich, but to infuse it with a creative and exciting twist, leading to the birth of the Chicken Big Mac Taco.
❤️ These tacos are a brilliant handheld interpretation of a popular new menu item, perfect for anyone who loves taco nights as much as we do. It’s a masterful blend of a classic burger’s flavors and the satisfying crunch of a crispy chicken taco, all rolled into one extraordinary dish. The combination of savory fried chicken, tangy special sauce, and fresh toppings inside a warm tortilla creates an explosion of textures and tastes that is truly unforgettable.
❤️ Not only are these tacos bursting with flavor, but they also offer a much easier and more enjoyable way to savor the crispy chicken Big Mac experience. No more wrestling with a towering burger; these tacos are perfectly portioned and simple to eat, making them ideal for casual meals, family gatherings, or even game day.
❤️ We understand that frying chicken from scratch might sound like a commitment for a busy weeknight. That’s why this recipe embraces flexibility! Feel free to take a semi-homemade shortcut by grabbing your favorite store-bought or restaurant chicken tenders. This way, you can still enjoy the incredible flavors of the Big Mac Taco with minimal effort, focusing on crafting the irresistible sauce and assembling the fresh components at home. It’s about enjoying delicious food on your terms!
If your love for tacos knows no bounds, these other recipes are also absolute must-tries for your next taco Tuesday or any day: our vibrant Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco, the spicy and addictive Mini Crispy Garlic Buffalo Chicken Tacos, and the innovative Street Corn Smash Burger Tacos.
Unlocking Flavor: The Essential Ingredients
Crafting these delectable chicken tacos involves a few key components, starting with our signature homemade zesty Big Mac sauce and perfectly fried chicken tenders. For a complete list of measurements and ingredients, be sure to consult the detailed recipe card further down this page.
- Chicken Tenderloins: The heart of our taco! We use tenderloins for their ideal size and tenderness, making them perfect for frying. Our breading method involves a two-stage process: a flavorful wet batter followed by a seasoned dry flour mixture, ensuring an exceptionally crispy and golden crust. This technique is a personal favorite, also featured in our highly praised Chili’s Honey Chipotle Crispers recipe, guaranteeing restaurant-quality crispiness every time.
- Flour Tortillas: For these particular tacos, soft and pillowy flour tortillas are the ultimate choice. Their gentle texture provides a comforting embrace for the fillings, beautifully mimicking the soft buns of a traditional Big Mac while offering the convenience and fun of a taco. They toast wonderfully, becoming lightly golden and pliable.
- Homemade Big Mac Sauce: Prepare to be amazed! Seriously, do yourself a favor and consider doubling this recipe because it’s truly addictively good. Our secret sauce combines creamy mayonnaise, tangy mustard, sweet relish, finely grated onion (including its flavorful juices), and a blend of aromatic seasonings. The result is a vibrant, zesty, and utterly irresistible sauce that, dare we say, might just surpass the original McDonald’s version in flavor and freshness! It’s the quintessential element that ties all the Big Mac flavors together.
- Toppings – Shredded Iceberg Lettuce and Dill Pickles: Simplicity is key for these classic Big Mac toppings. Freshly shredded iceberg lettuce provides that essential crisp crunch and refreshing element, while thinly sliced dill pickles deliver a burst of tangy, briny flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and sauce. These two humble vegetables are indispensable for the authentic Big Mac experience.
- American Cheese: A slice of classic American cheese is a non-negotiable for that signature Big Mac flavor and incredible melt. We warm it directly on the tortilla as it pan-fries, creating a gooey, irresistible base that adheres all the delicious components together and adds a layer of creamy, salty goodness.
Creative Twists & Time-Saving Hacks
One of the beauties of home cooking is the flexibility to adapt recipes to your liking or your schedule. These Chicken Big Mac Tacos are incredibly versatile, allowing for fun variations and clever shortcuts.
Switching It Up: From Chicken to Classic Burger
If you’re craving the traditional beef patty experience instead of crispy fried chicken tenders, you absolutely can! Simply use the cooking method outlined in our popular Smash Burger Taco recipe to prepare your burger patties. Then, apply the same delicious Big Mac sauce and fresh toppings detailed in this recipe to create an authentic, albeit beef-based, Big Mac taco fusion. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the classic flavors in a new, exciting format.
Looking for Smart Time-Saving Shortcuts?
Life gets busy, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying incredible homemade meals. Here are some of our favorite hacks to make these Chicken Big Mac Tacos even easier to prepare:
- Whip Up the Big Mac Sauce Ahead of Time: This is perhaps the easiest and most impactful shortcut. The Big Mac sauce comes together incredibly fast – just combine all the ingredients in a small mixing bowl, taste, adjust to your preference, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. Not only does this save time on the day you plan to eat, but the flavors actually meld and deepen beautifully overnight. It will last in the fridge for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Opt for Pre-Made Chicken Tenders: Let’s be honest, deep-frying can be a bit messy and time-consuming, especially on a weeknight. If the thought of frying feels daunting, there’s absolutely no shame in a semi-homemade approach! You can easily drive through your favorite fried chicken restaurant (think Raising Cane’s, Zaxby’s, or any local spot with great tenders) and pick up a batch. Alternatively, most grocery stores offer excellent frozen breaded tenderloins that crisp up beautifully in an air fryer or oven. With pre-cooked chicken, all that’s left is making the superb homemade sauce and quickly assembling your tacos. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this crave-worthy meal with less effort.
- Batch Cook Chicken Tenders for Future Meals: If you do decide to tackle the frying, make the most of your efforts! Whenever I bring out the frying oil, I always make a double or even triple batch of chicken tenders. Once they’ve cooled completely, simply pop the extras into a freezer bag. This way, you’ll have perfectly crispy chicken ready to go for future meals. When it’s taco time, just reheat them in an air fryer or oven until warmed through and crispy. This planning strategy allows you to enjoy these delicious tacos with minimal fuss weeks down the line, turning a single cooking session into multiple stress-free dinners.
Step-by-Step: Crafting Your Chicken Big Mac Tacos
If you’ve ever savored the incredible flavors of our widely popular Fried Chicken Street Corn Tacos, you already know the magic that happens when crispy chicken meets a truly fantastic sauce in a taco. This brilliant spin on the McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac is poised to become your new family favorite, bringing excitement and incredible taste to your dinner table!
Step #1 – Master the Big Mac Sauce
This iconic sauce is incredibly easy to make and is the flavor cornerstone of our tacos. Simply combine all the sauce ingredients (mayonnaise, grated onion, sweet relish, yellow mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, and garlic powder) into a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust any seasonings to your preference – perhaps a touch more vinegar for tang, or a pinch more salt. Once perfected, cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble your tacos. Allowing it to chill not only enhances the flavors as they meld but also keeps the sauce fresh for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead component.
Step #2 – Prepare and Bread Your Chicken Tenderloins
Achieving that perfect crispy coating is a two-part process. First, in a large bowl, whisk together all the wet batter ingredients (egg, milk, low-sodium chicken stock/broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and flour). Mix thoroughly, but be careful not to over-mix once the flour is added; a few small clumps are perfectly fine. Next, in a separate shallow dish, prepare your dry flour mixture by whisking together the flour, salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will create the exterior crispness. Now, take each chicken tenderloin and fully submerge it into the wet batter, ensuring it’s coated on all sides. Allow any excess batter to drip off before carefully placing the tender into the dry flour mixture. Press the flour firmly onto the chicken, coating it completely and ensuring it feels dry to the touch. Gently shake off any excess flour before setting aside, ready for frying.
Step #3 – Fry the Chicken to Golden Perfection
For best results, use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and fill it with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to a precise 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). It is crucial to use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process, as maintaining the correct heat is key to perfectly crispy, cooked-through chicken without being greasy. Working in small batches (typically 3-4 pieces at a time to avoid overcrowding and dropping the oil temperature), carefully add the breaded chicken to the hot oil. Fry for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) and is beautifully golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, transfer the fried chicken tenders to a wire cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. This allows any excess oil to drip away, keeping your chicken exceptionally crispy. Repeat with the remaining chicken until all pieces are cooked.
Step #4 – Assemble Your Irresistible Chicken Big Mac Tacos
Now for the grand finale: assembly! In a skillet set over low heat, add just a few splashes of olive oil, enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Place a flour tortilla into the warm skillet and cook for about 1-2 minutes until it begins to turn a light golden brown and is perfectly pliable. This toasting adds flavor and texture. Flip the tortilla, immediately place a slice of American cheese on top, and continue cooking the underside for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a wonderfully gooey layer. Once the tortilla is warm and the cheese is melted, remove it from the pan. Spread a generous drizzle of your homemade Big Mac sauce onto the cheese-covered tortilla. Top it with a warm, crispy fried chicken tender, then layer on the fresh dill pickles and a heap of shredded iceberg lettuce. Finish with an extra drizzle of Big Mac sauce for maximum flavor impact. Serve these delightful Chicken Big Mac Tacos warm and prepare for an explosion of classic flavors in every bite!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Big Mac Tacos
The McDonald’s Chicken Big Mac is a popular menu item that was introduced in various regions as a twist on the classic Big Mac. Instead of the traditional beef patties, it features two crispy McChicken patties, layered with all the beloved Big Mac components: the signature tangy special sauce, crisp shredded lettuce, tangy dill pickles, and creamy American cheese, all served on a three-part sesame seed bun. Our taco version captures these iconic flavors in a fun, handheld form.
For the best quality and to maintain crispiness, it is highly recommended to store the components of these tacos separately and unassembled. Store the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the Big Mac sauce in a separate sealed container. Store shredded lettuce and pickles in their own airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat and assemble fresh.
To reheat, first warm the chicken tenders in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 5-7 minutes, or in an oven at the same temperature, until they are heated through and regain their crispiness. Toast your flour tortillas in a skillet as instructed in the recipe, adding the cheese to melt. Then, add the warmed chicken, fresh shredded lettuce, pickles, and a generous drizzle of the chilled Big Mac sauce. Assembling just before serving ensures the freshest and most delicious experience.
Craving More Taco Inspiration?
If these Chicken Big Mac Tacos have ignited your passion for creative taco creations, you’ll love exploring these other fantastic recipes:
Blackened Chicken Snack Wraps
Fried Chicken Street Corn Taco
Mini Crispy Garlic Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Street Corn Smash Burger Taco
Explore More Delicious Recipes:
Burgers & Sandwiches
Chopped Grinder Sandwich
Game Day
Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
Family Favorites
Smashburger Grilled Cheese
Family Favorites
Hawaiian Roll Meatball Sliders
Did you love this Chicken Big Mac Taco Recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Be sure to comment below with any questions, feedback, or your favorite modifications. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram with your amazing photos; find us at @BadBatchBaking and use the hashtag #BadBatchBaking. Your culinary creations inspire us!
Chicken Big Mac Tacos
Pin
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins tendons removed
- 8-10 flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 head lettuce shredded
- 24 dill pickle slices about 3 per taco
- 8 slices American cheese
Big Mac Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon grated yellow onion juices included
- 2 Tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar white or apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Wet Batter
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 1 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3/4 cup flour
Dry Flour Mixture
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Make Big Mac Sauce
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Combine all of the sauce ingredients into a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust if needed. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to use (it lasts up to 5 days in the fridge).
Prepare Chicken Breading
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In a large bowl, make wet batter by adding all ingredients in order of listing. Be sure not to over-mix once you add in the flour, small clumps are ok.
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In a shallow dish, whisk together the dry flour mixture.
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Submerge the chicken into the wet batter, coating it on all sides. Allow excess to drip off and place it into the dry flour mixture, pressing the flour into the chicken so it’s fully coated and dry on all sides. Shake off excess flour.
Fry Chicken
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Heat oil in a heavy bottom pot to 350 degrees. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil throughout the frying process.
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Working in batches, add about 3-4 pieces of chicken into the oil at a time. Cook about 3 minutes per side (or until internal temp reaches 165 degrees). Place them on a wire cooling rack to allow the grease to drip away from the chicken.
Assemble Big Mac Tacos
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In a skillet over low heat, add a few splashes of olive oil, just enough to lightly coat the bottom of the pan.
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Add a tortilla into the pan and cook about 1-2 minutes or until it’s starting to turn golden brown but still pliable. Flip the tortilla, add cheese and repeat, cooking the underside another 1-2 minutes.
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Spread on a drizzle of Big Mac sauce, top it with warm chicken. Then add on the pickles, lettuce and additional Big Mac sauce on top. Serve warm.
Notes
- Make a batch of the big mac sauce the day ahead: It’s very easy to throw together, just combine the ingredients into a small mixing bowl. Taste and adjust, then cover tightly and refrigerate. It lasts up to 5 days in the fridge.
- Buy pre-made tenders: If you really crave this recipe and want less work, drive through your nearest fried chicken restaurant (Raising Cane’s, Zaxby’s, etc.) or grab a bag of frozen breaded tenderloins at the grocery store. There is nothing wrong with semi-homemade 🙂
- Make chicken tenders ahead: whenever I get out the frying oil, I like to double or even triple my batch of chicken. This way, I can make lots of extras, let it cool and toss it in a freezer bag for easy reheating in the future. So if you’re a planner and want to add this recipe to your meal calendar, make a batch of tenders weeks ahead and just pop them in the air fryer or oven when it’s time to assemble the tacos.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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